Title: Private Pesticide Applicator Certification
Alternate Title:
Description: Private pesticide applicators are certified through a program administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and University of Minnesota Extension.
Subject: Pesticides
Creation Date: 9/15/2008 12:35:13 PM
Modification Date: 1/30/2025 12:24:24 PM
Agency Name: Agriculture (MDA), Minnesota Department of
Agency URL: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/
Agency Description:
The mission of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.
Agency Phone: 651-201-6000
800-967-2474
Agency Fax: Agency URL: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/
Agency Address:
625 N. Robert Street
St. Paul
MN
55155
Unit Name: Pesticide & Fertilizer Management
Unit URL:
Unit Description:
Unit Phone:
Unit Fax: Contact person(s): pesticide.testing@state.mn.us
Unit URL:
Audience:
Application URL:
Renewal URL:
Versa URL:
Requirements:
Review:
Private Pesticide Applicator Certification
Private pesticide applicators - University of Minnesota Extension
Qualifications for a Private Pesticide Applicator Certification
To purchase Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) you must present the name and certification number of the certified applicator. To be qualified as a Private Pesticide Applicator you must be performing pesticide applications:
- to farmed agricultural commodity land that is owned, rented or managed by you or your family OR
- if you are one of two or fewer employees working that land
In addition:
- pass application and certification requirements provided by the University of Minnesota Extension
- hold a certification card from the MDA
How to Obtain Certification
- For training and study material visit the University of Minnesota Extension website for information about the study manual and exams. The study manual is available online for free or a paper copy is available for purchase at county extension offices.
- Apply for certification online through the University of Minnesota Extension website. The certification exam itself can be completed electronically online or hard copy paper mail-in exam is available at county extension offices.
- Pay a fee of $100
- Recertify at a Workshop or by re-testing. Check the Private Applicator Lookup for your expiration dates.
- Renew before March 1st of the expiration year to avoid a gap in certification.
- The EPA requires certification to apply Restricted Use Pesticide in Indian Country. The White Earth Band of Ojibwe recognizes an MDA issued license or credential as an alternative to the federal certification.
How to Obtain Fumigation Endorsement
Rules: 1505.0980
Statutes: 18B.36
Forms:
Application for Duplicate Applicator License / Certification
Fees:
Certification fee - $75
Period of Issuance:
From date of issuance through March 1 of the third calendar year following certification.
Length of Determination: Approximately 1-4 weeks.
Other Info:
Activity: License Detail URL:
Private Pesticide Applicator Certification
Private Pesticide Applicators - University of Minnesota Extension
Private Applicator Lookup
Online Licensing System -License Lookup

