To control pests on agricultural crops, lawns, and in our homes, pesticides are often a necessary tool. Pesticides are classified as either general or "restricted-use" (RUP). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency categorizes a pesticide as "restricted-use" (RUP) when the toxicity of the pesticide presents a hazard to the applicator or other persons, or when the use of the pesticide by untrained persons may cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment.
According to Federal and North Carolina law, only a certified pesticide applicator may use or supervise the use of restricted-use pesticides. To become certified, applicators must receive training and/or undergo testing to demonstrate that they are competent to handle and use restricted-use pesticides. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the certifying agency in our State. Both private applicators and commercial applicators must become certified. Section I of this brochure explains how the certification process works in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Pesticide Law of 1971 further requires licensing of any individual who is compensated for applying a pesticide (whether restricted-use or general use ) to the property of another. In addition, any individual who conducts business as a pest control consultant or as a pesticide dealer who sells restricted-use-pesticides (RUP) to the end user, must be licensed. Section II of this brochure describes how an individual can obtain a pesticide license in our State.
All pesticide certification is granted for a limited time period. To ensure that individuals keep up with changing technology and remain knowledgeable, and environmentally responsible in the safe, and effective use of pesticides, State law requires individuals to meet certain recertification requirements before renewing an expired certification. Section III of this brochure explains pesticide recertification in our State.
Certification is the process by which the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) recognizes a person who has received required training and/or demonstrated competency to handle, use, and supervise the use of restricted use pesticides.
The North Carolina Pesticide Law of 1971 requires that the following persons be certified prior to conducting their respective duties: private pesticide applicators, commercial applicators, pesticide dealers and pest control consultants.
A. Private Pesticide Applicators
Any person (usually a farmer or rancher) who uses or supervises the use of RUPs only for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by him or his employer. Private applicator certification can be earned in one of three ways:
(1) attend a certification training course (currently four hours) offered through the Cooperative Extension Service;
(2) complete a programmed instruction booklet,
or
(3) successfully pass a written examination administered by the NCDA&CS by scoring a minimum of 70%.
After one of the certification options has been completed, the private pesticide applicator must sign an "attestation" form verifying that he is a producer of an agricultural commodity. This attestation is subject to verification by the NCDA&CS. This attestation form must be returned to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services with a $6.00 certification fee payable by check or money orders only.
Although private applicator certification expires on December 31 of the third year following initial certification, recertification requirements should be completed before this expiration date. See Section III (Recertification) for reference to the June 30 and September 30 deadlines on private applicator recertification training.
B. Commercial Applicators
Anyone who, for compensation, uses or supervises the use of any pesticide on the property of another. In North Carolina, there are different certification requirements depending upon whether the commercial applicator will make a ground or aerial application.
A commercial ground applicator is certified by passing a written examination geared to the particular area or specialty in which he plans to work. A minimum score of 70% is passing. The applicator should consult with the NCDA&CS for determining the appropriate category for certification and for scheduling a test. Individuals can become certified in one or more of the following specialties (categories):
1. Agricultural Pest Control - Plant
For pesticide applicators, applying pesticides in farm situations, such as to fumigate plant beds or apply pesticides to vegetable, fruit or field crops.
2. Agricultural Pest Control - Animal
For pesticide applicators applying pesticides to animals. Manuals are available for livestock, pets and poultry.
3. Aquatic Pest Control
For pesticide applicators applying pesticides in and around water (ponds, lakes, and streams). A separate manual and examination are available for persons who apply paints containing tributyltin (TBT) to boats and ships.
4. Forest Pest Control
For pesticide applicators using pesticides in large forest areas. Ornamental tree applicators need to test for the category below.
5. Ornamentals and Turf Pest Control
For pesticide applicators using pesticides to maintain ornamentals, shade trees, and turf. This category includes commercial pesticide application work on home lawns, public grounds, parks, greenhouses, shade trees, golf courses, and cemeteries.
6. Public Health Control
For applicators using pesticides outdoors to protect human health. For example, fogging for mosquitos, spraying outside for flies, controlling rats in sewers, and similar jobs would require certification in this category. Usually applicators in this catergory are governmental employees.
7. Regulatory Pest Control
For persons working with quarantine or eradication programs involving regulated pests such as fire ants, witchweed, and gypsy moth. Usually, applicators in this category are state or federal employees.
8. Right-of-Way Pest Control
For applicators using pesticides to control weeds and woody plants along highways, railroads, utility or other rights-of-way.
9. Seed Treatment
For persons applying pesticides (usually insecticides, fungicides, or bactericides) to seed held for resale.
