Private pesticide applicators

Certification lasts for three years. You will be assigned your own applicator number when you first get certified. No one else can use your applicator number, including family members.

To check your certification number, status and expiration date, go to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Private Pesticide Applicator Search page. Or call the MDA at 651-201-6633.

How to become certified

If you are a new applicator or if your certification has expired, you must take the exam to become certified. There are two options for taking the exam:

1. Complete the mail-in exam. Private Pesticide Applicator study manuals (19th Edition; $10) and mail-in exams are available at most county Extension offices. Find your county Extension office.
2. Or you can complete the online exam.

How to recertify

You must recertify before March 1 of the year your license expires.

Recertification options include in-person workshops, an online self-paced course, Zoom workshops, and field days. Please see the sections below for more information regarding each recertification option.

The exam is required for initial certification or if your certification has expired.

• The exam has 50 questions and is offered in English.
• You can take the exam up to three times in one calendar year. If you fail the exam three times, you must wait until the next calendar year to re-test.
• All exam questions come from the Study Manual.
  • Exam registration begins on January 5, 2026. The online exam deadline is midnight on October 31. All online exam attempts must be completed before the system closes on this deadline.

New this year

Beginning in 2026, the online exam is now proctored using a program called Honorlock.

Proctoring means that when you begin your exam, the Honorlock program will use your computer’s webcam and microphone to take a recording of your testing 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 ensure that all exams are taken under the same fair conditions under the new EPA certification rules that took effect in 2024.

Cost

$120 ($100 for the course, plus an additional $20 Honorlock non-refundable fee.)

The fee includes three attempts to pass the exam in one calendar year. 

If you initially register to recertify through the online exam and decide to change your registration to another certification/recertification option, you will not be credited for Honorlock’s $20 fee.

Online exam requirements

• The exam requires a computer or laptop, a working webcam, a microphone, and speakers.
• Honorlock does not work on tablets (such as an iPad) or cell phones.
• You must use Google Chrome.
  • Download the Google Chrome web browser.
  • The exam will not work with any other internet browser.
• Honorlock will guide you through a setup to add its software as a Chrome extension at the start of your exam.
• Watch the 2026 Online Exam Video Tutorial for step-by-step guidance on how to use Honorlock.

Proctoring rules and requirements

Online proctoring recordings are reviewed to verify that the person taking the exam is the same individual who will be certified. We highly recommend a quiet, distraction-free space and completing the exam in one sitting. If your recording shows unexpected or suspicious activity, we may follow up for clarification after your exam has been submitted.

• You must have a copy of a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport).

• Allowed:

  • 19th Edition Study Manual (online or printed copy)
  • Calculator (built-in Honorlock or your own calculator)
  • Restroom breaks
  • Hats

• Not allowed:

  • Recording, capturing or copying any part of the exam
  • Keeping and sharing exam answers
  • Cell phones
  • Headphones
• More information on exam best practices and permissible activities can be found on our Online Exam FAQ page.
• If you need more support or special accommodations to take the online exam, please contact [email protected] or 612-626-2219.

Honorlock support

• All troubleshooting must be handled directly through Honorlock Support. Reach them by emailing [email protected] or by starting a chat session, either from within your exam or by visiting honorlock.com/support.
• Honorlock does not provide phone support. Due to the nature of the Honorlock software, UMN staff cannot offer assistance.

If you aren’t sure about downloading new software or recording yourself, please review the guidance document and video to see if this is something you feel comfortable doing before paying the registration fee.

• Watch our 5-minute video for an overview of the Honorlock program and what taking a proctored exam is like.

• Review our comprehensive guide to prepare your computer for the proctored online exam. 

Need to retake or work on your unfinished exam?

Once paid and registered for the exam, you can log in to Canvas using the email address (Internet ID) and password you used for registration. You can access the exam every time you log into Canvas.

Each time you work on the exam, you must go through the Honorlock ID verification. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to complete each exam attempt in one sitting.

