Private Applicator License

Private applicators do not purchase a yearly license. The fee is paid and sent along with a completed application form and at the beginning of each subsequent 3 year certification period ($30 for 3 years). Your initial application can be filled out and sent with your fee either before or after taking exams, but you will not receive a license until the form is filled out and the fee is paid.

Click here to download the application form (pdf).

To become licensed, the Private Applicator must:

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. Some offices may have to order materials, which can 2-3 weeks time. Thank you!

2. Study the recommended materials for each category you are needing licensed in and core. All new applicators must take core.

3. Register with the Ohio Department of Agriculture for an exam date and location by registering online at: http://www.agri.ohio.gov, 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 test results letter.

5. Once you pass your exams, send in the completed application form (pdf) & $30 license fee to ODA and your license will be issued. If you need to retake an exam, you must wait at least one week from the last time you took the exam.

Click here for the pdf of the application for any new private applicator wanting to apply for a license.

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

Frequently Asked Questions for Private Applicators

Licensed private pesticide applicators in Ohio have two options to keep their license current:

The 3 hours of recertification must include:

1 hour (minimum) of core + 1/2 hour (minimum) of credit in every category on license
+ additional training in any category of approved pesticide applicator training
= 3 total hours (minimum) of recertification training

Private Applicator License

If you would like a better explanation of your Private Applicator's License, click here for a detailed view and breakdown of the different sections.

Pesticide Safety Education Program • Ohio State University Extension
Phone: (614) 292-4070; Fax: (614) 247-8127; E-mail: pested@osu.edu
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