Pesticide applicators are required to have special training and testing to earn and maintain a license. A license is necessary in order to buy or use restricted use pesticides, and often, to apply any pesticides for hire. If you are thinking about becoming licensed, consider the tips below.

License requirements vary by state. At a minimum, applicators must learn about pesticide safety and regulations.
Many states require applicators to obtain licenses for the specific setting/activities involved in their work. For example, agricultural pest control, vector control, and/or structural pest control.
If you intend to do business in more than one state, you may need more than one license.
There are several different pesticide licenses that require different levels of knowledge, and responsibility. For example, some states offer licenses for supervised trainees.

Here are the Pesticide Agency contacts in your state:

Worker Protection Standard (WPS) contacts in my State

The Worker Protection Standard protects agricultural workers in farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses. In most states, it is enforced by the State Department of Agriculture. Call the contact below if you have questions like these:

How can I make sure that our workplace is complying with the WPS?
Where can I get copies of the posters required at central posting?
I'm concerned that my employer isn't following the rules.
Who can help me with pesticide label questions related to the "Agricultural Use Requirements?"

Here are the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) contacts in your state:

Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) contacts in my state

In each state, the OSHA works to reduce and prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. In agricultural settings, worker safety is typically enforced and monitored by the Pesticide Regulatory Agency. If you work with pesticides in a non-agricultural workplace, contact your state OSHA office for the following issues:

How to report unsafe working conditions
How to comply with occupational safety rules
How to select personal protection equipment (PPE) that is right for the job

Here are the Occupational Health and Safety contacts in your state:

Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) contacts in my state

PSEP programs provide basic and essential, state-specific pesticide safety education on the safe and legal handling of pesticides from purchase to use and/or disposal. If you are an applicator, someone who works with pesticides, or the general public, contact your local PSEP program for the following:

Pre-certification trainings
Certification and training credits
Online recertification courses
WPS training

Here are the Pesticide Safety Education Coordinators in your state:

Related Topics:

What are pests?

What are pesticides?

Contacts for Pesticide Applicators and Workers

Related Topics:

What are pests?

What are pesticides?