CFAES Give Today
Pesticide Safety Education Program

Ohio State University Extension

CFAES

Commercial Pesticide Applicator License

A commercial applicator applies pesticides for a business, on land owned by someone else, and usually for hire. Also includes applicators who work for a government agency like a township, city, school district, park district, etc., and applicators who apply to publicly-accessible sites.

Questions about getting a license? Visit the frequently asked questions page.

Commerical Applicator License

  1. Send application form to ODA with $35 fee. Click here for application form
  2. Click here for a frequently asked questions page about filling out the application
  3. Purchase the study materials to study for the exams from extensionpubs.osu.edu
  4. Study the materials. New applicator schools are optional to help prepare for the test. Click here to see if any schools are scheduled.
  5. Select an exam date and site. The exam is offered around the state of Ohio each year. Click here for the exam dates and sites.
  6. ODA will notify the applicator by mail with their exam results
    1. If the applicator did not pass an exam, they are able to retake the test. Only the exams not passed need to be retaken.
    2. If the applicator did pass the exams, they are a licensed applicator
  7. Upon passing appropriate examinations, the applicator will be licensed. The $35 fee will be paid annually. The applicator is required to be recertified every three years. Click here for information on the recertification requirements.