Link to Private Pesticide Recertification Classes in NW Ohio if you can't attend the session below in Paulding County. 

Do you need to become a licensed private applicator? Yes, if you are:

  • Applying restricted-use pesticides to your own land or rented land to produce an agricultural commodity.
  • Applying restricted-use pesticides to other areas on your farm such as grain bins, ponds, livestock, etc.

Ohio Private Pesticide Applicator License Requirements

To become a licensed private pesticide applicator, you will need to pass exams to purchase and apply restricted-use pesticides. Here's how to get started:

Prepare for Exams
  • You are required to hold "Core" and the category (or categories) that pertain to the crop(s) you are raising on your farm.
  • Core covers the basics of pesticide application, from reading the label to safety procedures and environmental stewardship. Each category is specific to the crops you are raising.
  • Study guides for Core and each category are available from your OSU Extension county office.

Here is a listing of the crop categories:

  • Core - All applicators are required to take the Core exam.
  • 1 - Grain and Cereal Crop
  • 2 - Forage Crops and Livestock
  • 3 - Fruit and Vegetable Crops
  • 4 - Nursery and Forest Crops
  • 5 - Greenhouse Crops
  • 6 - Fumingation
  • 7 - Speciality Uses
Register and take the exams
  • Register with ODA for an exam date and location by registering online at pested.osu.edu or by calling 614-728-6987. Exams locations are offered around Ohio every month.
  • After taking the exam, ODA will send a license application and invoice with your exam results letter.
  • Once you pass your exams, send in the completed application and $30 license fee to ODA.
  • If you need to retake an exam, you must wait at least one week from the last time you took the exam. Exams can be taken as many times as needed in order to pass.
  • Once the exams are passed and the $30 license fee is paid, you will receive the license in the mail.
License Renewal and Recertification

Your private pesticide applicator license will expire every three years on March 31. Before the license expires, you will need to:

  • Pay $30 to the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture.
  • Re-test in Core and each category on your license OR attend 3 hours of recertification training.