Final answer:
In Michigan, certification is passing a knowledge exam on pesticides, while licensing grants legal authority to apply pesticides; they are not the same. So option (b) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Michigan, being certified to apply pesticides means that an individual has passed an exam proving their knowledge of pesticide use, safety, and regulations. Being licensed, on the other hand, means that the individual has the legal authority to apply pesticides as a professional applicator, which typically requires certification as a prerequisite. Therefore, the statement that being certified and being licensed to apply pesticides is the same thing is false. There is a distinction between certification, which is an educational or knowledge-based achievement, and licensing, which grants the legal permission to engage in professional pesticide application.
While certification is a crucial component, it does not replace the need for a pesticide applicator license. Both are essential for legal and responsible pesticide application. This dual requirement aims to ensure that individuals applying pesticides have the necessary knowledge and skills to do so safely and effectively, minimizing environmental and health risks. Therefore, it is important for individuals in Michigan to understand and comply with both certification and licensing requirements to engage in pesticide application legally and responsibly.