Illinois Pesticide Applicator Requirements & FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about Illinois' pesticide certification, and state approved continuing education.

Renewal Deadline: Applicators must renew their licenses every 3-years by December 31st.

CE Requirements: Applicators must pass the core exam every three years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois Peticide Applicator General Information

State Licensing Contact Information

What pesticide application activities require a license in Illinois?

A pesticide license is required of everyone applying Restricted Use pesticides. Also, anyone applying Restricted or general Use pesticides in the course of employment must have a license. A person applying a General Use pesticide on his or her own property is exempt.

What kind of Illinois pesticide applicator's certification do I need?

An applicator is the person(s) in an organization who has the responsibility for all pesticide purchasing, storage, handling, and use. Each organization must have at least one person licensed as an applicator at each facility location. The applicator's license categories dictate the areas in which a company may legally apply pesticides. An applicator is usually an owner, a supervisor, or a foreman. An applicator may use pesticides or supervise the use of pesticides by that person's licensed operators.

An operator is a person who uses pesticides at the job site. The operator is tied directly to the applicator's license. The operator cannot be licensed without an applicator being properly licensed. The operator can apply pesticides only under the direct supervision of the applicator and can apply pesticides only to areas covered by the applicator's license.

Supervision and direction of operators by an applicator is interpreted to mean that the applicator must be in daily contact with the operators. If the applicator is out of town or not available, the operator may not legally apply pesticides. An operator may not legally work for another applicator.

What classifications of applicator's licensing does Illinois have?

• Private Applicators – an individual who applies or supervises the application of any restricted use pesticides on agricultural commodities on property owned or rented without compensation.
• Pesticide Dealer License – An individual selling Restricted Use pesticides.
• Commercial Applicator or Operator License - required for individuals who purchase, use or supervise the use of pesticides classified for General or Restricted Use for hire. (Applicator - $60; Operator - $40; both 1-year licenses).
• Public Applicator or Operator License - required for individuals who use or supervise the use of pesticides classified for General or Restricted Use, as an employee of a state agency, municipality, or other duty constituted governmental agency or unit (Applicator - $20; Operator - $15; both 1-year licenses).
• Commercial Not-for-Hire Applicator or Operator License - required for individuals who use or supervise the use of pesticides classified for General or Restricted Use for any purpose on property of an employer when such activity is a requirement of the terms of employment and the application is limited to property under the control of the employer only (Applicator - $20; Operator - $15; both 1-year licenses).

What are the categories for Illinois pesticide licensing?

The State of Illinois currently has 18 categories and subcategories for pesticide licensing. Applicators holding a commercial license will need to pass the core exam along with at least one of these specialties. For more information about categories click here.

Aquatic Pest Control
Demonstration and Research
Field Crop Pest Control
Forest Pest Control
Fruit Crop Pest Control
Grain Facility Pest Control
Livestock Pest Control
Mosquito Control
Ornamental Pest Control
Plant Management Pest Control
Regulatory Pest Control
Right-of-Way Pest Control
Sewer Line Root Control
Soil Fumigation
Seed Treatment
Soil Fumigation
Turf Pest Control
Vegetable Crop Pest Control

Does the state of Illinois offer pesticide applicator reciprocity with other states?

Individuals may qualify for pesticide licensure in the state of Illinois through reciprocity, if they are currently licensed to conduct the same type of pesticide application in another state, provided that the licensure is from their current state of residency and licensure was based on the successful completion of a closed book examination within the previous three years. Individuals wishing to qualify for an Illinois license using this method can qualify for a ONE CALENDAR YEAR Illinois license.

Application for a reciprocal license is a two-step process:

• First, complete the top portion of the Reciprocity Request and Verification Form (available below) and submit it to your home state regulatory agency. They will complete the lower portion of the form detailing your licensure and test history in your state of residency and will then forward the completed form to the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
• Second, complete and submit the Reciprocal Pest Control License Application form (see below), along with the applicable licensing fee, to the Illinois Department of Agriculture at the address indicated.