Get a Pest Control License

It's a good time to become a pest control worker! The pest control industry is expected to grow by 10% in the next decade and you don't need an advanced degree. Pest controller workers made a median salary of around $37,820 in 2020.[1] Most states require you to pass an exam, get on-the-job training, and pay a fee, but it's not a difficult process. We'll walk you through the basics so can get started on your license today!

Steps

Basic Requirements

  1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. If you don't have a diploma, many states will also accept the GED (General Educational Development). You don't need an advanced degree to become a pest control worker.[2]
    • To find your state's exact requirements, go to the National Pesticide Information Center website to access a national directory. Then, click on your state to see a link for the pesticide agency responsible for licensing.[3]
    • Some states like New York or Maine require that you have training in pest control before you apply for your license.
  2. Take EPA-approved courses in pesticide use and safety. You'll probably be required to take general pesticide classes as well as specialties related to the job you're trying to get. For example, you might take classes on rodent control, termite control, or fumigation.[4]
    • Enroll in pest control classes at community colleges, technical centers, or university extensions.
    • You can usually finish the required courses in less than 3 months.
  3. Be prepared to get on-the-job training. When you're hired by a pest control company or agency, you'll usually work as an apprentice under the supervision of a licensed pest control specialist. Usually, you'll log these on-the-job training hours and they count toward your licensing requirements. Keep in mind that the training requirements can vary widely from state to state.[5]
    • The amount of time it takes to get your license really depends on your state's education requirements. 22 states don't require any training or education while other states require a few years of training.
  4. Pass a background check if it's required by your state. Some states require that you pass a criminal background check before you can get a pest control license.[6] Follow your state's instructions and keep a copy of the certificate that shows you passed your background check. You might need to submit this later with the pest control license application.
    • You may also need to submit a letter of recommendation, a signed statement from a law enforcement agency, and a copy of your parole or probation conditions.

Licensing Exam

  1. Study for your pest control license exam. Most agencies have study materials available online so you can learn what the test will cover. Download a handbook or get a manual from the state agency so you can study the material.[7]
    • For example, you'll probably be tested on reading pesticide labels, identifying common pests, knowing which animals are protected by law, and how to handle the equipment.[8]
    • Some states may charge money for the study materials.
  2. Register to take the exam online or at a proctored location. You'll probably have to create an account online whether you want to take the exam in person or at a testing center. Enter your contact information and follow the prompts to schedule your exam.[9]
  3. Pay the exam fee when you register. The cost to take the exam really varies by state, but in general, it costs around $260 to get licensed. Your state will probably have an online portal for securely paying this fee.[10]
    • The fee may cover just the cost of the exam or it may include all costs associated with getting your license.
  4. Take the exam online or at the proctored location. Most pest control license exams are timed, so probably have about 2 hours to take the test. The test might be an open answer where you complete a response, multiple-choice, or a combination of these. Keep in mind that electronic devices aren't usually allowed.[11]
    • Some tests may have longer time limits, so check with the agency to learn how much time you have.
    • The agency should notify you of your results once they've graded the exams.

License Application

  1. Choose between a commercial and non-commercial license. If you'll be working for a licensed pest control business that advertises its services, apply for a commercial applicator license. If you're going to work for a business that does pest control for government agencies, hospitals, apartments, or other businesses, you'll need a non-commercial license. Both of these license types are certified.[12]
    • As a commercial pest applicator you might also train apprentices.
  2. Fill out your state's pest control license application. You can usually create an account and fill out your application for a commercial or non-commercial license online. If your state doesn't have this option, fill out a paper application that you download from the agency's website. The application will usually include:[13]
    • Contact details
    • Pest control education or eligibility
    • Pest control license information
    • Employment history
    • Criminal history
    • References
  3. Pay the associated fees. You may have to pay to take the exam, submit the application, or both! Fees can vary widely so go to your state's pesticide agency to find out specifics. You can usually pay these fees online when you submit the application or take the exam.
    • For instance, there are no associated fees in Mississippi, while New York charges close to $2,200 for a pest control license.[14]
  4. Submit the application to the appropriate state agency. Now that you've gathered all the information that your state needs, upload your application to their website or mail it to the location listed for the agency. For instance, your state's Department of Agriculture might give you a P.O. Box address to mail the application to.[15]
    • Double check that you've included all the documents the state needs and don't forget to sign your application.
  5. Wait for your application to be approved. If you uploaded your application, you should be able to log in later to check its status. You'll probably also receive an email with a confirmation number that you can use to check your application. If you mailed your application, you'll probably need to wait a little longer. Contact the agency directly and ask them what the typical waiting period is before you get a result.
    • For instance, your state may process paper applications within a week of receiving them. If that's the case, you might contact the agency if you haven't gotten a result within a few weeks.

Tips

  • Expect to make around $37,820 a year as a pest control worker. This was the median income in May 2020.[16]
  • Most pest control licenses need to be renewed annually. Check with your certifying agency to see if you can renew it online and how much the renewal fee costs.
  • Some states have reciprocal licensing agreements. This means that if you get certified in a state like Missouri, which has reciprocal agreements with Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois, your license is valid in these states as well.[17]

References

  1. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/pest-control-workers.htm#tab-5
  2. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/pest-control-workers.htm#tab-4
  3. ↑ http://npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html
  4. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/pest-control-workers.htm#tab-4
  5. ↑ https://ij.org/wp-content/themes/ijorg/images/ltw2/License_to_Work_2nd_Edition.pdf
  6. ↑ https://www.texasagriculture.gov/RegulatoryPrograms/Pesticides/StructuralPestControlService/StructuralPestControlLicensing/SPCSCertifiedApplicatorLicensing.aspx
  7. ↑ https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/il-vsn-general-standards-operator-review-questions-2011_Aug172018.pdf
  8. ↑ [v161375_b01]. 22 April 2020.
  9. ↑ https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Pest-Control/Exam-Schedule-and-Information
  10. ↑ https://ij.org/wp-content/themes/ijorg/images/ltw2/License_to_Work_2nd_Edition.pdf
  11. ↑ https://pesticideexam.ifas.ufl.edu/policy.faces
  12. ↑ https://www.texasagriculture.gov/RegulatoryPrograms/Pesticides/StructuralPestControlService/StructuralPestControlLicensing/SPCSCertifiedApplicatorLicensing.aspx
  13. ↑ https://agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pdf/app_dealer_lic_app.pdf
  14. ↑ https://ij.org/wp-content/themes/ijorg/images/ltw2/License_to_Work_2nd_Edition.pdf
  15. ↑ https://agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pdf/app_dealer_lic_app.pdf
  16. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/pest-control-workers.htm#tab-5
  17. ↑ https://agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pesticides/commnonpub.php
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