How do You Get Certified and Licensed?

In Wisconsin you must pay a training Fee to receive a current edition training manual. The training manual comes in print form, an electronic PDF (commercial only) manual or online course (which includes a PDF manual). You need to pay the fee and get one of the three forms of the manual before you can become certified in any pest control category or subcategory. Need to review what “certification” means? Go to the main Certification page.

► For more information regarding the different pest control certification categories, see the different manuals on the Certification Categories page.

Don’t know whether to order a printed manual. PDF manual or online course? Check out this podcast for an introduction to these choices:  What Should I Order?

Video:  How Do I Place an Order?

Following is a checklist to help guide you to getting certified and licensed in the State of Wisconsin:

1. Identify if you need to be certified or not [ info ].
2. Determine if you are a private or commercial applicator [ info ].
3. Identify which category you need to be certified in [ info ].
4. Go to the PAT Store to purchase training fees. Training fees come with either a printed manual ($50), PDF e-manual ($40) or when available, an online course ($60).  If you want to pay by check, mail in your order form with check. Private applicators only have a printed book.  [ Commercial Order Form /   Private Order Form ]
5. Study the material.
6. Various in-person training with test opportunities in some categories are available. In person trainings are done in the winter months. [ See schedule ]
7. Commercial applicators, schedule an exam with DATCP. [ Schedule an exam ] [ DATCP Testing Centers ] Do not come to the UW Campus in Madison (address where the book was published), we do not give the test. Private applicators, schedule an exam with a participating County Extension office [ Find one ].
8. PAT Numbers and training registration certificates for the test:
   • Commercial applicators must provide a valid PAT number found on your training registration certificate (books) or E-Ticket emailed to you (pdfs or online courses) to proctor or enter it when scheduling a test with Pearson Vue testing company.
   • Private applicators provide filled out training registration certificate from the front of your manual to the County test proctor when handing in your test. If testing through Pearson Vue testing company, provide the PAT number found on the training certificate when scheduling a test.
9. Pass the exam and receive your certification results and card.  Certification is good for 5 years.
10. Commercial only. Apply and pay for a license with DATCP. Private applicators do not need a license. Some commercial applicators (e.g., public school employees) need a license but do not have to pay the fee. Check with DATCP if you have questions about licensing and fees. [ apply for a license ]. There are four different types of pesticide applicator licenses in Wisconsin:

• Commercial applicator for-hire – You apply pesticides on other peoples land for money.
• Commercial applicator not for-hire – You apply pesticides on your land or your employers land and use Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs).
• Educational – You apply pesticides to public school grounds K-12 AND are using Restricted Use Pesticides. If not using RUPs.
• Government – You work for a branch of government – State, County, etc. AND are using RUPs.