Commercial Applicator Training for Pesticides

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