How to Become a Private Certified Pesticide Applicator

Pesticides can be divided into general use pesticides (GUPs) and restricted use (RUPs). While GUPs can be purchased and applied by the public without any special training or licensing, RUPs require a pesticide applicator license for use. The EPA maintains an updated list of RUPs, so take a look to see which pesticides may require a license for application.

Therefore, if you plan to apply RUPs to your crop, you will need to become a licensed private pesticide applicator through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA). Obtaining a license as a private applicator can seem complicated. However, a series of resources exists to help you navigate the system quickly to get your license.

First, you will need to decide whether you need to be certified as a private or commercial applicator:

1. Certification as a private applicator is required if:
   An applicator intends to purchase and/or apply restricted-use pesticides for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on land that is owned or rented by that person or their employer. This is most common if you are applying pesticides on your own farm operation.
2. Certification as a commercial or public applicator is required if

a) A pesticide application is being made to a property not owned or rented by the applicator or their employer.

b) Restricted-use pesticides or fumigants are being applied on a property rented or owned by the applicator, but are not applied for the production of an agricultural crop.

c) Pesticides are being applied to apartments of four or more units, golf courses, parks, playgrounds/athletic fields, and swimming pools other than single-family residences, education/research institutions, and schools, including public and private daycare centers with seven or more children.

A license may not be required if:

You are applying general-use pesticides to agricultural crops on your own farm or to agricultural crops on a farm you rent. However, please consult worker protection standards and always follow the label.

In addition, unlicensed farm workers can apply RUPs under the direct supervision of a certified applicator who is physically present or within sight. However, PDA has indicated that they are moving toward requiring certification of all workers handling pesticides, so it is recommended that farm workers become certified if they will be handling pesticides regularly. The process of studying and taking the exam will also provide invaluable pesticide safety training. If you are unsure whether you need a license, call your regional PDA office for assistance in determining which, if any, exam you should take.

Obtaining a License

To become a certified private applicator, passing a written test is required. An additional test is required if a private applicator intends to use a restricted-use fumigant. In this case, the applicator must obtain a special permit by passing a written examination specifically related to the type of fumigation that will be made.

If you have determined you require a private applicator license, follow these steps to obtain your license.

Step 1: Obtain a Pesticide Applicator Certification Study Materials - Private Applicator Packet online or by calling Penn State Extension at 1-877-345-0691. The private exam is currently still open book, and the study packet can be used for the exam.

Step 2: Register to take the exam. When you are ready to take the exam(s), check the PaPlants Certification Exam Search page for dates and locations. Exams are typically given in each Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) Region at least once a month (you can go to any region to take an exam, not just in the one where you live or work). New exam dates are added periodically, so check back if you do not see a date or location that suits you. Some regions offer exams once a year in various county locations during the winter months. These exam locations may not be posted as far in advance. All exams require pre-registration through PDA. This can be done on the above website once you select the exam you are going to attend. If you do not want to register online, you can call the PDA regional office to register.

Step 3: On the day of the exam, make sure you bring the following:

• Government-issued photo identification, i.e., driver's license or two other forms of identification, such as a government-issued document with signature (social security card, green card) or a document with name and address (utility bill, tax statement, personal check).

• #2 pencil and paper

• Private applicator packet – Please note that some categories for commercial applicators are closed-book exams and the exam proctors have the right to review and reject all materials brought into the exam.

• A simple calculator for math questions – phones are not allowed in the exam room

• Payment (there is only a fee for commercial and public applicator exams)

• Business license numbers if the business is currently licensed

You will have three hours to take the exam, which consists of 75 multiple-choice questions. It takes about a month to get your exam results back. If you pass the exam, you will be required to pay the license fee ($10 for private applicators, every three years) to get your license. Once you recieve a Certified Private Pesticide Applicator Application by mail, the fee can be paid by mail or you can request to pay online by emailing pesticides@pa.gov. If needed, you can retake the exam.

Maintaining Your License

To maintain your license, private applicators are required to obtain pesticide update training (six core and six private category) credits at three-year intervals. Every three years, your license will need to be renewed by the March 31 deadline. 

Studying for the Exam

Penn State Extension offers short courses to help review exam materials for pesticide applicator exams. Both the Private Pesticide Applicator Short Course and Private Pesticide Applicator Short Course in Spanish are offered several times a year. 

A Note About Adding Fumigation

If you plan to use a fumigant, please contact your PDA regional office about details on which category and exam is required for your type of application.

• Category 20, Commodity and Space Fumigation
• Category 21, Soil Fumigation

A Note About Becoming an Aerial (drone) Pesticide Applicator

If you plan to apply pesticides via drone, you must obtain an FAA license and pass the Category 25 PDA exam in addition to the core Pesticide License. Check out our page on becoming an aerial applicator for more information.

Additional Questions

If you have additional questions about becoming an applicator, the study materials, or the exam, check out our Frequently Asked Certification Questions or this Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification article.