Use the certification flowchart to determine if certification is required. Note, applicator credentials are valid for three years after they are awarded and expire on December 31 of the third year.
Private certification is required for anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides (RUPs) to agricultural commodities to their own or their employer’s property. Applicators must pass the private core exam.
Commercial certification is required for anyone who applies pesticides for commercial purposes (for-hire or for anyone who applies non-ready-to-use pesticides) during their employment. All commercial applicators must pass the commercial core exam and at least one category exam depending on the type(s) of applications performed. See the Commercial Pesticide Application Certification Categories List to decide which categories to include on your application.
Registered applicators may be appropriate for applicators who apply general-use pesticides for a commercial purpose under the supervision of a certified applicator. Registered applicators cannot apply RUPs.
Registered applicators must be trained by an MDARD-approved trainer using an MDARD-approved training program that meets Regulation 636, Rule 8, Subrule 9 requirements. Approved trainers must pass the Registered Applicator Trainer Exam and be a commercially certified applicator with at least two seasons of experience applying pesticides in the categories which they will train registered applicators. A Registered Applicator Trainer Manual is available for trainers to study for the exam.
Contact Michigan State University’s Pesticide Safety Education Coordinator, Dr. Safa Alzohairy for help developing a training program and to take the Registered Applicator Trainer Exam.