Private Applicators
You are a Private Applicator IF:
- You use or direct the use of restricted-use pesticides* for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity**.
- The applications occur on land owned or rented by you or your employer, or on someone else’s land if for the exchange of goods or services (not money^) between agricultural producers. (i.e. you are a farmer)
If you do not fit the definition above you are a commercial applicator and need to click the “Commercial Applicator” tab
Private applicators only legally need to be certified if they want to use a Restricted-Use Pesticide*
*Restricted Use Pesticides have the potential to cause unreasonable adverse effects to the environment and injury to applicators or bystanders without added restrictions. Only a certified applicator can apply a Restricted-Use Pesticide. [ EPA information on RUPs ]
**Agricultural Commodity means any plant or part of a plant, animal, or animal product produced by a person primarily for sale, consumption, propagation, or other use by humans or animals. “Agricultural commodity” includes industrial hemp. [ 94.67(2) ]
How to Get Certified
As a private applicator, you need to be certified to purchase and apply Restricted Use Pesticides.
Certification Categories
There are a few different categories and sub-categories for Private Applicators. See which suits the type of applications you will be doing. Some applications require certification in more than one category.
Training Materials
The UW PAT Program offers printed manuals and online video training for the Private Applicator.
All training materials can be purchased at the UW PAT Store.
Training Sessions
The UW PAT Program offers Private Applicator training sessions from January to March.
These will be posted in November for the following spring. Register at the UW PAT Store.
Certification Exam
Once you have purchased your training materials it is time to take the certification exam.
The certification exam is given in person at participating county offices throughout the state or online through Pearson VUE.
County Offices
Here is a list of county offices that are offering the self-study exam.
Call to make an appointment.
Tools & Information
These are various tools and information that may be useful to applicators in the state of Wisconsin.
Common Questions
A collection of commonly asked questions the UW PAT Program and DATCP get about the certification process.
