- The commercial general standard exam (COMMERICAL CORE) IS REQUIRED; and
- A minimum of one category and/or subcategory exam in the applicant's area of pesticide application. View the Commercial Pesticide Application Certification Categories to determine which categories you need.
How do I become a Registered Commercial Pesticide Applicator?
Registered applicators apply pesticides commercially as a part of a business making applications for hire or as a part of their routine job duties. Registered applicators cannot apply restricted use pesticides. To become a registered applicator:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Pass the commercial general standard exam (COMMERCIAL CORE); and
- Complete an MDARD approved training program coordinated by an MDARD Approved Trainer.
- Submit the Commercial Applicator Registration Application and $45 registration fee to MDARD.
Before an entity can train registered applicators, MDARD must approve the entity’s training program and trainer. The training program must be verifiable and category specific. View the Registered Applicator Information section of this FAQ for additional details.
What category(ies) do I need to be certified in?
Check with your employer before completing your application to determine which categories you need for employment. See the Commercial Pesticide Application Certification Categories for a complete list and description of each category.
If you are unsure what category of application is applicable to the services you offer, contact MDARD’s Pesticide Certification Specialist at MDARD-Pesticide@michigan.gov.
Applicators may apply for as many categories of pesticide certification as they wish. Please be aware a certification credential will not be issued until all examination categories applied for on the application have been passed.
Can I be multiple types of applicators?
Yes, applicators may hold dual credentials. The certification fee and requirements for both credentials must be met.
Commercial applicators that also apply pesticides for their own on-farm use while growing an agricultural commodity can purchase and apply RUPs under their commercial certification credential.
General Certification/Registration Information
What is the certification or registration fee? Am I exempt?
MDARD collects a fee to process, print, and mail a certification/registration card to each applicator.
- Commercial applicator: $75.
- Submit fee with the Private and Commercial Applicator Certification Application.
- Honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces of the United States applying for a private applicator credential are exempt from the $50 certification fee. Submit a copy of your DD-214 form with your certification application.
- Submit fee with the Private and Commercial Applicator Certification Application.
- Submit fee with the Commercial Applicator Registration Application.
How do I provide my certification/registration application and fee to MDARD?
Applicators are responsible for ensuring that the appropriate application and fees have been provided to MDARD to complete a credential. Cash and credit card payments are not accepted. Fees are accepted as check or money orders addressed to “The State of Michigan”. Submit the application and fee together in an envelope addressed to:
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)
P.O. Box 30776
Lansing, Michigan 48909Follow the instructions on the application to ensure MDARD has all required information to process the credential upon submittal.
How long are my application and fee valid?
Initial applicators or applicators adding a category have 6 months to complete the categories marked on the application. After 6 months, the certification/registration application and fee must be provided again. Applicators renewing their credential are in the renewal period for 1 year following the expiration of the credential. If the credential is not renewed, an applicator will start the certification process again as an initial applicator.
Does Michigan have reciprocity with any other states?
Michigan has reciprocal agreements with the states of Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Commercial and private applicators who are residents of these states may be granted reciprocal certification without examination. To obtain Michigan certification credentials as part of a reciprocal agreement, submit an application and the prescribed fee (payable to State of Michigan) to MDARD at the address listed on the application.
For additional information contact MDARD’s Pesticide Section at 800-292-3939 or MDARD-Pesticide@michigan.gov.
When will I receive my certification/registration card?
Your card will be issued within two months of successfully:
- Passing required exam(s).
- Submitting your certification/registration application to MDARD.
- MDARD validating your certification/registration fee.
If you do not receive your card within 2 months of completing the steps above, contact MDARD-CLU at 800-292-3939. Have questions about the status of your credential? Contact the Central Licensing Unit at MDARD-PestCert@michigan.gov or 800-292-3939
What can I use as my temporary credential until I receive my card?
- A copy of the certification/registration application sent to MDARD.
- A copy of passing exam scores.
- A copy of the check/money order or proof the certification/registration fee was validated by MDARD.
An applicator must carry all three items as proof of certification/registration until the certification card is received. If a certification card is not received within two months of completing the required steps, contact MDARD-CLU at 800-292-3939. Have questions about the status of your credential? Contact the Central Licensing Unit at MDARD-PestCert@michigan.gov or 800-292-3939
I didn’t get my certification/registration card. Who do I contact?
Contact MDARD-CLU at 800-292-3939. Have questions about the status of your credential? Contact the Central Licensing Unit at MDARD-PestCert@michigan.gov or 800-292-3939. If you fail to contact MDARD about your credential in a timely manner, you may be charged for a replacement card.
When does my credential expire?
Certification/registration credentials expire every third year on December 31. Your card lists the expiration date in the bottom right corner. MDARD will mail your Applicator Renewal Application three month prior to the expiration of your credential. You can renew either by accruing recertification seminar credits over the 3-year cycle or retake the applicable exams. Visit the Renewal Process web page for further details on how to renew your credential.
