The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is the lead agency administering the pesticide certification program required by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). SDSU Extension partners with DANR to offer training programs.
Those who apply pesticides for hire or as a government employee that applies pesticides while performing work duties, must have a commercial applicator license.
You are considered a commercial applicator if you:
- Engage in the business of applying pesticides to the lands of another;
- Advertise as being in the business of applying pesticides to the lands of another at any time;
- Apply pesticides while in the performance of duties as a governmental employee; or
- Otherwise act as a commercial applicator.
Individuals must pass a proctored exam(s) to become certified as a commercial applicator in South Dakota. Dealers must be certified in the General Category. Applicators must be certified in the General Category AND have appropriate certifications in applicable categories. Commercial applicator certification and licensure is valid for two years and must be renewed before March 1. Commercial applicators have three options for recertification:
- Retest
- Complete an online course
- Attend in-person, recertification training meetings
Upcoming Events
Department of Transportation Applicator Recertification Training @ Pierre
SDSU Extension, in collaboration with the South Dakota Department of Transportation (DoT) and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will host recertification trainings for categories G – General Pest Control and 7 – Right-of-Way Pest Control on October 16, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Ramkota Hotel (920 W Sioux Ave, Pierre, SD 57501).
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SDSU Extension to host training for DOT pest control applicators
October 08, 2025
South Dakota State University Extension will host two recertification trainings in October for two categories of pesticide applicators.
Department of Transportation Applicator Recertification Training @ Pierre
SDSU Extension, in collaboration with the South Dakota Department of Transportation (DoT) and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will host recertification trainings for categories G – General Pest Control and 7 – Right-of-Way Pest Control on October 16, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Ramkota Hotel (920 W Sioux Ave, Pierre, SD 57501).
South Dakota Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification Testing
New commercial pesticide applicators and those that have allowed their licenses to lapse must pass commercial pesticide applicator exams to receive certification. Learn about some some helpful resources, contacts, and tips to help you be successful in your certification testing.