Pesticide Applicators

Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification

Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification

Learn how to become a pesticide applicator in Pennsylvania.

Latest News

A partial copy of the specimen label for Midash Forte from Sharda USA, LLC.

Herbicide Contamination Discovered in Midash Forte

Fit Test Hood

Upcoming Respirator Fit Test Sessions

Counties (purple) in CHEMSWEEP for 2024

The CHEMSWEEP Program Deadline is March 31st

Boom sprayer (Image Credit: Penn State Extension).

Talking to Neighbors About Pesticides

Multiple Choice Exam. Photo: Pixabay 2022.

How to Become a Private Certified Pesticide Applicator

Crops Conferences and Crops Days: Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities

Crops Conferences and Crops Days: Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities

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The experts at Penn State Extension offer a multitude of pesticide recertification and education opportunities to meet your needs. From in-person workshops to live webinars and self-paced online courses we have you covered!

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Featured Articles

Which Pesticide License Does Your Business Need?

Which Pesticide License Does Your Business Need?
By Ruth Benner

In Pennsylvania, Green Industry professionals who use pesticides need to understand the Pennsylvania pesticide laws and how to comply with them.

Pesticide Storage and Security

Pesticide Storage and Security
By Sharon I Gripp, John Ayers, Ph.D., Kerry H. Richards, Ph.D. This article describes the proper procedures for storing pesticides and application equipment.

Respiratory Protective Devices for Pesticides

Respiratory Protective Devices for Pesticides
By Winand Hock, Ph.D.

For many toxic chemicals, the respiratory (breathing) system is the quickest and most direct route of entry into the circulatory system.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Contacts

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Contacts
Find your Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Regional Office and contact information.

Find Pesticide Recertification Credits

Find Pesticide Recertification Credits
By Sharon I Gripp

Find pesticide recertification credits on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's PaPlants website.

Toxicity of Pesticides

Toxicity of Pesticides
By Winand Hock, Ph.D.

People who use pesticides or regularly come in contact with them must understand the relative toxicity and potential health effects of the products they use.

Pesticide Hypersensitivity Registry and Application

Pesticide Hypersensitivity Registry and Application

Information about the Pennsylvania Pesticide Hypersensitivity Registry and the application to complete for placement on the registry.

Frequently Asked Recertification Questions

Frequently Asked Recertification Questions
Read responses to commonly asked questions we receive about the recertification process.

About the Pesticide Education Program

About the Pesticide Education Program

Our program strives to educate pesticide applicators and users about pest management alternatives, including pesticides, to promote responsible decision-making.

How to Find Pesticide Applicator Certification Exams

How to Find Pesticide Applicator Certification Exams

Find dates and locations for pesticide applicator certification exams on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's PaPlants website.

Sprayer Calibration Information

Sprayer Calibration Information
Find out how to sign up to have your air blast sprayer or boom sprayer calibrated.

New Exam Policy Released from PA Department of Agriculture

New Exam Policy Released from PA Department of Agriculture

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has released a new policy on pesticide applicator certification category exams.

Frequently Asked Certification Questions

Frequently Asked Certification Questions

Find the answers to common certification questions by reading through the list. If you still have questions, please contact us!

Certification Exam Study Materials

Certification Exam Study Materials
Information on purchasing study materials to help prepare for the certification exams.

Category Title

Carl Geissinger, co-instructor, shearing a sheep

Penn State Extension to Hold Sheep Shearing School
Date Posted 9/15/2024

Penn State Extension's livestock team is organizing a hands-on sheep shearing workshop September 28 at Turning Point Land and Livestock Services in Dornsife, PA.

Boxworm moth adult. Photo: USDA

Common Moths in Pennsylvania That Resemble the Box Tree Moth
By Patricia Prade, Ph.D.

The box tree moth is a new invasive species in Pennsylvania; correct identification is crucial in preventing the spread of invasive species

Ann Marie Detavernier

Ann Marie Detavernier
Job Master Gardener Coordinator/ Horticulture Extension Educator Master Gardener Coordinator/ Horticulture Extension Educator

Cattle Feeders Small Group Gathering

Cattle Feeders Small Group Gathering
When 10/15/2024 Length 1 hour, 30 minutes Event Format In-Person

Participate in an informal Cattle Feeders gathering to discuss local producer needs, explore future programming, and network with peers. Your input is essential in shaping tailored extension efforts.

New ag conservation professionals in a pasture management training. Photo credit: Erin Trouba

Careers in Ag Conservation

The agricultural conservation sector is surging with job opportunities as Pennsylvania implements environmental best management practices on farms. Here are a few of the jobs available to build a career in ag conservation.

Credit: Grafvision / stock.adobe.com

How to Safely Handle and Store Eggs from Your Home Flock
By Sarah Davis, Ashley Bigge If you raise your own poultry flock, follow these tips to safely handle and preserve their eggs.

