Private pesticide applicators

Certification lasts for three years. To check your certification number, status and expiration date, go to the MDA Private Pesticide Applicator Search page. Or call the MDA at 651-201-6633.

How to get certified

New applicators or those whose certification has lapsed (not currently certified), must take the exam to become certified.

1. Complete the exam as a home study course. Private Pesticide Applicator study manuals (19th Edition; $10) and mail-in exams are available at most county Extension offices, or
2. Complete the exam online.

Recertify

For applicators whose certification has not yet expired, we offer three recertification options. Each option has the same fee of $75. Choose the format that works best for you and your schedule. 

1. Attend a workshop offered in January and February.
2. Self-paced Canvas course to be completed online at your own pace in January through February.
3. Take the exam. You can mail in your exam after completing the home study course, or take the exam online. Mail-in exams and the Private Pesticide Applicator study manuals (19th Edition: $10) are available at most county Extension offices. The manual is also available to download for free.

The exam is required for initial certification or if your certification has expired. You may recertify by exam instead of attending a workshop. The exam has 50 questions.

2022 exam deadline

• Online exam deadline: midnight, October 31, 2022. All online exam attempts must be completed before the system closes on this deadline.
• Mail-in exam deadline: October 31, 2022. All exams, including second and third attempts, must be mailed and postmarked by this date. No exceptions.

Online exam

Computer requirements

• Use your own email address to register
  • DO NOT USE someone else's email address. If you use someone else's email address, the certification won't be issued in your name and you will need to register, pay and retake the exam to become certified.
  • Registration information and exam access are sent to the email address you use when you register.

• Browser
  • To take this exam you must use Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari.
  • The exam will not work with Internet Explorer. Download and use another web browser to access the exam.
    • Download the Google Chrome web browser.
    • Download the Firefox web browser.
    • Safari, which comes with all Apple products, should work as well.

The exam has a new look. See the private pesticide applicator online exam guide for instructions on how to take the exam.

Fee

$75, payable by credit card

The fee includes three attempts to pass the exam in one calendar year. Once you pay for the online exam, you cannot switch to any other exam or course without paying again.

Register for the online exam

• Watch our videos under Registration Help and reset your UMN guest account before starting your registration.
• Have your Private Pesticide Applicator Certification Number ready for registration. If you have misplaced your certification card you may get your certification number from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website or call 651-201-6633.
• Review our cancellation, transfer, and refund policies. 

At the end of the registration process, your receipt will be displayed on the screen. Click on “Receipt Notes” and the link to your exam will be available. 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.

Register here

Need help?

• For all account or login-related issues, please contact the University’s helpdesk at 612-301-4357.
• For any other questions regarding the registration, please contact us at 763-767-3840 or ppathelp@umn.edu. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

About the exam

You need an 80 percent score or better to pass the exam.

• If you scored at least 80 percent (40+ points), do not retake the exam. If you do, you will not receive your certification.
• You can take the exam three times in one calendar year. If you fail the exam three times, try again next year.
• Review the study manual and answer questions based on the manual.
• The exam will automatically save your answers to each question. There is no “Save” button in the exam.
• You will not see how you answered the questions in previous exam attempts.

If you have any questions about making a second or third attempt on the exam please email ppathelp@umn.edu.

Need to retake or work on your unfinished exam?

To access the online courses you have registered for, visit canvas.umn.edu. Log in to Canvas using the email address (Internet ID) and password used for registration.

Getting your temporary certificate

After you have successfully completed the exam, you will be able to view and print your temporary certificate in Canvas. The certificate can be used to purchase restricted use pesticides before receiving your permanent private pesticide certification card from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Please allow up to 60 days to receive your new card.

Mail-in exam

Mail-in test packets are available from most local county Extension offices. Please call ahead to check supplies and office hours. Mail-in tests must be received before October 31, 2022.