Getting your temporary certificate

• After you have passed the exam, you will be able to view and print your temporary certificate in Canvas. Exam results are sent to the Deptartment of Agriculture weekly and are usually updated on their site weekly (Minnesota Department of Agriculture Private Pesticide Applicator Search page).

Please allow up to 60 days for your new card to arrive.

Register

Get help with registering for the course.

In 2026, mail-in test packets are available from most local county Extension offices. Please call ahead to check supplies and office hours.

All exams, including second and third attempts, must be mailed and postmarked by October 31.

Cost

$100, payable by check only to the University of Minnesota; include it when you mail your exam.

Beginning January 1, 2027

All exams will be proctored. If you do not wish to take the online exam, physical exams will be proctored in various locations throughout the year. Please check back in fall 2026 for more information.

19th Edition Private Pesticide Applicator Study Manual

The 19th edition is the study manual to use to prepare for the exam. Older versions of the manual do not include all topics and materials covered by the exam. You may download the manual for free or buy printed copies.

Download the manual by chapter

• Introduction and table of contents
• 1. Integrated pest management
• 2. Pesticide laws
• 3. The pesticide label
• 4. Pesticide formulations
• 5. Protecting the environment
• 6. Health and safety
• 7. Safe handling: the application process
• 8. Personal protective equipment
• 9. Pesticide application procedures and equipment
• Appendix A: Pesticide toxicities
• Appendix B: Glossary
• Appendix C: Conversions and calculations

Where to buy a printed manual

• View and order manuals from Gleason Printing.
• If you can't order online, call 952-925-1345 to order manuals over the phone and pay by credit or debit card.
• Or download and print this order form and mail it in with your check.
• Questions about ordering from Gleason Printing? Email [email protected] or call 952-925-1345.
• You can also buy the manual at your local county Extension office (call ahead to make sure they have them).

Fumigation manuals

• For Private Soil Fumigation endorsement, buy the new Soil fumigation manual (Category O) from Gleason Printing.
• For the Private Stored Grain and Fumigation endorsement, buy the Stored grain and fumigation manual (Category N) from Gleason Printing.

Aerial manual

For Private Aerial endorsement, buy the Aerial Pesticide Applicator's Training manual (Category B) from Gleason Printing.

Recertification workshops have concluded for 2026. Check back in mid-December for 2027 recertification options. 

The online self-paced course will be offered in fall 2026 and January-February 2027. Check back in September for registration options.

Getting your temporary certificate

An email confirmation for course completion is sent within a few hours of finishing the course. This can be used as temporary proof of recertification when purchasing restricted-use pesticides. Please allow up to 60 days to receive your new certification card from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Online or mail-in exams are required for all new private applicators or for applicators with a lapsed license.

Field days are hands-on workshops held in the summer. Attending a field day might fulfill your recertification requirements for the year following the workshop.

• Qualifying private pesticide applicators may attend a field day to fulfill their recertification requirements.
• Attending a field day counts the same as attending a workshop or taking the exam.
• Information about field days will be posted here when it is available.

To register:

• Use your own email address to register.
  • Using someone else’s email address or a new email address if you forgot your login information, can cause a delay in getting your license.
  • Registration information and exam access are sent to the email address you use when you register.
• At the end of the registration process, your receipt will be displayed on the screen. Click “Receipt Notes” to view the link to your exam. The link is also provided in your University of Minnesota confirmation email for future exam access (do not delete the email). Please check your junk or spam email if you can’t find it.

If you are having issues with setting up and maintaining a guest account for registration, please refer to the references below.

• Password and Guest Account how-to video
• Registration step-by-step how-to video
• Download the step-by-step registration guide

To register for an in-person workshop or field day over the phone:

• Fill out a request form to have someone call you to help you register, or
• Call our voicemail line at 612-626-5174 and leave a message at least two weeks before your workshop.
  • Provide your name, a phone number where you can be reached, the course name (PPAT), and your preferred workshop date and location.
  • Someone will contact you within three business days.
• You are not registered until you speak with staff and complete the registration process.
• Phone registration requires credit card payment; no checks or cash accepted.
• You cannot register by phone for the online exam or self-paced course.

