Testing Related to Pesticide Use and Available Study Materials

Do I need a license, permit and/or certification?

The Arizona Department of Agriculture administers 20 tests relating to pesticide usage. Use the Key to Licenses, Permits & Certifications to decide what you need.

Tests are administered by appointment in Phoenix (602) 542-3578, Tucson (520) 628-6313 and Yuma (928) 782-6175.

There is no cost associated with taking the exam. There is a cost for obtaining the certification or license which is shown in ( ) after the listed exam.

If you are applying pesticides for hire to structures like houses or in any non-farm setting please contact the Structural Pest Control Commission at (602) 255-3664.

Tests Administered

Private Applicator exam and the Commercial Applicator Core. ($50)

Along with the Commercial Applicator Core exam there are 6 category exams. (To be certified commercially the passing of at least one category exam is required.)

• Ag Pest Control
• Forest Pest Control
• Seed Treatment
• Aquatic Pest Control
• M-44
• Rodent

For Pest Control Advisor's (PCA) there is the Core exam and seven category exams. ($50) (To be licensed as a PCA the passing of at least one category exam is required.)

• Insects and Mites
• Plant Pathogens
• Nematode
• Vertebrates
• Weed
• Defoliation
• Plant Growth Regulators

To apply pesticides by air or for hire you must pass the Custom Applicator Core exam and either/or both the Ground or Air exams. ($100)

The final exam is the Pilots exam for those who fly the planes applying pesticides. ($50)