E-communications from the Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education program may include workshop updates, newsletter, applicator licensing information, registration deadlines, or other pesticide safety news and event information.
Pesticide safety licensing, certification and resources
We provide pesticide education and resources for certified and licensed applicators, those seeking certification, and other professionals needing related training.
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Licensing questions?
Pesticide applicator licenses and certification cards are issued through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). Contact them:
- [email protected] (email is preferred)
- 651-201-6633
Certification and licensing requirements
Commercial, Noncommercial and Structural applicators
Commercial pesticide applicator licenses are for anyone who applies any pesticide “for hire.” For hire means you charge or invoice for the service.
Noncommercial licenses are for all pesticide applicators that apply Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) as part of their job on property owned or controlled by their employer, or for two or more governmental units sharing resources through a joint powers agreement. Any pesticide application to a golf course (RUP or general use) must be performed by a licensed applicator.
Structural pest control applicator licenses are for applicators who apply pesticides in, on, under or around structures.
Private applicators
Private applicators apply pesticides to land or sites they own, rent, or manage for the production of an agricultural commodity. Typically, farmers and their families who apply Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) to their land can apply for a Private Certification.
Definitions
Certifying for Commercial, Noncommercial and Structural applicators: Taking and passing the exams that measure competency in specific use categories that meet federal and state eligibility requirements, and completing the licensing process through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).
Certifying for Private applicators: Taking and passing an exam(s) that measures competency in specific use categories that meet federal and state eligibility requirements. University of Minnesota Extension administers this exam in our state.
Recertifying: You can either take a test or attend a recertification workshop to recertify.
Renewing for Commercial, Noncommercial and Structural applicators: You must renew by the expiration date on your pesticide applicator license.
Commercial/noncommercial and structural applicators
Certification exams are administered and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and are available in English. You must pass the exam to get a license. Learn more about exams from the MDA.
Private applicators
The Private Pesticide Applicator Certification exam is required for initial certification or if your private applicator certification has expired. Find out more about exams for private applicators.
Commercial, noncommercial and structural applicators
- 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.
You will need both the A-1 and A-2 manuals.
- (A-1) National Pesticide Applicator Core Manual, 2nd edition, 2014
- (A-2) Minnesota Laws & Regulations Manual, 3rd Edition (2023)
- You will also need the manuals for the specific categories in which you want to be licensed to prepare for the Core Exam. To find the category you need, visit the MDA webpage to determine your license type.
- Questions about which manual(s) you need? Email the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at [email protected] (preferred) or call 651-201-6615.
- Or contact the PSEE team at [email protected] or 612-626-2236 for help.
- Questions about ordering from Gleason Printing? Email [email protected] or call 952-925-1345.
Note: Gleason Printing cannot help you with pesticide certification. If you do not know which study manual(s) you need, please visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website or contact the MDA for guidance.
Private applicators
See information about Private applicator study manuals on the private applicator's page.
Pesticide applicator core training video series
The University of Minnesota Extension Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education (PSEE) program has developed a new three-part "Apply It Right" video series to enhance pesticide applicator training. The videos demonstrate core skills essential for both new and experienced pesticide applicators to use pesticides safely and effectively.
The series includes:
- Mix It Right: Product Measurement and Tank Mixing – Demonstrates accurate measuring, proper mixing order, and safe handling practices.
- Spray It Right: Calibrate Before Applying – Covers calibration techniques to ensure correct application rates.
- Clean It Right: Tank and Equipment Cleanup and Rinsate Management – Highlights safe and effective cleanout procedures.
Each video emphasizes safety, label compliance, and best management practices while using real-world demonstrations with equipment and applicators in field settings. View them now on our PSEE YouTube Channel under the "Apply It Right" series.
Worker Protection Standard
Respirator safety
Many pesticide products on the market require the use of a respirator for user safety. To safely wear a respirator and comply with the pesticide label and the Worker Protection Standard, you must be medically cleared and fit tested. Check with your local clinic about both procedures. If your clinic does not offer these services, here are online sites where you can complete a medical evaluation without visiting a medical professional in person. Sites may charge a fee for their services.
Online medical clearance options
- Resptest
- 3M Online Respirator Medical Evaluation
- Respclearance.com
- Or print a medical evaluation form (English) and bring it to a medical provider for review.
Learn more about respirators and how to use them
- Worker Protection Standard Respiratory Protection Guide
- WPS Respiratory Protection Guide: Requirements for Employers of Pesticide Handlers - Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative
- Ag Health and Safety Alliance Respirator Resources
- 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
Pesticide label changes and the Endangered Species Act
Applicators can expect to see new sections on pesticide labels stating Endangered Species Act requirements. These label requirements may include one or more of the following: mandatory spray drift management, mandatory runoff mitigation, and checking for Endangered Species Protection Bulletins. Pesticide labels with an endangered species statement will require users of the product to visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Bulletins Live!
For more information, please visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture site.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Over-the-top dicamba use is registered for 2026 on dicamba-tolerant soybeans
Over-the-top dicamba use returns to Minnesota for the 2026 season. On February 6, the EPA approved the federal registrations for the following dicamba products Engenia® Herbicide (EPA Reg. No: 7969-507), Stryax™ with VaporGrip® Technology (EPA Reg. No: 264-1241), and Tavium® Plus VaporGrip® Technology (EPA Reg. No: 100-1753).
The new registrations are for over-the-top (OTT) use on dicamba-tolerant (DT) soybeans for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons. New mitigation measures are required for use to reduce drift, minimize volatility, and protect the environment. As in previous years, state-specific restrictions will be in place for OTT applications of dicamba in Minnesota.
The three OTT dicamba products, Engenia®, Stryax™ and Tavium®, include the following state-specific restrictions on the product labels:
- Cutoff date: Do not apply south of Interstate 94 after June 12. Do not apply north of Interstate 94 after June 30.
- Cutoff temperature for the entire state: Do not apply if the air temperature of the field at the time of application is over 85 degrees Fahrenheit or if the National Weather Service’s forecasted high temperature for the nearest available location for the day exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The forecasted temperature must be recorded at the start of the application.
These federal registrations are valid until Feb. 6, 2028. Use restrictions will be promoted through the mandatory annual dicamba-specific training provided by the manufacturers. Compliance with Minnesota-specific restrictions and other restrictions listed on the product label is mandatory.
For more information, visit Minnesota Department of Agriculture: Over-the-Top Dicamba.
If you are planning to use one of the restricted-use dicamba products, licensed applicators must complete annual training specific to OTT dicamba use offered by dicamba registrants, keeping users informed of label requirements, best practices and environmental protection guidelines. Licensed applicators also must follow the requirements of the Minnesota Pesticide Control Law.
Other important restrictions
- A maximum of two applications of 0.5 pounds of dicamba acid equivalent per acre may be made annually, for a maximum of 1.0 pound per acre of all dicamba products annually.
- Requiring both an approved drift reduction agent (DRA) and a pH buffering volatility reducing agent (VRA) to be tank mixed with the dicamba products before any over-the-top (post-emergence) application.
- Requiring a 240-foot downwind buffer between the last treated row and the nearest downwind field/area edge.
- Growth-stage-specific restrictions:
- Tavium® application is prohibited after the V4 growth stage.
- Stryax™ application is prohibited after the R1 growth stage.
- Growers must achieve three runoff/erosion mitigation points from the Environmental Protection Agency’s certified conservation practices, US EPA: Mitigation Menu , on each treated field to protect endangered and threatened species. In geographically specific pesticide use limitation areas (PULAs), identified through Bulletin's Live Two, especially vulnerable species require additional safeguards, and six mitigation points will be required. These practices, such as vegetative buffers, contour farming, and cover crops, physically prevent dicamba from moving off-field in runoff or eroded soil, protecting waterways and habitats (for more information, see Minnesota Department of Agriculture: Pesticides and the Endangered Species Act).
Additional information on state-specific restrictions and OTT dicamba can be found on the MDA’s website.
This information is current as of March 10, 2026, and may be subject to change as new updates from the EPA become available. For the most current information, please check the EPA or MDA websites for up-to-date information.
Always consult and follow the product label before use.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Paraquat Dichloride training for certified applicators
The PSEE team
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The PSEE team believes that quality education and responsible management of pests and pesticides are essential to public health, safety, and environmental protection.
We partner with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to provide workshops and other support for private, commercial/noncommercial, and structural applicators that meet the requirements of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Minnesota Pesticide Control Statutes.
We provide education and leadership for anyone who uses pesticides on farms, in buildings, for the management of natural resources and landscapes, and at home. We focus on topics related to safety, health, security, and environmental protection using integrated pest management (IPM) and occupational safety frameworks with substantial economic and quality-of-life impacts.
Linda Johns, associate director
Linda directs the UMN Extension PSEE programs for the state of Minnesota. She is dedicated to working closely with Extension faculty and administration to strategically integrate educational efforts.
Rebecca Bryan, program coordinator
Rebecca creates documents and develops applicator study manuals for both the private applicator and commercial-noncommercial programs. She holds degrees in wildlife biology and environmental education and has experience explaining environmental regulations and creating environmental educational programs.
Jolene Warnke, commercial and noncommercial program manager
Jolene holds degrees in environmental science and teaching with graduate work in agriculture and natural sciences. She coordinates with academic, government, and industry professionals to develop educational materials and curricula. She also facilitates pesticide safety certification and recertification training events for commercial and noncommercial applicators throughout Minnesota.
Tana Haugen-Brown, private applicator program manager
Tana holds a degree in Agricultural Education with graduate work in education, with an emphasis on environmental education. As an Extension educator working with the PSEE program, she develops educational materials and curricula and provides leadership for the private pesticide applicator program. Her focus is on working with and educating local producers to become certified or recertified.
Gabrielle Rovegno, private applicator certification manager
Gabrielle holds degrees in soil science and agricultural education. She manages exam proctoring, certification registration, and data for private applicators.
Commercial, noncommercial (CNC)
Jolene Warnke, Extension educator and program manager
[email protected]
612-626-2232 or 763-310-1676
Private applicator (PPAT)
Tana Haugen-Brown, Extension educator and co-coordinator
[email protected]
612-626-2246
Gabrielle Rovegno, Certification manager
PPAT general information
[email protected]
612-626 - 2219
Weather cancellations (PPAT workshops only)
Contact the Farm Information Line
1-800-232-9077 or [email protected]
Structural, stored grain and fumigation, and food processing certification
Stephen Kells, Extension entomologist
[email protected]
612-625-4798
Study manual and resource development
Rebecca Bryan, program coordinator
[email protected]
612-626-2236
Associate director
Linda Johns
[email protected]
612-626-2213
Minnesota licensing
Contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 651-201-6615 or [email protected] (email is preferred).
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