Certification and Study Materials
The law requires that anyone who applies or supervises the application of a general-use or restricted-use pesticide to a property not owned or rented by the applicator or their employer has to be certified as a public or commercial applicator in accordance with EPA regulations and state laws. Likewise, if restricted-use pesticides will be used for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on land which is owned or rented by the applicator or their employer, then they must be certified as a private applicator. In addition, only a certified pesticide applicator can purchase restricted-use pesticides.
Pesticide Applicator Certification and Study Materials
Anyone looking to apply for a pesticide applicator license is going to have a lot of questions. You’ll find the answers to them all at Penn State Extension. The requirements for Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification are laid out in the Pennsylvania Pesticide Control Act.
Private applicators have to pass one written multiple-choice examination, while commercial and public applicators have to pass two multiple-choice written examinations – one core and one category.
Penn State Extension has certification exam study materials for the majority of examinations that are required. Here are just a few of them:
- Category 06: Ornamental and Shade Trees
- Category 07: Lawn and Turf
- Category 10: Right-of-way and Weeds
- Category 11: Household and Health-related Pest Control
- Category 23: Park and School Pest Control
- Category 24: Swimming Pools
Study materials are also available for the pesticide dealer manager certification examination and a training package is available for businesses that have registered technicians.
Pesticide Applicator Short Courses and Exam Prep
Success is more likely if you take the time to prepare for the pesticide applicator exam. Purchasing the study materials and carefully reading through them is the best course of action. All the exam questions are taken from these materials. Other opportunities are available to help you prepare for the private applicator examination and the public and commercial core examination and a few select categories through Pesticide Applicator Short Courses. In addition, an annual private applicator short course is provided in Spanish. The categories that are usually covered include Category 06: Ornamental and Shade Tree, Category 07: Lawn and Turf, Category 10: Right-of-way and Weeds, and Category 23: Park and School Pest Control. The Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health puts on a Category 24: Swimming Pool exam preparation course.
- Articles
Certification Exam Study Materials
Information on purchasing study materials to help prepare for the certification exams. - Articles
Frequently Asked Certification Questions
Find the answers to common certification questions by reading through the list. If you still have questions, please contact us! - Articles
Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification
Learn how to become a pesticide applicator in Pennsylvania. - Online Courses
$119.00
Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Core Certification Study Course: Commercial or Public
Sections 11Length 10 hours, 30 minutesPrepare to take the Pennsylvania commercial or public pesticide applicator core certification exam. - Online Courses
$119.00
National Pesticide Applicator Core Study Course
Sections 11Length 10 hoursPrepare to take a state pesticide applicator core certification exam based on the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual. - Guides and Publications$40.00
Pesticide Applicator Certification Study Materials – Commodity and Space Fumigation
Prepare for the Category 20 pesticide applicator certification exam for the use of a fumigant to control pests in stored or in-transit commodities. - Webinars
$15.00
Curso Corto Privado Aplicador de Pesticidas en Idioma Español
When 11/06/2024Prepárese para el examen privado de certificación de pesticidas del Departamento de Agricultura en este curso webinar para participantes de habla hispana. Los instructores cubrirán los temas más importantes y ofrecerán exámenes de práctica para ayudarlo a aprobar el examen requerido para obtener la licencia de aplicador de pesticidas. - Webinars
$125.00
Pesticide Applicator Short Course (Core | Cat. 06, 07, 10, 23)
When 09/16/2024Event Format Virtual | LiveThese virtual courses prepare professionals to take the certified pesticide applicator's exam for Core and Categories 06, 07, 10, and 23. - News
How to Become a Private Certified Pesticide Applicator
Date Posted 11/28/2023New applicator? First time using restricted-use pesticides? Fumigants? Retesting after a lapsed license? These are the simplified steps to obtain a private pesticide license. - Webinars
$15.00
Private Pesticide Applicator Short Course in Spanish Language
When 11/06/2024Event Format Virtual | LivePrepare for the department of agriculture private pesticide certification exam in this webinar course for Spanish-speaking participants. Instructors will review key elements and offer practice exams to help ensure your success to pass the exam. - Guides and Publications$40.00
Pesticide Applicator Certification Study Materials - Seed Treatment
Prepare for the Category 08 certification exam for the use of a pesticide on seed. - Workshops
Private Pesticide Applicator Short Course
Aimed at those who would like to become certified private pesticide applicators to apply restricted-use pesticides on their farm or property. - Tools and Apps
$150.00
Pesticide Registered Technician Training Package
This training package guides a pesticide business through the process of having registered technicians work for them and includes packaged presentations that certified applicators can use to give the required training. - Articles
Pesticide Applicator Short Courses
Pesticide applicator short courses prepare professionals in a classroom-style setting to take the certified pesticide applicator's exam. - Guides and Publications$30.00
Pesticide Applicator Certification Study Materials - Soil Fumigation
Prepare for the Category 21 certification exam for the use of a fumigant to a soil environment. - Workshops
$150.00
Pesticide Applicator Short Course (Core | Cat. 06, 07, 10, 23)
When 10/14/2024Length 5 optional days, 6 hours each dayEvent Format In-PersonProfessionals can prepare in a classroom-style setting to take the certified pesticide applicator's exam. Register for your specific days of interest for Core and Categories 06, 07, 10, and 23 training. - Articles
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Contacts
Find your Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Regional Office and contact information. - Guides and Publications$35.00
Pesticide Applicator Certification Study Materials - Wood Preservation
Prepare for the Category 19 pesticide applicator certification exam. - Guides and Publications$30.00
Pesticide Applicator Certification Study Materials - Demonstration and Research
Prepare for the Category 18 pesticide applicator certification exam. - Guides and Publications$35.00
Pesticide Applicator Certification Study Materials - Private Applicator Packet
This packet is used to prepare for the Private Applicator certification exam. This category is for the use of a restricted use pesticide for producing an agricultural commodity on land owned or rented by them or their employer. - Guides and Publications$35.00
Study Materials - Pesticide Dealer Manager
Prepare for the certification exam for pesticide dealer managers who sell restricted use pesticides. - Guides and Publications$30.00
Pesticide Applicator Certification Study Materials - Sewer Root Control
Prepare for the Category 26 certification exam for the use of a pesticide to control vegetative growth in public and private sewage collection and distribution lines. - Guides and Publications$35.00
Pesticide Applicator Certification Study Materials - Aerial Application
Prepare for the Category 25 certification exam for the use of a pesticide applied by an aircraft to any crop or land area. - Guides and Publications$35.00
Pesticide Applicator Certification Study Materials - Swimming Pools
Prepare for the Category 24 certification exam for the use of a pesticide in the care and maintenance of swimming pools. - Guides and Publications$50.00
Pesticide Applicator Certification Study Materials - Park and School Pest Control
Prepare for the Category 23 certification exam for the use of a pesticide on campgrounds or recreational areas of a public or private park, or school property.