Becoming a Private Applicator

Private Applicator Requirements

Private applicators are individuals who apply Confined Feeding Operation (CFO) manure to land they own, rent, or control — not for hire.

How to Become Certified:

1. Study for Category 14 Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Manual (Source: Purdue Extension)
2. Sign up for the exam with Metro Institute 
3. Apply to OISC for certification and pay the fee.
4. View the Application for Private Applicator Permit.

Maintaining Private Applicator Status:

1. Attend three (3) PARP's in the five (5) year certification cycle - View the Private Applicators page.
2. License renews every five (5) years.
3. Keep records if required by law (e.g., manure application).
4. Reminder: You cannot apply fertilizer for others or for pay under private certification.

Licensing for Permitted Confined Feeding Operations:

This rule is applicable to any person that uses or distributes organic fertilizer from a permitted confined feeding operation (CFO) for purposes of producing an agricultural crop. This Rule has been in effect since January 1, 2012.

Licensing for Permitted Confined Feeding Operations:

• Distributes manure only. Does not haul, transport or apply.
  • Fertilizer Dealer License. Distribution License renewed annually December 31; no classes needed.
• Applies to property they own, rent or otherwise control (land use agreement). Does not distribute manure.
  • Private Manure License OR Private Applicator Permit Category 14 certification required. Permit is valid for five (5) years. Participation in three (3) PARP classes needed to renew.
• Distributes, transports, and/or applies manure on others property. CFO owner does not have crop control and not under a land use agreement.
  • Fertilizer Business License: (includes Category 14 certification and Distribution). Renewed annually December 31.
    • For Hire Applicator License: Renewed annually December 31.
    • Category 14 Certification: Renewed every five (5) years with participation in three (3) CCH classes needed to renew.
• Hires someone else to apply manure to CFO Owners property:
  • No license required for CFO owner: However, the person hired to apply the manure must have a Fertilizer Business License.
    
    
• View information about a Fertilizer Business License below.

How to Become a Licensed Fertilizer Dealer (Distributor):

A Fertilizer Dealer License (Distribution) is required of any individual or business that distributes or brokers (only) fertilizer materials (manure from a confined feeding operation [CFO] or inorganic fertilizer) directly to a certified fertilizer applicator.

If you also apply, handle or transport fertilizer material, you are not eligible for a fertilizer distributor license. You must obtain a (Category 14) Fertilizer Business License.

• Fertilizer Dealer License (Distributor) Information:
  • Active January 1 - December 31
  • Fee: $45
  • Permitted CFO distribution manure off the farm
  • Broker of commercial fertilizer
  • No use - handling, transporting or application
  • If you distribute less than ten cubic yards or 4,000 gallons of manure from a CFO in a calendar year, you do not need a Fertilizer Dealer (Distributor) License OR a Fertilizer Business License.

How to Become a Certified Fertilizer Applicator:

• Pass the Category 14 Exam (with a score of greater than or equal to 75% - multiple choice)
  • Available at Ivy Tech Testing Centers - $55
• Apply for certification:
  • Private (Farmer) - $20 every five (5) years
  • Commercial (For Hire) - $45 renewed annually
• Recertification:
  • Private - three (3) PARPs in five (5) years
  • Commercial - three (3) CCHs in five (5) years

• To find information on becoming a private applicator:  Private Applicator Overview (Purdue Extension)
• To find recertification events (PARP) for private applicators: Private Applicators - Recertification (PARP) (Purdue Extension)
• To find recertification events (CCH) for commercial (For Hire) applicators: Search for Events

How to Become a Licensed Fertilizer Business:

Any person (individual, partnership, corporation, etc.) who uses (applies, handles, transports) or distributes commercial fertilizer or manure from a Confined Feeding Operation (CFO) for hire to the property of another or who advertises that they apply or distribute fertilizer for hire must obtain a fertilizer business license from the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC). A business must:

1. Employ at least one category 14 certified applicator. A fertilizer business license and an applicator license are separate and distinct. An applicator license can be issued only to a category 14 certified applicator.
2. Submit a completed license application form and license fee (one application is used for both the business license and the applicator license).

• Fertilizer Business License Information:
  • Active January 1 - December 31
  • Fee: $45 for Business; $45 for Applicator
  • For-Hire Applicator
  • Hauler to the End User
  • Requires a Certified Applicator