Pesticide Private Applicator License
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Pesticide Private Applicator License

A private pesticide applicator is someone who uses or supervises the use of restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides or regulated herbicides to produce an agricultural commodity on:

  • Personally owned property;
  • Rented property;
  • Property owned by his or her employer;
  • Property under his or her general control; or
  • The property of another person if applied without compensation, other than the trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities.

An agricultural commodity is a plant or animal grown for sale, lease, barter, feed or human consumption and animals raised for farm or ranch work. No license is required to apply general-use pesticides to produce agricultural commodities.

NEW LICENSING AND CONVENIENCE TESTING PROCEDURES!

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has contracted with PSI Services (PSI) to administer exams for agricultural pesticide applicator licensing. This is the same vendor that administers exams for structural pest control licensing. PSI has been providing credentialing and testing services to state and federal agencies, private sector businesses and professional associations for over 65 years. 

PSI will provide both excellent quality exam opportunities and a convenient schedule for pesticide applicators to test in 22 locations across the state. The schedule will provide more testing opportunities than previously offered. By outsourcing testing to a third-party vendor, the Department’s resources may be used in a more consistent and efficient manner.



Complete step-by-step procedures to obtain a private pesticide applicator license.



Recertification Requirements

Licensed private applicators are required to recertify every five years by obtaining 15 continuing education credits, including two (2) credits in laws and regulations and two (2) credits in integrated pest management (IPM), prior to expiration of the license. Contact TDA for a list of approved courses. A list of courses is also available on TDA's web site.

Recertification Exam

Private applicators may earn the required credits by passing the 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.



Change of Information

The Texas Administrative Code (rule 7.20) requires all licensees to notify the department within 30 days of any change in the information provided as part of the application for a license. Licensees must submit a change of information form that is signed. You can scan the signed form and email it to license.inquiry@TexasAgriculture.gov, faxed to 800-909-8534 or mail it to Texas Department of Agriculture, Licensing Division, P.O. Box 12847, Austin, TX 78711. This will ensure you receive licensing information from TDA.



Private Applicator Recordkeeping Requirements

Pesticide Applicator Recordkeeping Form  (a word version is also available on the forms page)