Pesticide applicator recertification options for 2026

By Tana Haugen-Brown, Extension Educator and Private Pesticide Applicator Program Manager, PSEE, and Sally Raymond, Extension Educator and Commercial/Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator Program Manager

Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification

A pesticide applicator in a tractor spraying a field.
Photo source: Story Blocks

If you have a private pesticide applicator certification that expires on March 1, 2026, you need to recertify by February 28 to keep it current. The private pesticide applicator certification is for individuals who use Restricted Use Pesticides on land or sites for the production of agricultural commodities. Unsure if you need recertification? You can check your certification status at: https://z.umn.edu/ppatcertlookup

There are several options to recertify in 2026. The cost is $100, regardless of the option you choose, except for the online exam which is $120 ($100 for the course, plus an additional $20 Honorlock non-refundable fee).

Option 1 - Attend a recertification workshop

Workshops offer a great opportunity to review regulations and safety issues related to pesticide application while providing you with the latest University research on integrated pest management. A complete list of workshops can be found at www.pat.umn.edu.

When attending a workshop:

• Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport
• Bring your Private Pesticide Applicator Certification Card or number
• You must attend the entire workshop to get recertified
• Workshop check-in begins 30 minutes before the posted start time.
• Walk-in registration is welcome and must be paid for by check made payable to the “University of Minnesota”
• Online registration is available and must be paid for by credit card. Online registration closes 3 days before each workshop.
• NEW! Phone registration is also available by calling our Extension registration at least two weeks before the workshop you want to attend. Leave a message at 612-626-5174 with your name and the workshop date and location you want to attend. Someone will call you back within 3 days to get you registered. You will need your private applicator number and a credit card to register by phone.
• No registration is available by email or mail.

Before heading out to a workshop we encourage you to check for any last-minute updates. A workshop may be canceled or postponed due to facility issues, illness, or bad weather.

• If you registered online or by phone, check your email for a cancelation notice.
• Check our website at www.pat.umn.edu
• Call the Farm Information Line at 1-800-232-9077 or fil@umn.edu
• Visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UmnPsee or Twitter feed @UmnPSEE

Option 2 - Attend an online Zoom recertification workshop

• February 27, 9:00 – 12:30 (crops grower focused)
• Space is limited and registration is required
• See more details at Register Zoom Workshop

Option 3: Take the Online self-paced course

• NEW option! Go to www.pat.umn.edu and click on the “Online self-paced course” section.
• This course will take you through the educational modules that you can complete at your own pace. It requires a computer or tablet with speakers. You must complete the course by February 28, 2026 in order to receive credit.

Option 4: Take the online exam

• Go to www.pat.umn.edu and click on the “Exam” section. NEW! The online exam is now proctored using the Honorlock system and requires a computer with webcam, microphone, and speakers. Visit our website to determine if this option will work for you.
• The Private Pesticide Applicator study manual (19th edition), which helps with the test, is available online at no cost.

Option 5: Take the mail-in exam

• Pick up an exam packet or study manual at most county Extension offices

Are you a new private applicator or has your certification expired? If you have never been a certified private pesticide applicator or your certification has already expired, you MUST take the exam by either the online or mail-in option to receive your certification. Exam options close on October 31, 2026. After successfully becoming certified, you will be eligible for recertification options when it is time to renew in 3 years.

If you have questions or need further information about the workshops, visit our website at www.pat.umn.edu.

Commercial/Noncommercial (CNC) Pesticide Applicator Recertification

Commercial/noncommercial applicators who need to recertify in 2026 can find a list of all CNC workshops and registration information here. Registration for all A/C/H in-person workshops can be found here. In-person and online recertification options can be combined to recertify in all your categories. Registration closes a week prior to each workshop. Contact Sally Raymond, nels9091@umn.edu, 612-626-2237 with questions on commercial/noncommercial recertification.

Individuals who are looking to get a commercial or noncommercial applicator license for the first time will need to obtain that through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and test in the categories needed depending on the work they will be doing. Complete information on the categories and how to get a commercial/noncommercial pesticide license can be found on the MDA website.