UT Extension facilitates pesticide certification for both Commercial Applicators and Private Applicators. We also offer applicators opportunities to earn recertification points such as our annual Green Express Short Course.
Please select the following tabs below to learn more about the Commercial and Private applicator certification process:
In general, a commercial applicator is an individual who applies products for a fee and works under the supervision of a licensed pest control operator. Examples include individuals who work for companies such as Cooks, Orkin, Terminix, TruGreen, Scotts, etc. The term commercial applicator also includes individuals who conduct research and/or demonstrations, aerial applications or other related pest control activities not included as a private applicator but use restricted-use pesticide products.
Commercial Applicator Initial Certification
Training is offered in Knoxville, TN and other locations usually the first Wednesday of each month. General information is covered for all categories, however specific information is reviewed for categories 3, 6, 7 and 9 or LHA. Check out the PSEP website for more information regarding training opportunities.
- Cost: $25
- Training is optional
- Test required
- Must pass with a minimum 70% grade
Commercial Applicator Recertification
Commercial applicators are encouraged to earn recertification points throughout the 3-year cycle in order to extend their certification automatically.
Applicators who do not earn the required recertification points will be required to retake the certification exam. For information on earning recertification points, please visit the UTIA Pesticide Safety and Education Program website or call the Hamilton County Extension Office at (423) 209-8560
A private applicator is an applicator who applies restricted-use pesticides by ground application for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by the applicator or the applicator’s employer. Most private applicators are farmers, greenhouse and/or nursery operators. All other applicators who use restricted use pesticides are considered commercial applicators.
Private applicators can do their certification training online through the UTIA Pesticide Safety and Education Program website at the buttons below or they can schedule an appointment to complete the training at the Hamilton County Extension Office by calling (423) 209-8560.
Private Applicator Initial Certification
- Cost: $50
- Additional fee of $25 mailed by individual to the Tennessee Department
of Agriculture
- Additional fee of $25 mailed by individual to the Tennessee Department
- Training Length: 3 hours & 22 minutes
- Test required
- 30 questions
- Must pass with a minimum 70% grade
Private Applicator Recertification
- Recertification window: January 1-June 30, 2023
- Cost: $25
- Training Length: 1 hour & 40 minutes
- Test required
- 30 questions
- Must pass with a minimum 70% grade
For complete information on procedures and requirements
for these certifications please see the following:
