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 get certified

If you are a new applicator or if your certification has expired, you must take the exam to become certified.

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 exam online.

How to recertify

If your certification has not yet expired, choose one of the following recertification options:

• Complete a mail-in exam,
• Take an online exam, or
• Attend an in-person or Zoom workshop offered in January or February.

Each option costs $100.

If your certification has expired, you must complete the mail-in or online exam.

Workshop registration

• You must register online for recertification workshops to pay by credit card.
• You may register and pay by check on the day of a workshop. We cannot take cash payments.
• Look for workshop dates and registration information on this page in mid-December.

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 and is offered in English.

The exam is required for initial certification or if your certification has expired. The exam has 50 questions and is offered in English. You may recertify by exam instead of attending a workshop or taking the self-paced course. 

• 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 up to three times in one calendar year. If you fail the exam three times, try again next year.
• Review the study manual and answer the questions based on it.

If you have any questions about making a second or third attempt on the exam, please email [email protected].

Mail-in exam

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. No exceptions.

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

Online exam

Exam registration begins on January 5, 2026. The online exam deadline is midnight, October 31. All online exam attempts must be completed before the system closes on this deadline.

New this year

The online exam is now proctored using the Honorlock system. 

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 ensure that all exams are taken under the same fair conditions under the new EPA certification rules that took effect in 2024.

Fee: $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 the self-paced course or workshop, 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 allow the use of iPads, other tablets, 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.

Proctoring rules and requirements

• You must have a copy of a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport).
• No one other than the verified test taker may access the computer at any time during the exam.
• Allowed:
  • 19th Edition Study Manual (online or printed copy)
  • Calculator (built in Honorlock or your own calculator)
  • Restroom breaks, headphones, hats

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.

Need to retake or work on your unfinished exam?

To access the online exam you registered for, log in to Canvas using the email address (Internet ID) and password you used for registration.

Every 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

• Mail-in Exam: After your exam has been scored, you will be mailed a receipt confirming your check has been processed and whether you have passed or failed. If you have passed, this receipt can be used to purchase RUPs before receiving your MDA certification card.
• Online Exam: After you have passed the exam, you will be able to view and print your temporary certificate in Canvas. 

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

Registration

• 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.
• Watch our registration help videos and reset your UMN guest account before starting your registration.
• Have your Private Pesticide Applicator Certification Number ready for registration. If you don’t have your certification card, 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 “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.

Need help?

• For all account or login-related issues, please contact the University’s helpdesk at 612-301-4357.
• For any other registration questions, please contact us at 612-626-2219 or [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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 also can 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.

Please read carefully. There are no exceptions to these policies.

1. When you register, you must use your name and your contact information, including your personal email address to receive credit.
2. To transfer to a different workshop, you must request this change BEFORE the registration deadline.
3. 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.
4. There is no refund if you cancel after the registration deadline.
5. There is no refund if you register incorrectly.

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 help you.

Password and Guest Account how-to video (English):

Registration step-by-step how-to video (English):

Or download the step-by-step registration guide (PDF).

Need more help?

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

For registration-related customer service, please contact Extension Registration at [email protected] or see below for phone registration options.

Recertification workshop registration opens January 5, 2026

• Workshop fee: $100
• Online registration: Optional, payable by credit card; includes workshop updates. Advance online registration is required for Zoom workshops.
• Walk-in registration: Available with payment by check only (payable to the University of Minnesota). Cash and credit cards are not accepted.
• Phone registration:
  • 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, 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 a credit card payment only—no checks or cash accepted.
• Requirements: Bring your applicator certification card and photo ID to the workshop. These are also required for Zoom workshops.

For help with the online registration process, see our videos under Registration help.

Before heading out to your workshop

A workshop may be cancelled or postponed due to facility issues, illness or bad weather. Before leaving for your workshop, check the following resources for last-minute cancellations or updates.

• Check for updates on the list of workshops. Cancellations and postponements will be posted. If you registered online, check your email for a cancellation notice and don’t forget to check your spam or junk folders, too!
• Contact the Farm Information Line at 800-232-9077 or [email protected].
• We also post updates on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

2026 workshops

Online registration closes three days before a scheduled workshop. For Monday workshops, registration closes on the Thursday before.  

To register in advance for a workshop, click the Registration Link in the workshop chart. Workshops are listed by region. After the online registration deadline, the link will be removed.

If you cannot register online, you can register and pay in person on the day of the workshop.

If you know your region, you can click on these links to go straight to the registration page with a list of available workshops:

• Register Southeast and South Central Region
• Register Northwest Region
• Register West Central Region
• Register Central Region
• Register Southwest Region
• Register Zoom Workshop

Use the scroll bar on the right side of the chart to find a workshop near you. 

View this spreadsheet in your browser.

Zoom webinar

The Crops focus Zoom webinar will be held on February 27, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration closes on February 24. Register for the Zoom webinar.

Technical requirements

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

• Download Zoom and test to make sure your device is compatible with Zoom.
• Use the Google Chrome internet browser. Download Chrome for free.
• Watch the Zoom demo video. (Is Zoom a good fit for you?)
• Zoom participant guide (Learn more about using Zoom)
• Participants must interact with the presentations to be counted as present.
• A few days before your scheduled Zoom workshop, you will receive an email with the Zoom link, agenda, handouts, and instructions on how to join.

Online registration tips

• You must use your own email address to register.
  • DO NOT USE someone else’s email address. If you use someone else’s email address, you won’t be certified.
  • There is no refund for registering incorrectly.
  • Workshop information is sent to the email used in registration.
  • If you have an existing UMN guest account, you must change your password before registering.
• Watch our Guest Account and Registration Help videos or view the Registration Step-by-Step Guide for additional help.
• Have your Private Pesticide Applicator certification number ready for registration.
  • Do not use someone else’s certification number.
  • If you have lost your registration card,  get your certification number from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website or call 651-201-6633.
• Review our cancellation, transfer and refund policies.

Online registration 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 your spam or junk folder if you did not receive it).

MDA requirements for workshop participation

• The Minnesota Department of Agriculture requires workshop participants to attend the entire workshop to receive credit for recertification.
• If you arrive at an in-person workshop or join a Zoom workshop more than 15 minutes late, you 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 recertification when purchasing restricted-use pesticides.

Please allow up to 60 days for your new certification card to arrive from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

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.

Private applicators can take the online self-paced course for recertification if their license has not expired. The self-paced course is available during January and February. Check back in mid-December for 2026 course options.

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.