When can I start accruing recertification seminar credits?
Once you are considered a credentialed applicator, you can start accruing recertification seminar credits using your certification/registration number. Visit the Renewal Process web page for additional information on renewing using seminar credits.
How do I add categories or standards to my certification?
The applicable certification exam must be passed and the Private and Commercial Applicator Certification Application and applicable certification fee provided to MDARD. On the application, mark you are adding a category, list the category(ies), and provide your certification number. View the Exam Information section in this FAQ for additional information on how to have your exam proctored.
If utilizing a registered applicator program, view the Registered Applicator Information section of this FAQ for additional information on adding categories.
I need a new certification/registration card. How do I request a replacement?
Complete the Replacement license/certification/registration form and mail it to MDARD (PO Box 30776, Lansing, MI 48909) along with a $10 replacement fee, check or money order made payable to the State of Michigan.
My information has changed. Who do I notify?
Address changes must be reported in order to insure receipt of any regulation changes, renewal notices or other relevant information. Applicators must report address, name, or contact information changes to MDARD-CLU at 800-292-3939. Have questions about the status of your credential? Contact the Central Licensing Unit at MDARD-PestCert@michigan.gov or 800-292-3939. The email should include your name, certification number, telephone number and new address.
Exam Information
How do I pass an exam?
There is a study manual and exam for each category of pesticide application. Each examination requires a minimum score of 70 percent to pass. All exams are closed book. The questions are true/false and multiple choice.
Where can I find study materials?
Some manuals are available in PDF format for free on the PSEP website or are available through your local MSU Extension County Office. County offices carry the more commonly requested manuals, but not all. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm that they have the manual needed.
All study manuals can be purchased through the National Pesticide Safety Education Center.
The core study manuals include the National Core and Michigan addendums. There may be some instances, as in the use of microbicide (category 5B) or domestic animal (7G), when general standard (core) materials and category-specific materials will be combined into one study manual.
Where and when can I take exam(s)?
There are two ways to have an exam proctored. Both options are by appointment only. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
- Metro Institute is a certification exam proctoring company that has partnered with MDARD to increase exam accessibility. Schedule your exam(s) based on your own availability. Metro Institute can proctor your exam(s) in whatever format works best for you:
- At an established testing center. You do not need to be computer savvy to complete in person testing. Find a Metro Institute Testing Location.
- Online, remotely proctored at your home or office. A stable internet connection, a moveable camera, and a microphone are required. View the How do I take a remotely proctored exam section in this FAQ for additional information.
- The private core, commercial core, fumigation and aerial standard exams are proctored by MDARD using paper exam booklets. Exams are offered in limited locations after attending a mandatory core review session. Visit Michigan State University's website for additional information.
Remember for both options, you must provide your certification or registration application and applicable fee to MDARD. View the How do I provide my certification/registration application and fee to MDARD section of this FAQ for additional information.
What are Metro Institute’s fees?
Metro Institute charges a convenience fee to offer increased availability for exam proctoring services. For exams at a testing center, it costs $55 per exam. For online, remotely proctored exams, it costs $65 per exam.
Metro Institute’s proctoring fees are SEPARATE from MDARD’s certification fee. Service fee(s) paid to Metro Institute have nothing to do with MDARD. Therefore, the paper application and appropriate fee also need to be mailed to MDARD at P.O. Box 30776, Lansing, MI 48909.
Can I sign employees up for exams using my Metro Institute account?
Yes! You can use a Metro Institute account as a business account to sign up your employees for exam sessions. Be sure to have your employees date of birth, last 4 digits of their social security number, and certification number (if applicable).
Are there exams that combine 2 categories?
Yes, some category exams are combined into one exam. You must pass the entirety of the combined exam to receive all included category certifications.
- Category 1J: Combines categories 1A (field crops) and 1B (vegetable crops).
- Category 6J: Combines categories 3A (turfgrass), 3B (ornamental), and 6 (right-of-way).
- Category 7J: Combines categories 7A (general pest management) and 7B (wood destroying organisms).
What should I bring to an exam session?
For all exam sessions, only bring your ID to verify your identification and age. All other resources needed to take the exam will be provided by the proctor. Candidates taking a remotely proctored exam are allowed a simple 4 function calculator. Prohibited items to bring to an exam session include:
- Any sort of electronic device, including cell phones, smart watches, headphones, fitness devices, and other devices that can communicate with other devices.
- Purses, bags, backpacks, and other items that can hide prohibited items.
- Food or drink.
- Outside scratch paper.
- Training aids or study manuals.
- Large, bulky clothing, such as a coat or jacket.
How do I take a remotely proctored exam?
There are certain technical requirements that must be met in order to successfully complete a remotely proctored exam. Verify you can meet all requirements before scheduling a remotely proctored exam.
- The computer utilized must have some sort of microphone, camera, and external speaker.
