Private Applicator License

What is the Purpose of this License?

The purpose is to license persons who apply restricted use pesticides to their own or their employer's property for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity. Pesticides include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, fumigants, etc.

Applying or supervising the use of any restricted-use pesticide on your own or your employer's property for the production of an agricultural commodity requires a Private Applicator License.

The Limited and Rancher Private Applicator licenses allow limited applications of restricted use pesticides. For additional information, please visit the Limited and Rancher Private Applicator Licensing page.

Someone wanting to become an applicator must pass an exam. Tests are held throughout the state. Locations can be found at the 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 or supervising the use of restricted use pesticides on your own or your employer's property for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity.

How Much Will this License Cost?

The license costs $33. In addition, the applicant must pay a $25 testing fee each time they take pesticide exams. Note: The license application fee is waived if another pesticide license fee has been paid.

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 15.58, Washington Pesticide Control Act RCW
• Chapter 17.21, Washington Pesticide Application Act RCW

Links:

• Pesticide License Fact Sheet
• WSDA Pesticide Licensing
• WSDA Pesticide Management
• WSU Pesticide Exam Study Materials Order Form
• WSU Pesticide License Classes

Statewide Contact:

* Permit information last updated 1/17/2013.