19th Edition Private Pesticide Applicator Study Manual

The 19th edition is the study manual to use to prepare for the exam. Make sure the study manual you use says “19th edition.” Older versions of the manuals do not include all topics and materials covered by the exam. You may download the manual for free or purchase printed copies.

Download the manual chapters

• 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

Purchase a printed manual

Printed study manuals are available at

• University of Minnesota Bookstores.
  • To purchase in-store, please call ahead to the Coffman Memorial Union Bookstore or St. Paul Student Center Bookstore to be sure the study manual is in stock.
  • Call 612-301-3989 to place your order with a credit card.
• Download an order form to mail your order.
• Purchase at your local county Extension office (call ahead to make sure they have them).

Fumigation manuals

• For private soil fumigation endorsement purchase the new soil fumigation manual (Category O) from the U of M Bookstores.
• For the Private stored grain and Fumigation endorsement, purchase stored grain and fumigation manual (Category N) from the U of M Bookstores.

Applicators can take the self-paced recertification course if their license has not expired and has an expiration date of March 1, 2022.

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

Registration deadline

Registration closes 11:59 p.m. on February 24, 2022.

Course completion deadline

You must complete 100% of the course by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 28, 2022, to receive recertification credit. There are no extensions or exceptions.

Computer requirements

• Use your own email address to register
  • DO NOT USE someone else's email address. If you use someone else's email, the certification won't be issued in your name and you will need to register, pay and complete the course again to become certified.
  • Course access is sent to the email used in registration.
• Browser — Use Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari (do not use Internet Explorer).
  • Download the Google Chrome web browser.
  • Download the Firefox web browser.

Get the Course Help Guide here.

Cost

$75, payable by credit card.

Register for the self-paced course

• Choose one of two options: Ag Crops or Fruits and Vegetables.
• Watch our videos under Registration Help and reset your UMN guest account before you start your registration.
• Have your Private Pesticide Applicator Certification Number ready for registration. If you have misplaced your certification card you may get your certification number from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website or call 651-201-6633.
• Review our cancellation, transfer, and refund policies.

Register here

Accessing the course link

• Click “Receipt Notes” from the registration receipt screen.
• Link and receipt notes can also be found in your University of Minnesota confirmation email (check spam or junk folder if you did not receive it).
• Visit canvas.umn.edu. Log in using the email address (Internet ID) and password used for registration.

Need help?

• For all account and login-related issues, please contact the University’s Helpdesk at 612-301-4357.
• For any other questions regarding registration, please contact us at 763-767-3840 or ppathelp@umn.edu, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Getting your temporary certificate

After you have successfully completed the self-paced course, you will be able to view and print your temporary certificate in Canvas to purchase restricted use pesticides before receiving your permanent private pesticide certification card from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Please allow up to 60 days to receive your new card.

Recertification workshops

You can attend a 2022 recertification workshop if your applicator license has not expired and has an expiration date of March 1, 2022. Recertification workshops are held in January and February.

Online or mail-in exams are required for all new private applicators, for those who missed a workshop, or for applicators with a lapsed license.

• Workshops may be held in different locations than in past years.
• Workshops last approximately three and a half hours.
• New! Registration is available online and preferred for all in-person workshops, payable by credit card.
• You must register to attend a Zoom workshop.
• Cost: $75

Register for a workshop

• Use your own email address to register
  • DO NOT USE someone else’s email address. If you use someone else’s email address the certification won’t be issued in your name and you will need to register, pay, and complete the workshop again to become certified.
  • Workshop information is sent to the email used in registration.
• Watch our videos under Registration Help and reset your UMN guest account before you start your registration.
• Have your Private Pesticide Applicator Certification Number ready for registration. If you have misplaced your certification card you may get your certification number from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website or call 651-201-6633.
• Review our cancellation, transfer, and refund policies.
• Find and register for a workshop in the table below.

Online registration deadline

• Three days before a scheduled workshop.
• Walk-ins are welcomed for in-person workshops if space permits. Payment will be accepted by check only.