10. Wood Preservation and Wood Products Treatment
For pesticide applicators using restricted use pesticides (creosote, pentachlorophenol, and organic arsenicals) to preserve wood and /or wood products.
11. Demonstration and Research
For persons who apply pesticides as part of a field demonstration or research program. University and chemical company personnel fall into this category. Each person licensed in demonstration and research must be licensed in one or more speciality areas (See previous items 1-10).
Although commercial applicator certification expires on December 31 of the fifth year following initial certification, recertification requirements should be completed before this expiration date.
See Section III (Recertification) for reference to the June 30 deadline on commercial applicator recertification training.
All commercial applicators also need to be licensed annually prior to conducting business. (See Section II for the licensing process.)
C. Pesticide Dealer
A pesticide dealer is any person who is engaged in the business of distributing, selling, or offering for sale restricted-use pesticides directly to end users.
• Please note: An individual who only distributes or sells general-use pesticides does not need to be certified as a pesticide dealer.
• A pesticide dealer is certified by passing a written examination. A minimum score of 70% must be earned on this test. No specialty area is needed.
• Dealer certification expires on December 31 of the fifth year following initial certification.
• Pesticide dealer recertification requirements must be met by June 30 of the fifth year following initial certification. See Section III (Recertification) for the recertification requirements that must be met by pesticide dealers.
• All pesticide dealers also need to be licensed annually. See Section II, (Licensing), for details.
D. Pest Control Consultant:
Any person who, for a fee, offers or supplies technical advice or recommends the use of specific pesticides for the purpose of controlling insects, plant disease, weeds, or other pests.
• Please note: Pest control consultants cannot legally apply pesticides to the property of another unless licensed as an applicator.
• A consultant must submit a transcript of a four-year degree in an agricultural or biological science from an accredited college or university. A minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of credit must be documented in subject areas pertinent to the specialty area(s) in which the individual wishes to consult.
• If the above educational requirements are met, a consultant may take a written consultant's exam to certify as a pest control consultant. A passing score is 70% or higher.
• A consultant must also be certified in each specialty area in which he consults.
• Certificaiton expires on December 31 of the fifth year following initial certification.
• The recertification requirements of a pest control consultant must be met by June 30 of the fifth year following initial certification. See Section III (Recertification) for information on the recertification of pest control consultants.
• All pest control consultants also need to be licensed annually. See Section II, (Licensing).
E. Aerial Applicators
Applicants for aerial licenses (pilot, contractor, or apprentice) must first meet all requirements of the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) to operate the equipment described in an application. A contractor must have an operating certificate issued by the FAA, and all pilots must have a commercial type license issued by the FAA.
Aerial applicators must pass written examinations in aerial methods and in each area of specialty work. A minimum score of 70% must be earned on each test. Pilots must have completed at least 125 hours and one year's flying experience in aerial pesticide application. A pilot lacking 125 hours and a years's experience will be licensed as an apprentice and must operate under the direct supervision of a licensed pilot. An aerial applicator can be certified in any specialty area listed above except seed treatment, wood treatment, and ag pest-animal. For the additional aerial applicator requirements, call the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
Because of the ever evolving technology with aerial application, there is a need for these individuals to attend training more often than other commercial applicators. Therefore, an aerial applicator's certification is valid only for two years. Certification expires on December 31 of the second year following initial certification.
Aerial applicators must meet recertification requirements by June 30 of the second year following certification. See Section III (Recertification) for recertification requirements for aerial applicators.
Additionally, aerial applicators are required to have a pesticide license for conducting business as an aerial pesticide applicator. See Section II (Licensing) for details.
In general, licensing provides an individual legal permission to engage in a business. The North Carolina Pesticide Law of 1971, requires licensing of commercial pesticide applicators (ground and aerial), pesticide dealers (for those who sell or offer to sell RUPs to the end user), and pest control consultants.
There are two types of applicator licenses: public operator and commercial applicator .
Public Operator licenses
Public Operator licenses: Persons who apply or supervise the application of pesticides in their jobs for town, city, county, state, or federal governmental agencies are considered public operators. No fee is required for these governmental employees, but an annual licensing application must be submitted. Public utility employees are also considered public operators, but these individuals must pay an annual licensing fee.
All individuals wishing to obtain a pesticide license as a public operator must become certified in the appropriate area(s). See Section I, Certification.
Commercial applicator Licenses
A commercial applicator is defined as anyone who, for compensation, uses or supervises the use of any pesticides on the property of another.
To obtain a commercial applicator's license you must first complete the certification requirements as indicated in Section I. Next, submit a signed application with the annual licensing fee of $30.00, payable by check or money order.