Second Saturday Gardening Series: Key Garden Tools and Tips

Second Saturday Gardening Series: Key Garden Tools and Tips
When 11/09/2024 Length 1 hour, 30 minutes Event Format Virtual | Live

Join Penn State Master Gardeners as they review the uses, selection, and care of garden equipment, and discover how the right tools can transform your gardening experience.

Do On-Lot Septic Systems Impact Water Quality?

Do On-Lot Septic Systems Impact Water Quality?
When 11/26/2024 Length 1 hour Event Format Virtual | Live

Learn how on-lot septic systems impact water quality, health, and the environment. This webinar explores their effects on groundwater, surface water, and the ecosystem for owners and the public alike.

Common Issues with On-Lot Septic Systems

Common Issues with On-Lot Septic Systems
When 11/12/2024 Length 1 hour Event Format Virtual | Live

Join us as we discuss the common issues with on-lot septic systems. Learn how to troubleshoot problems and when to call a professional.

Songs From The Woods, Old Growth to Mouth Bows

Songs From The Woods, Old Growth to Mouth Bows
By Sanford S. Smith, Ph.D., Van Wagner Length 4:53

Forests inspire Van Wagner to use his musical talents to teach students and the public. In this video he uses his guitar and a mouth bow.

Introduction to Poultry Judging

Introduction to Poultry Judging
When 10/14/2024 Length 1 hour, 30 minutes Event Format Virtual | Live

Discover poultry judging essentials, including live bird assessment, product grading, and contest insights. Ideal for FFA advisors, educators, 4-H leaders, and those interested in poultry careers.

Waterways on Wheels: Swatara Rail Trail

Waterways on Wheels: Swatara Rail Trail
When 10/19/2024 Length 3 hours Event Format In-Person

Explore an 11-mile bike tour with the Master Watershed Stewards and Swatara Watershed Association, learning about watershed features, trail history, and ways to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality.

Impacts of the War in Ukraine on the People and Environment

Impacts of the War in Ukraine on the People and Environment
When 10/02/2024 Length 6 1.5 hour sessions Event Format Virtual | Live

Join us to explore how the Russian invasion has reshaped Ukraine’s environment and communities, hear from local experts, and discover how you can help address these pressing issues.

Ag training group; Photo Credit: Erin Trouba Penn State

ACAP Ag Conservation Keystone Training
Date Posted 9/11/2024

Develop essential skills in agricultural conservation during this three-day training course focused on resource concern identification and conservation practice implementation.

Living on a Few Acres: Backyard Swine and Poultry

Living on a Few Acres: Backyard Swine and Poultry
When 10/10/2024 Length 2 hours Event Format Virtual | Live

Learn essential strategies for raising pigs and poultry, including nutrition, management, egg production, and housing, in this practical webinar led by Penn State experts.

Training for New Ag Conservation Professionals. Photo credit: Erin Trouba

Looking for and Finding Jobs in Ag Conservation

New career opportunities within the growing field of agricultural conservation are being announced. Here are a few places where you can start your search for these positions.

Femeena Pandara Valappil

Femeena Pandara Valappil
Job Assistant Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Expertise Ecohydrology and water quality Stream nutrient uptake and biogeochemical cycling Agricultural and urban best management practices Land use and climate change impacts on watersheds Simulation modeling, optimization, and geospatial analysis Water-energy-food nexus Life cycle assessment

Assistant Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Basic Poultry Welfare Certification Course in Spanish Language

Basic Poultry Welfare Certification Course in Spanish Language
When 11/13/2024 Length 2 days, 6 hours each day Event Format Virtual | Live

Elevate poultry expertise with Penn State Extension's Certification Course. Ideal for producers and ag employees. Learn welfare essentials, and earn a certificate!

Curso básico de certificación en bienestar avícola en español

Curso básico de certificación en bienestar avícola en español
When 11/13/2024 Length 2 días, 6 horas por día

Mejore su experiencia en aves de corral con el curso de certificación de Penn State Extension. Ideal para productores y empleados agrícolas. ¡Aprenda los conceptos básicos de bienestar y obtenga un certificado!

Fencerows and farm buildings. (Penn State Weed Science, D. Lingenfelter)

Herbicides for Fencerows and Farmsteads
Date Posted 9/10/2024 Certain herbicides can be used under fencerows and around farm structures.

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Resources and Programs

Mr. Yuk Stickers

Mr. Yuk is used to educate children and adults in the U.S. and internationally about poison prevention and to promote poison center awareness.

PA Plants

The Bureau of Plant Industry provides services to maintain and protect Pennsylvania agriculture through consumer protection and product regulation.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

PDA aims to build resilience among the agricultural community to ensure long-term and sustainable growth so that the industry can continue its essential work in feeding Pennsylvania and beyond.

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.

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:

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.