Pesticide Applicators

Any person who applies or supervises the use of restricted-use pesticides (RUPs) has to be certified per EPA regulations and state, territorial, and tribal laws. Pesticide applicators must know how to apply RUPs properly and effectively. On this page, you’ll learn how to become a certified pesticide applicator, order study materials, and find certification exams and recertification meetings. You can also view pesticide safety fact sheets and videos.

Pesticide Regulations in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, green industry professionals who use pesticides need to understand the Pennsylvania pesticide laws, how to comply with them, and which pesticide license their business needs.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, a private pesticide applicator license is required to purchase and/or apply restricted use pesticides for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on land which is owned or rented by that person or their employer.

If you want to obtain a license, there is an exam you must pass. If you plan to use a restricted-use fumigant, there is an additional test. A private pesticide applicator license is valid for three years, after which you have to obtain six core and six category credits for recertification. You can earn credits in various ways, such as attending a Crops Conference or participating in a Pesticide Education Program.

How to Get a Commercial and Private Pesticide License in PA

There are two requirements for certification as a private pesticide applicator. You have to pass an exam, for which there is no charge. Once you've passed the exam there is an initial $10 fee for the license. You have to pass additional testing if you intend to use restricted-use fumigant.

For commercial and public applicators, there are 25 categories. To be eligible for certification, you must pass two written examinations (core and category), and a pesticide application business must also employ you. Once you’ve taken your exams, you have 12 months to apply for certification with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The fee for the core exam is $50, and each category exam is $10.

To help prepare for Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification, various courses and certification exam study materials are available.

Pesticide Applicator Training and Courses

Certification and study materials are available to help you prepare for the testing. If you plan to use restricted-use pesticides on your farm or property, a Private Pesticide Applicator short course will provide all the information you need to pass the certified pesticide applicator’s course and how to safely and properly handle pesticides. There’s also a commercial and public pesticide applicator's short course that builds a strong foundation of knowledge.

When you’re ready to take the test, you make the arrangements locally through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture regional offices. You can access test dates and locations through PaPlants.

Certification is valid for three years, after which you must attend update training programs in core and appropriate category-specific topics. The requirements are six core credits and up to ten category credits for each category in which you are certified.

You earn recertification credits when you attend approved meetings or participate in other appropriate training. Penn State Extension runs several online courses through which you can earn credits; for example:

• Pesticide sprayer cleanup: 1 core credit and a certificate of completion
• Using aquatic herbicides for pond weeds and algae: 3 PDA Category 9 or Private Category credits and a certificate of completion
• Assessing plant diseases, pests, and problems: 4 PDA credits

Find all the necessary information and study materials on pesticide applicator license and certification in the Pesticide Applicator License and Certification section of this website.

Pesticide Applicator Recertification Resources

You must regularly attend updated training programs in order to maintain your pesticide applicator certification. You have to earn recertification credits in core and appropriate category-specific topics.

You accumulate your recertification credits based on your attendance at approved meetings such as an Agronomic Pesticide Update Webinar or Agronomic Pesticide Update Workshop. You can also earn credits through various training programs.

See how to find credits and use Penn State's online recertification course in the Pesticide Applicators: Recertification section of this website.