MU Extension Commercial Pesticide Applicator Training Begins in January

By Julie Harker

Commercial pesticide applicator training by University of Missouri Extension for 2025 begins in January.

Licensed commercial applicators must pass an exam and participate in continuing education courses on environmentally sound uses of pesticides, said Sam Polly, Missouri pesticide safety education program coordinator. These requirements also apply to public operators and noncommercial applicators who apply restricted use pesticides (RUPs), as well as home pest inspectors. The Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Pesticide Control mandates commercial applicator training.

The MU Extension training team includes agronomists, agricultural engineers, horticulturists and specialists in natural resources, Polly said.

Since the inception of the pesticide training program, some 6,000 commercial pesticide applicators have received at least initial training, he said. New laws and regulations that govern pesticides and their use make an intensive training program essential.

“Pesticide safety recertification helps applicators stay informed about the latest tools, techniques and best practices for pesticide use,” Polly said. “This training prepares them to protect not only themselves and their co-workers but also their communities and the environment. It builds the skills needed to deliver high-quality work that meets industry standards. By maintaining their certification, applicators demonstrate their dedication to safety, responsibility and doing their jobs with care and professionalism.”

There are 10 specialty categories within the commercial pesticide applicator training program. In addition to taking the core exam, commercial applicators need to certify in at least one of the categories, depending on which areas of expertise they are qualifying for.