Frequently Asked Questions
Pesticide Applicator Certification Questions
- Do I need to be a certified pesticide applicator?
- What type of license do I need?
- How do I become certified?
- How do I become a licensed Structural Pest Inspector?
- Which study materials do I need?
- What is the exam like? What do I need to pass? Where do I take the exam?
Do I need to be a certified pesticide applicator?
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is the agency responsible for enforcing WA pesticide laws including licensing. According to state and/or federal pesticide regulations a pesticide applicator license is needed if:
- You use restricted use pesticides (RUP)
- You distribute pesticides or provide advice on their use (except home and garden products)
- You apply any pesticide for commercial service
- You are a public employee and apply pesticides through power equipment
For more information see the Pesticide Licensing Fact Sheet.
What type of pesticide applicator license do I need?
The type of license you need depends on 1) who you work for and 2) the type of work you do. There are 12 license types and 28 different categories. Take a look at page 2 of the Pesticide Licensing Fact Sheet to help you determine the license type that is right for you.
How do I become a certified applicator?
To get your pesticide applicator license you need to demonstrate a required level of knowledge and skills for safe pesticide use. This is done by passing a state administered exam. There are also some additional requirements for Commercial Applicators.
How do I become a licensed Structural Pest Inspector?
To get your structural pest inspector license you are required to demonstrate knowledge of identification of wood-destroying organisms and conditions conducive to damage. This is done by passing a state administered exam. There are also some additional requirements for Structural Pest Inspectors.
Which study materials do I need?
For each exam, there is a separate study manual that has a very similar name to the license endorsement. You can order study manuals from WSU Bulletins either online or by faxing the order form.
Here are some examples of license types and corresponding study materials:
| WA State
Dept of Agriculture Exam Title |
Washington State University (WSU) Study Material Title |
Publication Number |
| Private Applicator | Private Applicator Pesticide Education Manual | MISC0126 |
| Public Operator (doing rights-of-way weed management) |
Washington Pesticide Laws and Safety | MISC0056 |
| Rights-of-Way Vegetation Management | MISC0185 | |
| Commercial Operator (doing turf and ornamental weed and insect management) |
Washington Pesticide Laws and Safety | MISC0056 |
| Turf & Ornamental Weed Management Principals | MISC0170 | |
| Introduction to Insect and Disease Management | MISC0175 | |
| Commercial Operator (doing aquatic weed control) |
Washington Pesticide Laws and Safety | MISC0056 |
| Aquatic Pest Control | MISC0134 |
What is the exam like? What do I need to pass? Where do I take the exam?
The exam is a closed book, multiple-choice exam. You need a 70% or higher to pass an exam. WSDA administers the exam and they offer testing at different locations and times around the state.Tests range in their number of questions with the average range between 10 and 100 questions.
WSDA requires a reservation to attend a testing session. Please call 1-877-301-4555 toll-free to reserve your spot. Many county extension offices offer Private Applicator testing sessions. Contact your local WSU County Extension office for more information.
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