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.
Private applicator certification is required before an agricultural producer can purchase or use a restricted use pesticide. A producer who has the potential of producing more than $1,000 of an agricultural commodity must be certified to use any pesticide. The DANR maintains a searchable database of private applicators.
There is no fee for a private applicator certification, which is valid for three years and expires on March 31. Private applicators have three options to obtain certification:
Certification Options
Online Course
Proctored Exam
Webinar
Accessing the Online Course
If you have a TrainingHouse account:
Enter your username and password and select Log in. If you have forgotten your username or password, use the Lost password? link to reset it.
SDSU faculty and staff completing the course as part of their university employment should use the SDSU Single Sign On button to log in. This option should only be used if you are currently employed at the University.
If you do not have a TrainingHouse account:
- Select Create new account.
- Read and agree to the site policies. Enter the required information. Select Create my new account.
- You will receive an email from noreply@trainingdhouse.sdstate.edu. Check your Spam or Junk folders if you do not see the email.
- Follow the instructions in the email to complete account setup.
Enroll in the course
- After logging into your account, the Home page will open.
- Enter private applicator in the course search box. Open the course.
- Select the Enrol me button.
Once enrolled, you will be able to access the course from the My Courses page.
Contact
For more information or assistance with pesticide applicator licensing, contact Mae Mohror, SDSU Extension Pesticide Program Assistant.
For questions regarding pesticide usage, contact Stephen Robertson, SDSU Extension Pesticide Education Field Specialist.
Upcoming Events
Private Applicator Training - April
SDSU Extension will host a free private applicator training on April 16, 2025, from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. CST (12:30 - 3:30 p.m. MT).
Recommended Content
Commercial Applicator Training for Pesticides
Those who apply pesticides for hire or as a government employee that applies pesticides while performing work duties, must have a commercial applicator license.