The PAT Number is a 6-digit number that you get when you receive your training materials. You receive a different PAT number for every category you purchase.  The PAT number is on the Training Registration Certificate (example to the left) inside the front cover of your book.  When taking the test with the county office you will have to give them the certificate with your name and PAT Number on it. 

The PAT number does three things:

1. It assures that the required fee is paid (this fee has to be paid every time you are certified in any category).
2. It tells DATCP that you have received the same training information as everybody who is seeking certification in the State of Wisconsin.
3. It connects your certification to a training record that has to be kept for the State.

Yes, each applicator needs to purchase their own copy of the training materials, because each person needs their own PAT Number to take the exam.

The PAT number, does three things:

1. It assures that the required fee is paid (this fee has to be paid every time you are certified in any category).
2. It tells DATCP that you have received the same training information as everybody who is seeking certification in the State of Wisconsin.
3. It connects your certification to a training record that has to be kept for the State.

We have a list of categories that help guide you to the right one.  If you are still unsure, please feel free to contact us at patprogram@mailplus.wisc.edu or give us a call at 608-262-7588.

Find out what “certification” means and who needs to be certified to apply pesticides on the “How to get Certified” page.

Follow the steps below to get certified:

1. Purchase the Certification Training Fee with the manual. 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.
2. After you’ve studied the training material and feel you’re ready for the exam, schedule your exam through a participating County Extension Office or Pearson VUE. If you have registered for an in person training/review session, the exam is given at that site at the end of the day. Training/review sessions occur Jan – April.
3. Pass the exam. Certification lasts for 5 years. After 5 years, you must recertify (purchase updated training material and take the exam).

For these issues contact DATCP. If you have not received your certification card, please email datcppesticideinfo@wi.gov.  DATCP is allowed up to 30 days to provide results and cards, but it often takes between two to three weeks. The PAT Program does not provide certification cards or have access to your test results.

Yes, you can. Please contact DATCP at datcppesticideinfo@wi.gov and ask to have another one reissued.  Provide your name, certification number, and shipping address to have another sent.  Forgot your certification number? No worries, look it up using the Kelly Solutions Website.

Yes, but you may have to wait to take the exam.  On the first failure, you can re-take the exam on the next available date AT LEAST 24 hours after your first one.  If you fail the second time or the third time you will have to wait 30 days from your last exam.  After that, you have to wait 6 months.

You can purchase the manual in our online store, or download a Mail Order Form to pay with a check. We cannot take phone orders.

Unfortunately, yes. Certification is a five-year period.  Once it starts, anything that you do in that 5-year period is considered an “amendment” (a change or addition to a legal or statutory document) to that existing five-year certification.  Adding categories to your five-year certification period does not have an effect on that period, meaning that the period ends at the same time no matter when you add to it. We recommend, if possible, achieving all the categories you need in the first year of starting your certification period.

Currently:

The EPA changed its rules about who can use Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs), stating a minimum age of 18 years old is required to use RUPs.  Wisconsin is in the process of updating its rules to comply. Because this process started a couple of years ago, our manuals reflect this new rule, even though it has not been put into action in Wisconsin as of yet. This process may take a further 2 to 3 years. Those certified before the rule change takes effect in Wisconsin are most likely to be grandfathered in.

This process is not fast.

There are a lot of resources out there for help with safety when regarding the use of pesticides.  One such video is “Home Owner’s Guide to Pesticide Safety.”  Also here are some UW PAT Produced fact sheets:

• How Many Pesticides Do You Use?
• Questions About Pesticides?
• Start an IPM Plan
• Storing and Disposing of Pesticides
• What’s On A Pesticide Label
• Using Caution When Mixing Pesticides
• Proper Pesticide Application
• Calibrating A Hand Sprayer
• Calibrating A Drop or Rotary Spreader
• What to Wear When Handling Pesticides
• How To Select A Pesticide
• Professional Applicator Services: What You Should Know

The National Pesticide Information Center is another great resource for pesticide information.