In addition to applicator licenses, there are licenses for pesticide dealers and consultants.
Dealer
A dealer is anyone who sells or offers to sell restricted-use pesticides to a certified end user.
To obtain a dealer's license you must first complete the certification requirements as indicated in Section I. Next, submit a signed application with the annual licensing fee of $30.00, payable by check or money order.
Consultant
A pest control consultant is anyone who, for a fee, offers or supplies technical advice or recommends the use of specific pesticides for the purpose of controlling insects, plant disease, weeds, or other pests.
To obtain a consultant's license you must first complete the certification requirements as indicated in Section I. Next, submit a signed application with the annual licensing fee of $30.00, payable by check or money order.
Note: All licenses expire each year on December 31. Only individuals with valid certification can renew their licenses.
Do You Live in Another State?
Reciprocal Licenses:
Nonresidents of North Carolina can be issued a North Carolina ground applicator's license provided they have proof that they were certified by written examination in one of the following four reciprocating states: Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. (Note: North Carolina does not have reciprocity agreements for aerial applicators, pesticide dealers, or pest control consultants.)
Recertification means the renewed recognition by the NCDA&CS that a person has completed required training or testing to remain a pesticide dealer, pesticide applicator, pest control consultant, etc.
Specific recertification or continuing certification requirements must be met by June 30 of the year in which certification expires. No continuing certification credit can be carried over from one certification period to the next.
A. Private Pesticide Applicator
Private applicators must recertify every three years by completing one of the following two options:
1. attending a "Private Applicator Recertification Training Session" (currently two hours) offered by the County Cooperative Extension Service,
Or
2. score a minimum of 70% on a written examination administered by the NCDA&CS.
Private pesticide applicators should complete the recertification process by June 30 of their certification expiration year. For private applicators who haven't completed the recertification process by September 30; their only option to recertify is to complete an exam.
Following completion of recertification requirements, private pesticide applicators must sign a "Recertification Form" verifying that they are a producer of an agricultural commodity. This form must be returned to the NCDA&CS together with a $6.00 fee payable by check or money order.
B. Commercial
Ground Applicators
All commercial ground pesticide applicators, must recertify every five years by completing one of the following two options for each of the specialty areas in which certification is held:
1. Passing a comprehensive written recertification exam for areas in which certification is held. A minimum score of 70% must be obtained on each exam.
Or
2. Completing the required number of approved "Continuing Certification Credit Units" in the category in which an individual desires to retain certification. Continuing certification credit requirements for each category are as follows:
Seed Treatment 3
Right-of-Way 4
Wood Treat. 4
Dealer 5
Regulatory 6
Ag.Pest-Animal 6
Aquatic 6
Forest 6
Public Health 6
Ag. Pest Plant 10
Ornamentals-Turf 10
Demonstration & Research 10
• The required credits for each category must be obtained during at least two years of the five year certification period.
• Multiple Categories: Individuals who are certified in two or more categories must complete the total number of credits in the category carrying the highest requirement and then three credits in each additional category. (Note: Demonstration & Research is an exception; this category always requires 10 credit hours.)
Aerial Applicators
Aerial applicators must be recertified every two years. Recertification options include:
1. Retesting in aerial methods and in each of the specialty areas in which certification is held. A minimum score of 70% must be obtained on each exam,
Or
2. Completing four hours of approved "Continuing Certification Credit Units," one hour of which must be in "aerial methods." Aerial applicators who are certified in more than one category must complete one extra hour of training for each additional specialty area.
C. Dealers
A Pesticide dealer must be recertified every five years by completing five approved hours of dealer "continuing certification credits." Instead of completing five certification credits, the dealer may choose to take and pass a written examination.
D. Pest Control Consultant
Pest control consultants must recertify every five years by meeting the requirements for the category (or categories) in which they consult. (See B above).
The North Carolina Pesticide Law of 1971 and regulations adopted by the NC Pesticide Board establish certification and licensing requirements for persons who distribute, sell or apply pesticides as well as for those who act as pest control consultants. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Food and Drug Protection Division, Pesticide Section is the agency responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Law and rules.
All training materials are available from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, by writing or calling :
Dr. Wayne Buhler
NCCES Pesticide Education Specialist
Box 7609 North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
(919)515-3113.
Consult your local Cooperative Extension agent for training opportunities.
If you have any questions or concerns about the information presented in this booklet, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service or write or call the:
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Food & Drug Protection Division
Pesticide Section
PO Box 27647
Raleigh, NC 27611
Tel. No. (919)733-3556
Department homepage:
Last Modified on December 3, 1998