- There must be a reliable internet connection.
- The webcam must be able to complete a 360-degree review of the exam room.
- The testing area needs to be free from interruptions and absent of other people.
- There can be no prohibited items in the testing area and the proctor will complete a room scan to address any issues.
- There can be no open tabs on your computer. All other windows/tabs must be closed.
The proctor can see both you and your computer screen and is available via real time chat. The proctor will ask you to hold your ID up to the screen to verify your identify. Once your identity has been verified, you may start the exam.
Create an account with Metro Institute to view the complete list of requirements and to run a pre-check on your computer to test for compatibility. If you cannot meet the requirements for remotely proctored testing, do not schedule a remotely proctored exam.
How do I know if I’ve passed the exam?
You will receive your score immediately following the scoring of the exam. Metro Institute will email a copy of the Exam Analysis upon completion of the exam to the address used for exam registration. If taking exams in-person, the Exam Analysis will be printed by the proctor.
How long can my exam score be accepted for?
MDARD can accept a passing exam score for 1 year from the date of the exam.
I didn’t pass my exam. What next?
Initial applicators have 6-months to pass any categories listed on the application provided to MDARD before a new application and fee are due. Applicators renewing their credential have 1 year to renew the credential. Candidates are allowed one exam attempt per category a day. A candidate can retake an exam as many times as they like at this time.
I lost my exam score. How do I get a new copy?
Email the Pesticide Certification Specialist at MDARD-Pesticide@michigan.gov. Please include your first and last name.
How do I file a complaint about an exam item?
Exam items may be reviewed due to questions that are confusing or improperly stated, the choice of answers yields not correct answer, there is more than one correct answer, and etc. Candidates will not be informed of information about the exam item or how the question affects their overall exam score, only that the item has been placed under review by MDARD. Email any exam item reviews to the Pesticide Certification Specialist at MDARD-Pesticide@michigan.gov or mail a written request to:
MDARD: Attn. Pesticide Certification Specialist
PO Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909Registered Applicator Information
I switched companies. Is my registration still good?
Yes, you registration is still valid for the categories you were trained in. If your new employer wants you to apply pesticides in categories you are not currently registered in, you will need to complete their approved registered applicator training program and provide the Commercial Applicator Registration Application and $45 registration fee to MDARD.
I want to set up a registered applicator program. What next?
Registered applicators can only apply general use pesticides (no restricted use pesticides). An entity must have an MDARD approved trainer and training program before utilizing registered applicators. It is the approved trainer's responsibility to ensure effective implementation of the approved program.
Individuals must meet all of the following qualifications in order to be an MDARD approved trainer:
- Have a current Michigan commercial certification credential in the pesticide applicator category(ies) for which they will provide training.
- Have a minimum of two (2) years of experience.
- Pass the Train the Trainer exam offered by MDARD.
- Study for the exam using MDARD’s Registered Applicator Trainer Manual.
Training programs must contain all required elements of Regulation 636, Rule 8, Section 3. Program requirements can also be found in the Registered Applicator Trainer Manual. Training programs must be submitted to MDARD for verification of all required elements.
Contact the Pesticide Certification Specialist Lauren Gott at GottL@michigan.gov for assistance with establishing a training program and how to take the Train the Trainer exam. Upon approval, you will be provided a letter outlining the approved trainers and categories.
MDARD approved my trainer and training program. Now what?
You may now begin training registered applicators! Remember, non-certified and registered applicators:
- Cannot apply restricted use pesticides (RUPs).
- Must be at least 18 years old.
While in the approved training program, non-certified applicators may apply general-use pesticides for two-weeks. These non-certified applicators in training must be directly supervised (see Definitions) by a certified applicator at all times. The Requirements and Procedures for Two-week Training Notification for Non-certified or Non-registered Pesticide Applicators Form must be provided to MDARD BEFORE the applicator in training begins the two-week training period.
The applicant may complete the training requirement before or after taking the commercial core exam. After the non-certified applicator has completed training, the approved trainer must assist the applicator in completing the Commercial Applicator Registration Application, which verifies the applicator’s training. Mail the application and $45 registration fee to:
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, Michigan 48909Once the training program is completed, the commercial core exam passed, and the application and fee have been provided to MDARD, registered applicators only need to be supervised (see Definitions) by a certified applicator when employed by a commercial pesticide application business. Review the Registered Applicator Trainer Manual for additional details about registered applicator training program requirements.
How do I add categories to my company’s registered applicator training program?
An individual meeting the trainer qualifications must add the applicable category to their certification credential. If business licensing applies, the category must first be added to the pesticide application business license. A training program including the added category must be submitted and approved by MDARD BEFORE you begin training registered applicators in additional categories. A new approval letter will be generated upon the successful addition of new category. Applicators adding categories to their registration will need to provide the Commercial Applicator Registration Application and $45 registration fee to MDARD.
