Training and Certification

'Do I Need an Applicator License?'

Not sure if you need an applicator license? Not sure which type of applicator license you need? Answer a few questions and we'll point you in the right direction.

Will you be applying pesticides in ANY of the following capacities?
  • To control pests of turf and/or ornamental plants on a 'for hire' basis
  • To control pests of structures (homes, buildings, etc.) on a 'for hire' basis
  • To control outdoor disease vectors (e.g., mosquitoes) on behalf of a village, town, city, or county

('For hire' means that you or your employer offer pesticide application services for which clients can hire you. It does not mean you earn wages for applying pesticides.)
Which of the following best describes the work you will be doing?
Which of the following best describes your direct employer?
Will you be applying restricted-use pesticides (RUPs)?
Will you ONLY be applying pesticides to land owned, rented, or controlled by you or your employer?

Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • A farm you own, rent, or work as a hired hand
  • The property of the company you work for
  • Public parks or rights-of-way (if you work for a government agency)
Will you be applying pesticides ONLY for the purpose of producing agricultural commodities?

This includes pesticide applications to protect: agricultural crops, vegetables, fruits, and nuts intended for sale; pastures, grasslands, and non-crop agricultural land; and livestock intended for sale and their dwellings. Home garden produce is not an agricultural commodity because it is not sold.

It looks like you need a Commercial applicator license.

Commercial applicators typically work for (or operate) a company that provides pesticide application services for hire. Examples include (but are not limited to) farmers' co-ops, lawn care companies, and residential pest control companies.

Visit the Commercial and Noncommercial Applicator Training and Certification page to learn how to acquire a commercial applicator license.

If you aren't sure whether you fit the description of a commercial applicator, please call the Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture at 402-471-2351 for help determining which type of license you need.

It looks like you need a Noncommercial applicator license.

Noncommercial applicators apply pesticides on property owned or controlled by their employer, or for a government agency. Examples include (but are not limited to) Department of Roads employees, Health Department employees, school groundskeepers, and golf course employees.

Visit the Commercial and Noncommercial Applicator Training and Certification page to learn how to acquire a noncommercial applicator license.

If you aren't sure whether you fit the description of a noncommercial applicator, please call the Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture at 402-471-2351 for help determining which type of license you need.

It looks like you need a Private applicator license.

Private applicators are typically farmers, ranchers, or hired hands who apply restricted-use pesticides themselves as part of their operation.

Visit the Private Applicator Training and Certification page to learn how to acquire a private applicator license.

If you aren't sure whether you fit the description of a private applicator, please call the Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture at 402-471-2351 for help determining which type of license you need.

It looks like you do not need an applicator license.

The State of Nebraska requires a person to be a licensed pesticide applicator if:

  • They intend to apply restricted-use pesticides for any purpose,
  • They intend to apply general-use pesticides for hire in ornamental/turf or structural pest control, or
  • They intend to apply general-use pesticides for outdoor vector control (e.g., mosquito control) on behalf of a political subdivision of the state (e.g., village, town, city, county).

If you still aren't sure whether or not you need a license, please call the Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture at 402-471-2351 for guidance.

Do you plan to do any of the following? (mark all that apply)

You need additional certification for soil fumigants.

A private applicator license does not cover all agricultural pesticide applications. To use soil fumigants, you must get certified in the Soil Fumigation category (01A). To do this, you must pass a Soil Fumigation exam administered by the Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture.

Visit the Commercial and Noncommercial Applicator Training and Certification page for information on study materials and exam sessions.

You need additional certification for non-soil fumigants.

A private applicator license does not cover all agricultural pesticide applications. To use structural or rodent burrow fumigants, you must get certified in the Non-Soil/Structural Fumigation category (11). To do this, you must pass a Non-Soil/Structural Fumigation exam administered by the Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture.

Visit the Commercial and Noncommercial Applicator Training and Certification page for information on study materials and exam sessions.

You need additional certification for aerial pest control.

A private applicator license does not cover all agricultural pesticide applications. To apply pesticides aerially, you must become licensed as a commercial or noncommercial applicator with an Aerial Pest Control category (12) endorsement. To do this, you must pass exams for:

  • The General Standards category (00, required for all commercial/noncommercial applicator), and
  • The Aerial Pest Control category (12).

Visit the Commercial and Noncommercial Applicator Training and Certification page for information on study materials and exam sessions. We also highly encourage you to contact the Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture at 402-471-2351 to discuss the other requirements associated with performing aerial pest control.

Additional Applicator Resources

Other Pesticide-Related Training: Information on product-specific training requirements and Worker Protection Standard (WPS) worker and handler training.

Drones and the Nebraska Pesticide Act (PDF 170 KB): Everything you need to know about the regulations surrounding drone pesticide applications in Nebraska.

Reciprocal Certification with Nebraska: Persons who live outside of Nebraska may obtain a license from the NDA if they hold valid credentials from a state, agency, or tribe with which the NDA has a reciprocal agreement.

Applicator Certification Plan in Indian Country: The U.S. EPA certifies private and commercial applicators to legally apply restricted-use pesticides in Indian Country.

Math for Pesticide Applicators: It's never a bad time to brush up on your pesticide math, especially if you are preparing for an applicator certification exam. These resources are meant to help.

Private Applicator Recordkeeping Resources: A collection of forms and information to help private applicators track their farm operations, keep their employees safe, and comply with federal regulations.

Pesticide Product Search: Database of pesticide products registered by the NDA for use in Nebraska. Search by product name, EPA Reg. No., active ingredient, approved site, pest controlled, etc.