Free sheet · print this
The certification map
The whole federal framework on one page, verified against 40 CFR Part 171.
The two certifications
| Type | Who | Requires |
|---|---|---|
| Private applicator | Producing agricultural commodities on land you or your employer own or rent | Written competency demonstration per the state plan; minimum age 18 |
| Commercial applicator | Everyone else using or supervising restricted use pesticides, from lawn care firms to fumigators | Passing score on a written examination (authorities may add performance testing); minimum age 18; certification in one or more categories |
The clock
| Expires | Certification expires five years after issuance under the federal standard; a certifying authority may set a shorter period. |
| Renew by | Recertification is by written examination or by completing an approved continuing education program, per the authority's EPA-approved plan. |
| Uncertified workers | Noncertified applicators may use restricted use pesticides under the direct supervision of a certified applicator, subject to the supervision requirements. |
| Who runs it | Certification runs through state plans approved by EPA; your state lead agency operates the program, and land-grant extension services publish the study manuals in most states. |
The federal commercial categories
| Agricultural pest control: crop |
| Agricultural pest control: livestock |
| Forest pest control |
| Ornamental and turf |
| Seed treatment |
| Aquatic |
| Right-of-way |
| Industrial, institutional and structural |
| Public health |
| Regulatory |
| Demonstration and research |
| Sodium cyanide predator control |
| Sodium fluoroacetate predator control |
| Soil fumigation |
| Non-soil fumigation |
| Aerial application |