Certified ApplicatorApplicatorCertPrep

Categories · federal

Ornamental and turf pest control

Trees, shrubs, flowers and turf in landscapes, lawns and grounds. The category behind most lawn care and landscape businesses that touch restricted products.

What the regulation says

40 CFR 171.101, as published

(c) Ornamental and turf pest control. This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides to control pests in the maintenance and production of ornamental plants and turf.

States may define additional categories and set category-specific requirements; your state lead agency is the authority.

Who certifies here

Lawn care operators, landscapers, golf and sports-turf crews, grounds departments.

The requirements every category shares

  • Commercial applicator certification by written examination, with a minimum age of 18.
  • Certification expires five years after issuance under the federal standard; your authority may set a shorter period.
  • Renewal by re-examination or an approved continuing education program.
  • Noncertified workers may operate under the direct supervision of a certified applicator, subject to the supervision requirements.

Other categories

The certification map

One printable page: private vs commercial, every federal category, and the five-year clock with the exam-or-CE choice. Free.

No spam. One useful sheet and occasional notes.