Pesticide, Fertilizer Exam

Primary tabs

Thursday, February 19, 2026 - 9:00am
Location:
Jefferson County Tower Building, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 500 Market St, Steubenville, OH 43952
Contact email:
lyon.194@osu.edu
Contact name:
Erika Lyon
Contact phone:
740-461-6136

Registration required: Click here for registration

Commercial Applicator License

  1. Send application form to ODA with $35 fee. Click here for application form.
  2. Click here for a frequently asked questions page about filling out the application.
  3. Study material can be purchased at: go.osu.edu/examguides 
  4. Study the material! New applicator training opportunities are optional to help prepare for the test.  Click here to see if any classes are scheduled.
  5. Select an exam date and site. The exam is offered around the state of Ohio each year. Click here for the exam dates and sites.
  6. ODA will notify the applicator by mail with their exam results
    1. If the applicator did not pass an exam, they are able to retake the test. Only the exams not passed need to be retaken.
    2. If the applicator did pass the exams, they are a licensed applicator
  7. Upon passing appropriate examinations, the applicator will be licensed. The $35 fee will be paid annually. The applicator is required to be recertified every three years. Click here for information on the recertification requirements

Steps to get a Private Applicator License

1. Obtain study materials from your OSU Extension county office. You can also download some of the materials on the Private Applicator Study Materials page. - NOTE: Please be sure to call your local OSU Extension office before you visit. This allows the office to make sure that they have the materials on hand for you.

2. Study the recommended materials for Core and each category needed on your license. All new applicators must take Core and at least one category exam to obtain a license.

3. Register with the Ohio Department of Agriculture for an exam date and location:  register online or by calling the ODA, Pesticide Division at 614-728-6987. (Because of limited space, you may not be able to take the exam if not pre-registered).

  • Exams are free, multiple-choice, and not open book.
  • A photo ID is required.
  • If you fail, you must wait five business days before retesting.

4. Take the Exam

  • You must pass:
    • The Core exam
    • At least one Category exam (not including the fertilizer exam)

Then:

5. ODA will mail your test results (and a license application form (click for downloadable pdf)  if you have not already sent one).

6. After passing the required exams, send in the completed application form and $30 license fee to ODA. If you need to retake an exam, there are no additional charges.

$30 License Fees should be paid to:
Ohio Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Regulation
8995 E. Main St.
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-3399
Phone: 614-728-6987 or 800-282-1955.
 

  • If you are applying for reciprocity from Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia, include a copy of your driver’s license and current pesticide license.