Computer requirements for Zoom workshops only

You will need access to a reliable and stable internet-connected device such as a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet. Your device must have a microphone, speaker, and built-in camera or external webcam.

• Download Zoom and test to make sure your device is Zoom compatible.
• Use Google Chrome internet browser. Free download available.
• Zoom Demo Help Video (is Zoom a good fit for you?)
• Zoom Participant Guide (learn more about Zoom)
• During the workshop, you will be required to interact with the presentations on your device. All participants must respond to at least 80% of the questions during the workshop to be counted as “present.”
• 2 or 3 days prior to your scheduled Zoom workshop, you will receive an email with the Zoom link, agenda, handouts, and additional information on how to join the workshop.

Register for a Zoom workshop

Course confirmation

• Click on “Receipt Notes” on the registration screen for important workshop information.
• Receipt notes can also be found in your University of Minnesota confirmation email (check spam or junk folder if you did not receive it).

Need help?

• For all account and login-related issues, please contact the University’s Helpdesk at 612-301-4357.
• For any other questions regarding registration, please contact us at 763-767-3840 or ppathelp@umn.edu, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MDA requirements for participation

• The Minnesota Department of Agriculture requires workshop participants to attend the entire workshop to receive credit for recertification.
• Anyone who arrives at an in-person workshop or joins a Zoom workshop more than 15 minutes late will not receive recertification credit — no exceptions.

Getting your temporary certificate

A receipt will be mailed to you approximately two weeks after the workshop and can be used as temporary proof of workshop completion for 2022 recertification when purchasing restricted-use pesticides. Please allow up to 60 days to receive your permanent new card from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Please note that our cancellation and refund policies have changed. We cannot make exceptions to these policies.

1. When you register, you must use the name and contact information, including email address, for the APPLICATOR RECEIVING credit.
2. If you wish to transfer to another in-person workshop, Zoom workshop or self-paced course, you must request this change BEFORE the registration deadline.
3. If you wish to cancel your registration, you must do so prior to the registration deadline to receive a partial refund. Cancellations will incur a $30 administration fee even if requested prior to the registration deadline. Cancellations after the registration deadline are not available for refund.

Setting up and maintaining an existing guest account when registering can be confusing. Before registering for a course, we encourage you to use the references below to assist in that process.

Password and Guest Account how-to video:

Registration step-by-step how-to video:

Or download the Registration step-by-step downloadable guide.

For all login and guest account-related questions, please call the University of Minnesota Technology Help Desk at 612-301-4357.

Dicamba training

In order to comply with Minnesota Pesticide Control Law, Minnesota certified applicators must complete special product label-required training for the following dicamba products:

• XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology by Bayer (EPA Reg. No. 264-1210)
• Engenia by BASF (EPA Reg. No. 7969-472)
• Tavium Plus VaporGrip Technology by Syngenta (EPA Reg. No. 100-1623)

For more information:

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture information on dicamba
• Current dicamba label-required training opportunities with the Minnesota Crop Production Retailers

Paraquat dichloride training

See the EPA website for information on paraquat dichloride training.

Many pesticide products on the market require a respirator for safe use. In order to safely wear a respirator and comply with the Worker Protection Standard, you must be medically cleared and fit tested. Check with your local clinic about both of these procedures. If your clinic does not offer these services, the following options are available: 

Online medical clearance options

• Resptest
• 3M Online Respirator Medical Evaluation
• Respclearance.com

Fit testing

The map below shows places around the state that offer fit testing. Some are small businesses, others include clinics and co-ops. Some of these fit testing sites require you to bring a respirator and others have samples to try. Click on each site on the map for details. 

Learn more about respirators

• Four steps to choosing the right respirator and wearing it safely

• Respiratory Protection for Occupational Users of Pesticides - Rutgers
• Pesticide Worker Protection Standard “How to Comply” Manual - EPA
• WPS Respiratory Protection Guide: Requirements for Employers of Pesticide Handlers - Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative