Commercial Applicator License

What is the Purpose of this License?

The purpose is to license companies that commercially apply pesticides. Pesticides include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, fumigants, etc.

A Commercial Applicator License, usually issued to an owner or manager, is required before operating any business that applies pesticides to the land of another. The Commercial Applicator must verify financial responsibility through a $100,000 insurance liability policy or surety bond ($50,000 for each public liability and property damage).

Someone wanting to become a Commercial Applicator must pass one or more exams. Tests are held throughout the state and can be found at Washington State Department of Agriculture's web site. Material to prepare for the tests can be purchased from Washington State University (WSU).

Who issues this License?

Department of Agriculture

What Activities Require this License?

Applying pesticides to the lands/property of another requires the Commercial Applicator License. This is a joint company - person license. The person who makes the pesticide application decisions for the company must obtain the license.

How Much Will this License Cost?

The license costs $215 plus $27 for each piece of power pesticide application equipment after the first one. In addition, the applicant must pay a $25 testing fee each time they take pesticide exams.

Do I Need to Include Anything with my Application?

You must be prepared to present picture identification and to pay all license fees at the time of testing. Please make checks payable to WSDA. If paying in cash, you must have the exact amount. Test scores for applicants who have not submitted the required fee will be discarded after 10 working days.

Is the Decision on my License Dependent on Anything Besides the Information in my Application?

Because exams are required, you must make your initial application at a WSDA testing session. These are offered at a number of statewide testing locations. WSDA does reciprocate with some state and federal licenses so testing may not be necessary. Go to the online reciprocal licensing information for details.

How Long Will it Take to Review my Application?

Where do I Submit my Application?

Because exams are required, you must make your initial application at a WSDA testing session. These are offered at a number of statewide testing locations.

How Long is my License Valid?

The license is annually renewed but in a 5-year recertification cycle during which time continuing education credits must be earned. An alternative to recertification is to retest every 5 years.

What is the Appeal Process for the License?

After a second, third, or fourth failure in a calendar year, there is a mandatory 14-day waiting period between exam retakes. After the fifth failure, you must wait 60 days before retesting.

Notes / Comments:

Legal Authority:

• Chapter 16-228, General Pesticide Rules WAC
• Chapter 15.18, Washington Pesticide Control Act RCW
• Chapter 17.21, Washington Pesticide Application Act RCW

Links:

• Department of Agriculture Pesticide Licensing
• Department of Agriculture Pesticide Management
• Pesticide License Fact Sheet
• WSU Pesticide Exam Study Materials Order Form
• WSU Pesticide License Classes

Statewide Contact:

* Permit information last updated 1/17/2013.