MN Pesticide Applicator
Minnesota Pesticide Applicator License Exam
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Minnesota Pesticide Applicator License is issued by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to people who apply pesticides in the state. Pesticides include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and other products intended to prevent, destroy, repel or mitigate a pest, plus substances used as plant regulators, defoliants or desiccants. The MDA issues licenses to Commercial and Noncommercial Pesticide Applicators and to Structural Pest Control Applicators; private applicators, typically farmers, follow a separate path. Commercial applicators make applications for hire, where customers are billed or invoiced. Noncommercial applicators apply Restricted Use Pesticides as part of their job on property owned or controlled by the employer, or for two or more governmental units sharing resources through a joint powers agreement. Structural applicators work in, on or around structures. The MDA administers closed-book, monitored exams as part of certification. The initial certification exam measures competency in specific use categories and determines eligibility for a license. Licenses are issued to applicators who pass the Core Exam (Category A) plus at least one additional exam category. Aerial applicators must pass Core (Category A), Aerial (Category B) and at least one other category. To prepare, confirm your license type, review the testing steps, pay the license fee and ACRRA surcharge before testing, then study your core and category material.
What you'll study
About MN Pesticide Applicator preparation
What exams must I pass to get a Minnesota pesticide applicator license?
You must pass the Core Exam (Category A) and at least one additional exam category. Aerial applicators have a longer path: Core (Category A), Aerial (Category B) and at least one other category. Structural pest control applicants should check the separate structural license requirements page before scheduling.
Are the exams open-book?
No. The MDA administers closed-book and monitored exams as part of the certification and license process. Plan to study rather than look answers up during the test, and expect monitoring during your session.
When do I pay the license fee and ACRRA surcharge?
Pay the license fee and the ACRRA surcharge, if applicable, before taking the exam. Fees and surcharges are non-transferable and nonrefundable, so confirm your license type and category choices before you pay and schedule.
How long is my license valid, and when does it expire?
All pesticide applicator licenses expire on December 31st. Renewal application forms are mailed to the employer before your license expires at the end of the year, and the license fee and surcharge are due at renewal. Structural pest control licenses have unique renewal requirements.
What should I study first?
Start with Core (Category A), because everyone must pass it regardless of license type. Then study the category or categories matching the work you will actually do, such as Aerial (Category B) if you apply by aircraft. Confirm your license type first so you do not prepare for the wrong category.
Can I apply pesticides while I wait for my license?
No. Pesticide applicators may not apply pesticide until they have a valid license. Proof of licensure can be the license identification card received in the mail or printed proof of license from the License Lookup page. Do not schedule application work before licensure is confirmed.
Must I carry anything while applying pesticides?
Yes. Minnesota law requires pesticide applicators to carry a valid license identification card, either the electronic facsimile from the MDA webpage or the plastic wallet card, whenever applying pesticides. The card must show valid dates and the correct employer and address, so report changes to the MDA.
What is a common reason applicants run into problems?
Skipping the core-plus-category rule is one: passing only Core, or only a category, does not produce a license. Another is paying fees without confirming license type, since fees are nonrefundable. A third is applying before the license is valid, which the MDA explicitly prohibits.
Is there a question on the application about prior discipline?
Yes. License applicants must answer truthfully: “Has applicant for license/certification ever had a license or certification denied, revoked or suspended by another state?” Answer accurately; contact the MDA pesticide licensing staff if you are unsure how to respond.
Who do I contact with licensing questions?
Contact MDA Pesticide Licensing at 651-201-6615 or [email protected]. Use the same contact to report changes to your license, such as a new employer, address or category, and to request a duplicate renewal form if yours does not arrive.