Commercial Applicators are professionals who apply pesticides for hire. They are employed by a company with an Indiana Pesticide Business License. In Indiana, you're considered a commercial applicator if you:
- Use general use pesticides or fertilizer materials for hire.
- Use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides (RUPs)
You are also considered a commercial applicator if you apply Restricted Use Pesticides:
- On the property of your employer as a function of your job (i.e. groundskeeper)
- As an employee of a state or local government agency
How do I qualify as a Commercial Applicator?
A commercial applicator must be at least 18 years old.
To qualify as a commercial certified applicator, an individual must pass a written:
- core exam; and
- at least one applicator category that relates to your field.
Once you have passed your commercial applicator credentialing requirements, a Pesticide Business will need to submit an application to include your licensing under their business.
Note: Some categories have additional requirements. Please review your desired field of interest for all specific requirements.
How do I get certified?
Purdue Pesticide Programs has many great resources, training manuals, and training opportunities available!
Certification exams are administered by Metro Institute. Exams are by appointment at one of the over 20 locations around the state. For details on how to schedule your exam, visit our Exams page.
How do I get licensed?
Once certified, a commercial pesticide applicator must become licensed in order to legally purchase, use, or supervise the use of pesticides. Licensing refers to the issuance of a license credential by the Office of Indiana State Chemist.
A commercial applicator must be licensed under a Pesticide Business. This license expires annually.
Once you are hired by a Pesticide Business, they will submit an application to our office so that you can be added under their business.
When does my certification expire?
Once the required exams are passed, certification is good for five (5) years.
To maintain certification, you must either complete the required continuing education (CCHs) within the five-year period or will need to retake your required exams.
Please review the Continuing Certification Program for specific details related to each category.