Private Recertification Information

Click here to check your license status

Click here for county recertification meetings

Private applicators are required to have 3 hours of recertification training every three years.

1 hour minimum of core training

1/2 hour minimum of training for each category on your license

A minimum of 3 total hours of recertification training (remaining hours can be in any approved category training)

Click here for listing of categories for private pesticide applicator

 

Who are Private Applicators?

Private applicators are farmers and growers who produce an agricultural commodity. This includes field crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat as well as forages, hay, and livestock. Specialty crop growers raising fruits, vegetables, nursery crops, Christmas trees, bedding plants, ornamentals, etc. are also private applicators.

Only farmers or growers who use restricted-use pesticides are required to obtain a license. If you only use general-use pesticides on your farm a license is not required, but it is recommended.

What are Private Applicator Categories?

As an applicator, you need to have a category that corresponds to the crop or site where you are using the restricted use pesticides. Each category is specific to different kinds of crops such as field crops or fruit and vegetable crops.

Click here for a list of private applicator categories

To become a private applicator:

1. Obtain study materials from your OSU Extension county office. You can also download some of the materials on the Private Applicator Study Materials page. - NOTE: Please be sure to call your local OSU Extension office before stopping by. This allows the office to make sure they have the materials on hand for when you stop in.

2. Study the recommended materials for Core and each category needed on your license. All new applicators must take core, and at least one category exam to obtain a license.

3. Register with the Ohio Department of Agriculture for an exam date and location, register online, or by calling the ODA, Pesticide Division at (800) 282-1955, ext. 31. (Because of limited space, you may not be able to take the exam if not pre-registered). List of available dates and locations.

Then:

4. ODA will mail a license application form with your exam results letter.

5. Once you pass your exams, send in the completed application form (downloadable pdf) and $30 license fee to ODA. If you need to retake an exam, there are no additional charges.

License Fees should be paid to:
Ohio Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Regulation
8995 E. Main St.
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-3399
Phone: (614) 728-6987 or (800) 282-1955 x 31

 

 

Recordkeeping Requirements for Ohio Private Applicator

There is no standard format required, but Ohio pesticide application records need to follow these guidelines:

1. Record applications of restricted-use pesticides recorded on the date of application
   
2. Records must contain:
   • The responsible private applicator's name and license number
   • The brand or product name of the restricted-use pesticide
   • EPA registration number of the restricted-use pesticide applied
   • The total amount of the restricted-use pesticide applied
   • Location and/or field number for area treated and total area or acreage treated
   • Crop or site treated
   • Month, day and year of application
     
3. Submit records to private applicator's employer, if applicable
   
4. Must retain records for 3 years from the date of application and make them available to ODA when requested
   

* Summary of the regulation. For full regulation, go to Ohio Revised Code: 901:5-11-10 Recordkeeping

Click here for a sample recordkeeping form (Excel File)
Click here for a sample recordkeeping form (PDF File)

 

 

Ohio Pesticide Product Searches

• National Pesticide Information Retrieval System (Find Ohio-registered pesticide products)
• Ohio Restricted Pesticide Products (Maintained by Ohio Department of Agriculture)
• Crop Data Management System, Inc (Source of pesticide labels from the manufacturers)

Tips for Reducing Drift

• Learn how to reduce pesticide drift