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Commercial Pesticide and Fertilizer - Applicators





In addition to other requirements in this section, initial certification as a for-hire commercial applicator in Category 7b or Category 12 shall require completion of a practical hands-on training program reviewed and approved by the State Chemist.

 


View details on scheduling an exam: Exam Dates and Sign-Up





Becoming a Certified & Licensed Applicator (For Categories 1, 2, 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7a, 7d and 8)

Certification as a commercial pesticide applicator is usually a two-step process. Individuals seeking certification must pass a written Core exam covering pesticide laws, general pest biology, pesticide formulations, personal and environmental safety and label comprehension. The Core exam is usually followed by a Category exam covering information on pest identification and biology, pesticide chemistry, pesticide application techniques, equipment and calibration, and environmental concerns.


Certification candidates may attempt any exam up to three times in a twelve-month period. Once the exams are passed, the certification is valid for five years, expiring on December 31 of the fourth year following the year of qualification.

View details on scheduling an exam: Exam Dates and Sign-Up

Certification may be renewed for another five years by repeating the examination process or accumulating continuing certification hours by attending approved recertification training programs.

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 wallet-size license (credential). Licenses expire and are renewable annually on December 31.

View the:  License Application Form  (pdf, 229kb)





Becoming a Certified & Licensed Applicator (For Category 13 - Limited Certification)


Unlike most other certification and licensing categories, certification as a commercial pesticide applicator in Category 13 is a one-step process. Individuals seeking certification must pass a written Core exam covering pesticide laws, general pest biology, pesticide formulations, personal and environmental safety and label comprehension.



Certification candidates may attempt any exam up to three times in a twelve-month period. Once the exams are passed, the certification is valid for five years, expiring on December 31 of the fourth year following the year of qualification.

View details on scheduling an exam: Exam Dates and Sign-Up


Certification may be renewed for another five years by repeating the examination process or accumulating continuing certification hours by attending approved recertification training programs.

View information for continuing certification programs


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 wallet-size license (credential). Licenses expire and are renewable annually on December 31.

View the License Application Form  (pdf, 58kb)