Private – Categories
To become certified as a private applicator to apply restricted-use pesticides in Wisconsin you must purchase training materials and take a certification exam. Once you pass the exam you will be certified for 5 years. Every 5 years you must recertify if you plan to continue spraying RUP pesticides. The recertification process is the same as doing it for the first time.
Base Categories
General Farming Manual
Private Category 100 / 101
9th edition, effective 2023-2027
You can purchase this manual in our online store, or download a Mail Order Form to pay with a check. We cannot take phone orders.
Pesticide Applications / Application Sites
You are a Private Applicator IF you apply or direct the use of restricted use* pesticides for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity** AND the applications occur on land owned or rented by you or your employer, or on someone else’s land for exchange of goods or services (not money) between agricultural producers. (i.e. A Farmer)
This category includes farmers and people who work for farmers. This category covers both Fruit Crops and Greenhouse & Nursery and can be used instead of those books.
If you do not use/purchase Restricted Use Pesticides* you do not need to be certified.
100/101 General Farm – Appendixes
Disease Management – Insect Pest Management – Pesticide Laws & Regulations – Principles of Pest Management – Rodent & Pest Bird Management – Weed Management – Record Keeping
Greenhouse & Nursery Manual
Private Category 104 / 105
5th edition, effective 2019-2023
You can purchase this manual in our online store, or download a Mail Order Form to pay with a check. We cannot take phone orders.
Pesticide Applications / Application Sites
You are a Private Applicator IF you apply or direct the use of restricted use* pesticides for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity** AND the applications occur on land owned or rented by you or your employer, or on someone else’s land for exchange of goods or services (not money) between agricultural producers. (i.e. A Farmer)
This category is for private applicators who want to use Restricted Use Pesticides* in a Greenhouse and/or Nursery operation. The General Farm manual can be used as an alternative to the Greenhouse & Nursery manual.
If you do not use/purchase Restricted Use Pesticides you do not need to be certified.
Fruit Crops Manual
Private Category 112 / 113
8th edition, effective 2019-2023
You can purchase this manual in our online store, or download a Mail Order Form to pay with a check. We cannot take phone orders.
Pesticide Applications / Application Sites
You are a Private Applicator IF you apply or direct the use of restricted use* pesticides for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity** AND the applications occur on land owned or rented by you or your employer, or on someone else’s land for exchange of goods or services (not money) between agricultural producers. (i.e. A Farmer)
This category is for private applicators who want to use Restricted Use Pesticides* for the production of fruit crops, small fruits, cranberry marshes, tree fruits, and nuts as agricultural commodities. The General Farm manual can be used as an alternative to the Fruit Crop manual.
If you do not use/purchase Restricted Use Pesticides you do not need to be certified.
*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) ]
Subcategories
Soil Fumigation Manual
Private Category 107
3rd edition, effective 2023-2027
You can purchase this manual in our online store, or download a Mail Order Form to pay with a check. We cannot take phone orders.
Pesticide Applications / Application Sites
This category is for all applicators that fumigate soil, greenhouse soil, and potting mixes. If a soil fumigant is applied by chemigation, you also need to certify in the Chemigation subcategory.
Certification in this subcategory does not cover the use of non-soil fumigants (since Jan. 2013). Private applicators must certify in commercial category 7.2 Space & Commodity Fumigation in order to use non-soil fumigants, (e.g., phosphine in a grain bin).
Applicators must obtain certification in a base category before becoming certified in this category.
Chemigation Manual
Private Category 109
6th edition, effective 2023-2027
You can purchase this manual in our online store, or download a Mail Order Form to pay with a check. We cannot take phone orders.
Pesticide Applications / Application Sites
This category is for those making applications of pesticides through a chemigation system — a device that mixes irrigation water and pesticide, (e.g., center pivot or drip irrigation systems). It also covers the operation of an urban pesticide misting system that draws water from any source, (e.g., mosquito misting systems). This subcategory does not include hand-held hose-end sprayers and hand-held greenhouse proportioners. If you apply soil fumigants through chemigation equipment you must also become certified in the Soil Fumigation subcategory.
Applicators must obtain certification in a base category before becoming certified in this category.
Aerial Application Manual
Private Category 111
6th edition, effective 2023-2027
You can purchase this manual in our online store, or download a Mail Order Form to pay with a check. We cannot take phone orders.
Pesticide Applications / Application Sites
This category is for those using airplanes, helicopters, or unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to apply any pesticide. Includes operation of aircraft by remote control. You must hold a valid pilot’s license for manned systems or FAA qualifications for operating unmanned aircraft systems. If making aquatic applications you must meet DNR permit requirements for aquatic applications (contact your Regional DNR Office for permit requirements).
Applicators must obtain certification in a base category before becoming certified in this category.
