Private Applicators: Pesticides, Fertilizers

ApplicatorPrivate applicators are individuals who spray restricted use pesticides or apply manure from a confined feeding operation (CFO) to their own land. Individuals in related capacities may also need a private applicator license (see websites below for details). Individuals may possess a private pesticide applicator license, a private Category 14 (fertilizer applicator) license, or a license with both endorsements.

Commercial applicators spray pesticides for hire (as a business). Registered technicians spray pesticides under the direct supervision of a commercial applicator at a business.

The license is active for a period of five years. Private applicators must attend three private applicator recertification programs (PARPs) within that five year period to keep their license active and avoid the need to re-test. No more than two programs may be attended for credit in any one calendar year. One program may be taken online.

I want to: 

  • Get a new private applicator license (Apply only to my own crops)
  • >Get a new commercial applicator license (Apply for hire)
    • Core and Category Training @ Purdue - 2021 Purdue Pesticide Programs pdf brochure
      • Private pesticide applicators pass "Core" exam for licensing
      • Commercial registered technicians pass "Core" exam for licensing
      • Commercial applicators pass Core exam plus the category exam in which their business will be operating

Check out links below for further information.

Featured Stories

apples severely affected by apple scab
Managing Pests in Home Fruit Plantings

Many homeowners enjoy and actively grow either small fruit or tree fruit in their gardens or...

Read More
guyed tree
Should You Stake a Newly Planted Tree?

As we near Autumn, many homeowners will consider planting a new tree in their landscape. After...

Read More
early blight on tomato
Tomato Diseases

Let’s take a deeper dive into some of the key tomato diseases and abiotic (non-living)...

Read More
carpenter bee
Carpenters of the Insect World

There are carpenters in the insect world, at least in name.

Read More
NEPAC Field Day
Plan to Attend Sept. 9 NEPAC Field Day

Join Purdue Extension for a free field day to gain practical, research-based insights you can use...

Read More
bat
Bats – Friends or Foes?

If you have experienced the occasional bat in the house, you may be asking whether bats are...

Read More