The information provided below is for the initial certification and training needs of a Private Applicator. A Private Applicator applies product (pesticide, fertilizer, manure) to a land they own, rent, or control. This person is not for hire.
For basic information for Private Applicators: Private Applicators.
If you are applying products for hire, please review the Commercial Applicator pages for either pesticide or fertilizer.
Pesticide Core Exam:
Description: Any Private Applicator who purchases and/or applies restricted-use pesticides.
A private applicator that does not attend three recertification programs by the permit expiration date (five years to complete) will need to retake this exam.
Category 14 - Manure Applicator Exam:
Description: Any person applying manure from a Confined Feeding Operation (CFO) on property they own or manage must be certified as a private applicator in Category 14. This includes manure from CFO-size facilities from out-of-state. An exception is made for people that apply less than 10 cubic yards or 4,000 gallons of manure in a year. Farmers that apply commercial fertilizer to their own acres are not required to be certified.
If you do not complete required PARPs prior to permit expiration (5-year period), you will need to retake the Category exams.
Core is not required.
Category 7d - Fumigation Exam:
Description: Private applicators that need to purchase fumigants must pass the Category 7d exam.
The pesticide core exam must be taken prior to the Category 7d exam. After passing the exam, a fumigation rider is added to the private applicator permit; there is no additional charge.
If you do not complete required PARPs prior to permit expiration (5-year period), you will need to retake the Core and Category exams.
Category 11 - Aerial Applicatin Exam:
Description: Private applicators that need to perform aerial application of pesticides must pass the Category 11 exam.
The pesticide core exam must be taken prior to the Category 11 exam. After passing the exam, an aerial rider is added to the private applicator permit; there is no additional charge.
If you do not complete required PARPs prior to permit expiration (5-year period), you will need to retake the Core and Category exams.
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.
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.
Questions about this course can be directed to Purdue Pesticide Programs:
If you have any questions, please contact Cassie Davis:
- Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - (765) 494-9563