Everything below can be found on the PA Department of Agriculture Website. Any Licensing questions should be directed to them. See below for contact information.

Commercial/Public Pesticide Technician:

What you will need to be eligible for certification is as follows:

• Pass two written examinations (The Core Test and at least 1 category test)
• be employed by a pesticide application business or plan to start your own

• Core Test: $50; Click here to search for dates and times
• Category Tests: $10 each; Click here to search dates and times
• Commercial Applicator Fee: $40, annually
• Public Applicator Fee: $10, three times a year 

Exams: Examinations are given through the PDA Regional Offices. Dates and times are available at PaPlants under Pesticide Programs, then Certification Exam Locations.

Study Guides: Study materials for the exams are sold by Penn State University. Call 1-877-345-0691 or online at Penn State Study Packets.

Registered Pesticide Technician

To become Registered Technician the business must submit the person’s name and date of birth to the Department using the Registered Technician Form, which will start a minimum 30-day training period.  Training must be conducted by a certified applicator with at least 1-years experience and knowledge, who works for the business entity.  

During the 30-day training period, the technician is not permitted to make pesticide applications on their own, they must be under the continuous visual and voice control of a certified applicator.  Once licensed, applications made by technicians are limited to the use of materials, methods, and equipment on which they have documented training.  Technicians must be under the supervision of a certified applicator that can be on site within 5 hours if necessary.  Technician licensing is not transferable between businesses. 

Fees:

• Commercial Registered Technician Fee - $30, annually
• Public Registered Technician Fee - $20, annually

FAQ on Pesticide Applications.

Click here for Online Courses and Webinars for Credit through Penn State.

Pesticide Programs through the PDA.

For Recertification Information click here. (Member's-Only Content)