Changes to the online course

Each year, the Pesticide Applicator Training (PAT) Program provides multiple training opportunities for private pesticide applicators.

Previously, private pesticide applicators had the following training options before taking their certification exams:

• Self-study the manual independently and schedule your certification exam with DATCP.
• A self-paced online training course
• Regionally-hosted Zoom trainings
• In-person trainings

Major changes to the self-paced online course beginning in 2026

Previously, the self-paced online training course was a free opportunity for private pesticide applicators to study training material and take their exam with a participating county Extension office. Beginning in 2026, the self-paced online training course option will be shifted to a new hosting platform and will include a small fee. 

The self-paced online training course will now be offered through Canvas and will cost $10. Access to the self-paced online training course can be purchased in the PAT Store ↗️. After the course is purchased, applicators will receive a UW-Madison NetID to access the self-paced online training course on the Canvas website.

What is a UW-Madison NetID?

The UW-Madison NetID Login Service ↗️ provides a simple way to protect web resources by providing a means for users to authenticate with their NetID.

NetIDs can take up to 2 business days to be activated. Please allow enough time to access the course before taking the exam. As before, completion of this self-paced online training course will provide applicators with the reduced passing score of 50%.

This training opportunity continues to provide the same benefits of the previous self-paced course. The course material has been redesigned to improve learner experience. 

Please reach out to the PAT Program with questions or for more information. 

Contact

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