Private Pesticide Applicator Program 2026

If you plan to use a restricted use pesticide on land or sites for the production of agricultural commodities, reside in Minnesota, and your private pesticide applicator certification expires on March 1, 2026, it’s time to renew. Renewal provides a great opportunity to help you stay current on pesticide safety, application best practices, and the latest in integrated pest management. Certified Private Pesticide Applicators can recertify by attending an in-person workshop, online Zoom workshop, online self-paced Canvas course or successfully completing an online (proctored) or mail-in exam.
New applicators, or those with lapsed certifications, can only certify to be a Private Pesticide Applicator by taking and passing a Private Applicator exam. 

IN-PERSON RECERTIFICATION WORKSHOPS
In-person workshops cost $100 and take place at various locations in the state. Register online starting January 5, 2026. Online registration closes three days before the workshop. Benefits of online registration include electronic payment and workshop updates. Or register in person at the workshop
by check, payable to "University of Minnesota." Check-in starts 30 minutes prior to the workshop. BRING your private pesticide applicator certification card or number and a photo ID. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late or leave early, you won’t get recertification credit.  A full list of in person workshops can be found by visiting this site.

ONLINE SELF-PACED RECERTIFICATION COURSE
This recertification option provides convenience and flexibility to work through the course at your own pace. It’s hosted in Canvas, an online learning system. You must use a computer or tablet with speakers. There are two course options - Crops or Fruit & Vegetable. The cost is $100, and online
registration is required. Participants are required to complete all course material by February 28, 2026 to receive credit.  More information can be found here.

ONLINE EXAM (Proctored - New in 2026!)
The online exam is now proctored using a system called Honorlock. Proctoring means that when you begin your exam, the Honorlock software will use your computer webcam and microphone to take a recording of your session to ensure the exam is taken by the applicator without assistance from other individuals. This change is to maintain the security and integrity of the certification process and ensures that all exams are taken under the same fair conditions under the new EPA certification rules that took effect in 2024.
To learn more about the proctored online exam, go to pat.umn.edu for details on technology requirements and Honorlock rules to decide if the online exam is right for you.

MAIL-IN EXAM
Mail-in exams are available for pick-up at the County Extension Office. The mail-in exam costs $100, payable by check only to the University of Minnesota and include it when you mail your exam. Exams must be postmarked by October 31, 2026 for (re)certification credit. No more attempts can be made after this date.