How many CEUs do I need?

Answer:

Private Applicators - 15 CEUs Total

Two credits in laws and regulations and two credits in integrated pest management (IPM).

Ten hours may be earned with approved Internet or correspondence courses. CEUs earned through internet-based software where the instructor can directly interact with the student are considered in-person training. Examples: webinars, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype.

Private applicators may also earn the required credits by passing the Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification Exam that includes questions on information covered in continuing education courses. If an applicator passes the exam, a certificate of completion for 15 CEUs will be issued. The exam costs $64 per attempt and is administered at a PSI Testing Center. To become eligible to take the Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification Exam, please complete the PA-403: Application for Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification Exam and email to: Pesticides@TexasAgriculture.gov or send via postal mail to:

Texas Department of Agriculture
Attention: Pesticide Program
PO Box 12847
Austin, TX 78711

Agricultural Commercial/Noncommercial Applicators - 5 CEUs Total
One credit each from two of the three following categories: laws and regulations, integrated pest management or drift minimization.

For commercial or noncommercial applicators certified in the aerial application category, three of the required five CEUs must be associated with aerial application operations to include one CEU each in: laws and regulations, drift minimization, and aerial human safety factors.

CEUs may be earned with approved internet or correspondence courses every other year. CEUs earned through internet-based software where the instructor can directly interact with the student are considered in-person training. Examples: webinars, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype.

Structural Certified Applicators - 3 CEUs (minimum)
Two general and one in each category in which the applicator is certified. One general CEU must be in federal and state laws, pesticide safety, environmental protection or integrated pest management.

CEUs may be earned with approved Internet or correspondence courses every other year. No course may be repeated for credit within the same recertification year.

When must I earn the required CEUs?

Answer:
Agricultural - Prior to the expiration of the license.

Structural - CEU requirements are for the calendar year (January 1 - December 31). For example, if you renew at any time in 2010, you must have taken your CEUs during calendar year 2009. Applicators are not required to earn CEUs during the first year in which their license is issued.

How long do I need to keep certificates of completion?

Answer:
Agricultural - Certificates of completion must be maintained by the applicator for a period of 12 months after the most recent renewal of their license or certificate. The department may audit CEUs during an onsite inspection or by requesting that copies of certificates of completion be mailed to the department.

Structural - Certificate of completion must be kept for a period of two years. The department may audit CEUs during an onsite inspection or by requesting that copies of certificates of completion be mailed to the department.

What special requirements are required for structural fumigation applicators?

Answer:
Remember that all applicators certified in the Structural Fumigation category must conduct and/or perform four hours of training each year along with a minimum of one CEU per year in structural fumigation. TDA inspectors are checking these training records during inspections even if applicators maintain the category but do not actually conduct structural fumigations. These training records must be maintained by the business for two years.

What are the requirements for sponsoring a CEU course?

Answer:
Please see the Texas Pesticide Recertification Course Accreditation Guide for more information regarding the requirements for sponsoring a CEU course.