Private Applicators are individuals who apply pesticides on their own property or their employer's property. These individuals are not for hire.
You must have a Private Applicator Permit if you:
- Apply pesticides to property you own, rent or otherwise control for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity (i.e. farmers).
- Purchase or use Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs).
- Apply manure from a Confined Feeding Operation (CFO) to property you own, rent or otherwise control for purposes of producing an agricultural commodity.
- Use (apply, handle, transport) manure from a CFO.
How do I get my Private Applicator Permit?
A Private Applicator has different requirements depending on pesticide or fertilizer need:
- Pesticide: Pesticide Core Exam
- Fertilizer: Category 14 Manure Application Exam
- Fumigation Application: Category 7D Fumigation Exam
- Aerial Application (Drone): Category 11 Aerial Exam
Review the Private Applicator Certification and Training page for specific needs.
Once you have passed your required exam, submit your Private Applicator Permit application and payment to our office.
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 to obtain and maintain a Private Applicator Permit:
Once you have passed your required exam, submit your Private Applicator Permit application and payment to our office.
Your Private Applicator Permit is issued for five (5) years. To keep your Private Applicator Permit current, attend three (3) recertification programs during that 5-year period or retake the certification exam.
Important Items to Note:
- A maximum of TWO recertification programs can receive credit per calendar year.
- Only ONE of the recertification programs can be completed online over the 5-year permit period.
Ensure that you plan ahead and don’t wait until the last year of your permit.
Recertification Programs:
Here are links for you to find programs. You can attend an event in any county; it does not need to be in your home county.
- In-person PARP Programs: PARP Events page
- Purdue Pesticide Programs: Online Recertification Program
Programs may also be advertised through county Extension offices.
Questions about this course can be directed to: