Pesticide Applicators Information
Private Pesticide Applicator Certification
A private pesticide applicator certification may only be used to apply or supervise the application of a restricted use pesticide product according to label directions for the purpose of:
- Producing an agricultural commodity
- On property owned or rented by the private certified applicator or such person's employer; or
- If applied without compensation other than trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities, on property owned or rented by another producer of an agricultural commodity.
Private certification may be obtained by passing an open book examination at a county extension office. The complete list of locations can be found at K-State Research and Extension Statewide Locations. Contact the county extension office in advance to ensure the office will be open, and allow 2-3 hours to complete the examination.
The county extension office will collect the $25 fee in check form, made out to the Kansas Department of AG and mail the completed examination to KDA for grading and issuance of the certification card. Private applicator certification expires on the individual’s birthday in the 5th calendar year after it is issued.
The private applicator study manual (MF-531) is available through K-State Research and Extension. Order a physical copy by calling (785) 532-5830, or by completing the following form: Pesticide Applicator Training Manual Order Form. The electronic version of the study manual is available here: Private Pesticide Applicator Manual.
Recertification notices may be mailed to the applicator’s home address or to the applicator's email address. Please inform KDA of any changes to your address or contact information to make sure you receive your renewal notice.
Private Applicator and CEO Q&A
Below are helpful answers to common questions relating to private applicator and chemigation equipment operator (CEO) certification.
Private applicator certification expires on the individual's birthday in the 5th calendar year after it is issued. Recertification notices may be sent to the applicator's home address or to their email address.
You may search the KDA Search Tool to find your applicator ID and expiration date. If you have questions or find erroneous data, please contact the KDA Pesticide and Fertilizer Program by email at kda.pestfert@ks.gov or call 785-564-6688.
Renewal of existing private pesticide certification is currently handled directly by the KDA. Renewal applications are emailed or mailed to the address/email address on file for the individual. It is important to inform KDA of any changes to your address or contact information to ensure you receive your renewal notice.
The Private Pesticide Applicators Manual (MF-531) is available for free download, or a physical copy may be obtained at your local Extension office or ordered online through the K-State Research and Extension Bookstore. For questions about ordering, the KSRE Bookstore may be contacted at orderpub@ksu.edu or 785-532-5830.
Chemigation Equipment Operator (CEO) certification expires on December 31 of the fourth calendar year after the year of issue.
Visit the KDA's Chemigation webpage for more information on chemigation.
Renewal of existing CEO certification is currently handled directly by the KDA. Renewal materials are emailed or mailed to the address/email address on file for the individual. It is important to inform the KDA of any changes to your address or contact information to ensure you receive your renewal notice.
Please contact the KDA Pesticide and Fertilizer Program by email at kda.pestfert@ks.gov or call 785-564-6688 with questions.
Commercial Pesticide Applicator - Initial Certification
Initial certification must be accomplished by examination. Applicants must pass the general exam and a category or subcategory exam to become commercially certified.
Please view the handout "Commercial Applicator Certification Categories" for additional information pertaining to categories or subcategories of certification.
Fees are $45 per exam, including the general exam and any exam retake.
For the current pesticide commercial applicator examination schedule, head to the Pesticide Certification Exam Schedule. Pre-registration is required and is available online.
Study Manuals for the exams can be found on the K-State Research and Extension webpage, or at your local Extension office.
Recertification for Kansas residents or nonresidents who do not qualify for reciprocity may be accomplished by examination or training.
If electing to recertify by examination, the same steps must be followed as Initial Certification.
Applicators electing to recertify by training must earn:
- 3, 5 or 7 category or subcategory credits, and
- 1 core hour
Please view the the handout Commercial Applicator Recertification Information for additional information pertaining to recertification requirements.
Commercial applicators may attend training at any point during the current certification period and are encouraged to attend training events as they are made available.
Commercial applicators have until December 31 of the year of expiration to earn recertification training credits. While training makes you eligible for renewal, it will not automatically renew your certification. To renew, submit the appropriate fees and application(s) to KDA, or login to your KDA portal account to complete the renewal process online.
Failure to renew on or before 30 days following expiration of the certification period will result in an automatic forfeiture of all earned credits, and you must renew your certification by examination. Recertification by examination is the same as above.