Need more help?

For all account and login-related issues, please contact the University’s Helpdesk at 612-301-4357.

Please read carefully.

• When you register, you must use your name and your contact information, including your personal email address, to receive credit.
• To transfer to a different workshop, you must request this change before the registration deadline. Please call 612-626-2219 or email [email protected] to start the process. 
• To cancel your registration, you must cancel before the registration deadline to receive a partial refund. There is a $30 cancellation fee, even if requested before the registration deadline. Please call 612-626-2219 or email [email protected] to start the process. 
• There is no refund if you cancel after the registration deadline.
• There is no refund if you register incorrectly.

What is an Endorsement?

Endorsement categories are available for current private pesticide applicators who need to make restricted-use pesticide applications using aerial (fixed-wing, rotor, or drone) or fumigation (soil or non-soil) methods.

Applicators must be at least 18 years old and comply with specified safety practices.

How to get a Private Pesticide Applicator Endorsement

To get an endorsement for aerial application or fumigation, you must have a Private Pesticide Applicator Certification.

To add an endorsement to your certification:

• Apply with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to add the appropriate endorsement category to your license (you’ll be charged a $5 fee for a new certification card).
• Schedule an exam with an approved testing partner; a proctor must oversee the test.
  • Exam study materials are available through the University of Minnesota Extension Pesticide Manual Store.
  • You must pass a closed-book, proctored exam based on the manual for the endorsement.
  • You must get a score of 70% or higher.
• You can verify your endorsement using the Private Applicator Look-up tool.
• To maintain your endorsement, you must retest or recertify every three years in your endorsement category (General Aerial, Non-soil Fumigation, or Soil Fumigation) when you recertify your private pesticide applicator certification.

General Aerial Endorsement

To get a private pesticide Applicator General Aerial Endorsement, you must apply to add Category B: General Aerial to your certification. This endorsement is required for individuals applying pesticides via aerial methods using UAVs or aircraft (fixed-wing, rotor, or drone).

After successfully passing the required exam, you can verify your endorsement and make sure you’ve complied with all the necessary regulations.

Additional regulations:

• Register your UAV with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• Register your UAV with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) after receiving FAA registration.
• Get the necessary FAA certifications:
  • Part 107 Certification: Required for commercial UAV pilots operating UAVs under 55 pounds, and
  • Part 137 Certification: Required for UAVs used in agricultural pesticide applications.
• If you plan to offer UAV pesticide application as a business, you must apply for a Commercial Operations License from MnDOT. This requires proof of financial responsibility that meets MDA’s commercial pesticide applicator license requirements. 

For additional details, see Private Applicator General Aerial Endorsement Program (MDA).

Fumigation Endorsement

To get a Fumigation Endorsement, you must apply to add either Category N: Non-soil Fumigation or Category O: Soil Fumigation. These endorsements are required for individuals applying pesticides in fumigation settings.

Once you pass the exam, confirm your endorsement and comply with state regulations. More information is available on the Private Applicator Fumigation Endorsement Program page.

Additional steps for private applicators seeking commercial licensing

Private applicators considering a commercial applicator license for any of these endorsements must complete additional requirements. For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator Licensing web page.

Where to get more information

• UMN Extension PSEE Private Pesticide Applicator testing and certification, 763-260-4423, [email protected]
• UMN Extension PSEE Commercial/Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator recertification, 612-626-2237, [email protected]
• MDA Pesticide Licensing, 651-201-6615, [email protected]
• MDA Pesticide Testing, 651-201-6633, [email protected] 

All information provided regarding FAA, MnDOT, and MDA requirements is for informational purposes only. Contact the FAA, MnDOT, or MDA for exact guidance on their regulations. This information is current as of April 10, 2025.