How to Schedule SPCS Licensing Exams
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Beginning May 19, 2025, Metro Institute (Metro) will be administering TDA SPCS applicator exams. Metro will provide both excellent quality exam opportunities and a convenient schedule for pesticide applicators to test in several locations across the state. Applicants for a license will complete an application and submit license fees to TDA.  After they receive an account/approval number from TDA, they will be able to go to  Metro’s website and register for an exam at one of their conveniently located testing locations in Texas. 

 

 

 

How To Schedule SPCS Licensing Exams

To schedule for either the technician license exams or the certified applicator license exams, your eligibility must first be approved by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).  Use the following steps if you are interested in taking the licensing exams.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All examinees with Metro require government issued picture ID and the name on the ID must match the name on the application submitted to the department in order to be able to test.


Technician Exams:

1. Not yet registered as an apprentice:
You must be registered as an apprentice with a licensed business to be eligible to take the technician exam and you must have completed the apprentice training and the approved technician training course.  If you have not registered as an apprentice (or if your registration has expired, or you have changed employers), complete and submit the apprentice registration form found here, or apply online by clicking here.  Once you have registered as an apprentice you will need to have completed the training outlined in section 7.132 of the SPCS regulations (found here).  Upon completion of this training, follow the next step.

2. Currently registered as an apprentice:
To have your eligibility to take the technician exam determined, complete and submit the SPT-420 SPCS Technician Exam Application form found here***Please Note*** No fees need to be included with this application; Metro will collect the fees for the examinations.  Include with your submission a photocopy of your Technician Training Course Certificate of completion.  These can be mailed in, faxed (1-800-909-8534) or emailed (eligibility@texasagriculture.gov).  Once processed, you will be sent correspondence by mail from TDA either requesting further information or advising you of your eligibility and giving you instructions on scheduling the exams.

3. Currently licensed as a Technician wishing to add a category:
Beginning with exams taken on January 1, 2024 or after, all licensed technicians must first complete forty (40) hours on-the-job and eight (8) classroom training (documented on VTR) prior to taking the exam. If you are currently licensed as a Technician and are seeking to add a category, prior to scheduling the exam, you must submit a completed SPT-415 and submit to Eligibility@TexasAgriculture.gov. You will receive an auto-response from the email box but no further follow-up. You may schedule the exam using the Technician’s license number after submitting the SPT-415 form. Scheduling exams with Metro can be completed at their website, www.metrosignup.com. If a SPT-415 form has not been submitted and filed before testing and the department receives passing exam scores, the Technician will be sent a pending letter to submit the Verifiable Training Record to have the license issued.



Certified Applicator Exams

To take the certified applicator exams you will need to submit the "Application for Certified Applicator Exam and License form found here or by applying online (here)***Please Note*** No EXAM FEES need to be included with this application; Metro will collect the fees for the examinations. However, the $125.00 licensing fee will be due, unless paid on a previous application. Once processed, you will be sent correspondence by mail from TDA either requesting further information or advising you of your eligibility and giving you instructions on scheduling the exams. 

 

As a reminder, all applicants for Certified Applicator are required to take the General Exam as well as one category and pass with 70% or more correct to become licensed. Category exams taken at the Technician level do not transfer to the Certified Applicator and must be taken at the Certified Applicator level.

Currently licensed as a Certified Applicator wishing to add a category:

If you are currently licensed as a Certified Applicator and are either currently working for a business or your license is “Inactive” you may contact Metro to schedule an exam.  Your unique ID or approval number will be your Certified Applicator license number (be sure to include the leading zero).  Scheduling exams with Metro can be completed at their website, www.Metrosignup.com. See the Metro Bulletin for help creating your Metro online account.


Eligibility Requirements for license as a Certified Applicator:
 


If you are not currently licensed as a technician with SPCS, you will need to submit documentation verifying your eligibility for a certified applicator license.  Methods of eligibility and required documentation are as follows:

  • 2 year or 4 year degree in a biological science:
    Official Transcripts  (Acceptable degrees include agronomy; entomology; animal science; landscape architecture; forestry; agricultural science; biology; chemistry; environmental science; horticulture)

     
  • Previous CA licensee in Texas:
    Record of your license must be on file with the department.

     
  • Technician or applicator license in another state in the past twelve out of twenty-four months:
    Letter of license verification from the issuing state.
       
  • Hardship:
    Copy of correspondence from department granting hardship.

 

 

 

 
Note: Structural Fumigation Exams - Certified Applicators testing in structural fumigation must submit their 40 hours of training to eligibility@texasagriculture.gov for prequalification. Once training is approved you will be sent an eligibility letter that will allow you to schedule the Structural Fumigation exam with METRO.

Inclement Weather Closure for Exams
TDA’s exam vendor METRO Institute is the best resource to determine which facilities are open or closed due to inclement weather. Metro will attempt to contact examinees if their testing site is closed due to inclement weather.