Pesticide Applicator Licensing Information
Who needs a Private Pesticide license?
A Private Pesticide Applicator license is required for individuals who desire to use a RESTRICTED USE pesticide on their crops or plants. No license is required for the use of GENERAL USE pesticides. All holders of a Private Pesticide Applicator license must carry the CORE category, as well as any other categories that are relevant.
| Category 1: Grain and Cereal Crops |
| Category 2: Forage Crops and Livestock |
| Category 3: Fruit and Vegetable Crops |
| Category 4: Nursery and Forest Crops |
| Category 5: Greenhouse Crops |
| Category 6: Fumigation |
| Category 7: Specialty Uses |
How do I get a Private Pesticide Applicator license?
1. Review study materials for the CORE category and any other categories you will need
- Some materials are available for download
- Materials are also available for purchase at the Williams County Extension Office
- Online private CORE exam prep modules
2. Sign up for an exam on the Ohio Department of Agriculture site by selecting the date and location where you would like to test.
3. After you have successfully passed all exams, the ODA will send you an invoice for $30. If there are exams you did not pass, you may retake the exam. Only the exams not passed need to be retaken.
4. Once you return the invoice and payment, ODA will send you your Pesticide License
How do I renew my Private Pesticide Applicator license?
Renewals of the Private Pesticide Applicator license must take place every 3 years, prior to expiration on March 31. To recertify, a total of 3 credit-hours of approved training must be documented, or you will have to retest. Of this 3 hours, at least 1 hour must be in CORE, and at least 0.5 hours must be in each category that is on your license. The balance of the 3 hours can be in any category.
3 hours = 1 hour CORE + 0.5 hours (each category) + [remaining hours in any category]
A list of trainings around Ohio can be found here.
How can I check the status of my obtained recertification credits?
The ODA will send a renewal notice several months before your license is set to expire. This notice will include a record of any accumulated credits since your last license renewal. You can also get information about accumulated credits by using the ODA webpage and clicking “Recert Information” on the left side. You will need your License ID and last name. You can also call the ODA at 614-728-6987.
Who needs a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license?
A Commercial Pesticide Applicator license is required for use of any pesticide (both GENERAL USE and RESTRICTED USE) in the following settings:
- Custom agriculture applicator
- Lawncare of landscape company
- Highway/utility/railroad maintenance
- Township/city/village owned areas (including parks)
- Schools/colleges/universities/daycares
- Apartment complexes (if 4 or more units)
- Restaurants/food service business
- Golf courses
- Hospitals/medical centers
How do I get a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license?
1. Complete the application form and send to ODA with a $35 fee.
2. ODA will send you a set of study materials. Review these materials and consider attending a New Applicator School.
3. Sign up for an exam on the Ohio Department of Agriculture site by selecting the date and location where you would like to test.
4. After you have successfully passed all exams, the ODA will send you a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license. If there are exams you did not pass, you may retake the exam. Only the exams not passed need to be retaken.
How do I renew my Commercial Pesticide Applicator license?
In order to maintain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license, a $35 fee must be paid annually.
In addition, a Commercial Pesticide Applicator must be re-certified every 3 years, prior to expiration on March 31. To recertify, a total of 5 credit-hours of approved training must be documented. Of this 5 hours, at least 1 hour must be in CORE, and at least 0.5 hours must be in each category that is on your license. The balance of the 5 hours can be in any category.
5 hours = 1 hour CORE + 0.5 hours (each category) + [remaining hours in any category]
Please note that Private Pesticide Re-certification credits do not apply toward the Commercial Pesticide Applicator re-certification requirement.
Information about upcoming recertification opportunities can be found here.
How can I check the status of my obtained recertification credits?
You can find information about accumulated credits by using the ODA webpage. You will need your License ID and last name. You can also call the ODA at 614-728-6987.
For additional information about a Pesticide Business license, Pesticide Dealer license, Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection category, or to become a Trained Serviceperson, please visit the Ohio State Pest Ed Department website.
