What is Certification?

Under both federal and state laws, certain pesticide applicators must be “certified” before they can legally use and apply pesticides. Under FIFRA, the federal law that governs pesticide use across the country, anyone who wants to use a Restricted Use Pesticide* (RUP) must be certified. So, what does that mean? To prove that you’ve been trained in how to use RUPs properly, safely, and legally, a person must pass an exam that shows a broad knowledge of how to use pesticides correctly. Training is based on minimum requirements set by Federal and State law [ General Requirements ]. When a person passes that exam, they are then considered a certified applicator. Also, people applying pesticides “for-hire” need to be certified to apply any pesticide, RUP or not. We list other conditions below. In Wisconsin, certification is good for 5 years and people need to recertify if they want to continue using pesticides.

You are on this page because you consider yourself a Private Applicator. If the below definition of a Private Applicator does not apply to you, then you are a Commercial Applicator and should click on the “Commercial Applicator” tab above.

Private Applicators

You qualify as a private applicator if you meet both of the following criteria:

1. You use or direct the use of restricted use* pesticides for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity**.
2. 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)

^ Special Notice: A private applicator may make incidental applications on someone else’s land for monetary compensation provided the applications are for the production of an agricultural commodity. Unlike applications made for the exchange of goods or services, however, applications made for money are limited to a total of 500 acres spanning applications for no more than 3 different agricultural producers in any calendar year; if you exceed either limit, you are considered a commercial applicator for hire.

*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) ]

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How to get Certified

In Wisconsin, you must pay a training fee to receive a current edition training manual. A detailed listing of the available manuals is on our Private Categories page.

How to order on the PAT Store

1. Study your material. The best way to pass the exam is to read through the manual, making sure you understand the learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter.
2. Attend an optional supplemental training event.
3. Schedule your exam time with a participating County Extension Office or online through PearsonVUE
4. Once you pass your exam and receive your certification card you are certified for 5 years.