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 the last day of February. Private applicators have three options to obtain certification:
- Complete an online course which is open from December 1, 2022 through October 31, 2023.
- Attend a live training (view the list below)
- pass an online test.
Upcoming Events
Private Applicator Training - April
SDSU Extension will host a free private applicator training on April 6, 2023, online and at various locations throughout South Dakota.
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Commercial Pesticide Applicator Training
Those who apply pesticides for hire or as a government employee that applies pesticides while performing work duties, must have a commercial applicator license.