Answers to frequently asked questions about California's pesticide certification, and state approved continuing education.
We Are Here To Help! Monday-Friday 8am-8pm ESTCommercial applicators are required to renew their certificate every two years by December 31st.
Private applicators are required to renew their certification every three years.
California SPCB Applicator Continuing education is due every three years by June 10th.
Pesticide certification is the demonstration (through testing) that an individual has the knowledge to apply pesticides without undue risk to themselves, the public, or the environment.
Pesticide licensing is the legal standing with the state to offer your application services to the public for monetary compensation.
Phone: (916) 445-4038
Fax: (916) 445-4033
Email: LicenseMail@cdpr.ca.gov
Web: http://www.cdpr.ca.gov
For Course Approval Verification: https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/license/cont_ed_cfm/classes.htm
QAC - (Qualified Applicator Certificate) Apply or supervise the application of federally restricted use pesticides or state restricted materials for any purpose or on any property other than that provided by the definition of a private applicator.
QAL - (Qualified Applicators License) Apply or supervise the application of federally restricted use pesticides or state restricted materials for any purpose or on any property other than that provided by the definition of a private applicator. Supervise the pesticide applications made by a licensed pest control business and are responsible for its safe and legal operation. The QAL shall include the categories of pest control activities they supervise.
Qualified Applicator Certification
Qualified Applicator License
Fees: (QAC) Qualified Applicator Certificate
Exam Fees: $50
License Fees: $40
Renewal Fees: $120
Late Fees: $60
Fees: (QAL) Qualified Applicator License
Exam Fees: $50
License Fees: $80
Renewal Fees: $120
Late Fees: $60
A Residential, Industrial, and Institutional
B Landscape Maintenance
C Right-of-Way
D Plant Agriculture
E Forest
F Aquatic
G Regulatory
H Seed Treatment
I Animal Agriculture
J Demonstration and Research
K Health Related
L Wood Preservative
M Antifouling Tributyltin
N Sewer Line Root Control
O Field Fumigation
P Microbial Pest Control
Q Maintenance Gardener *
* Applicants for subcategory Q only need to take the pest control category Q examination. Laws and Regulations are included in the examination.
For further information on categories and to find a description of each, please click here.
Pesticide certification is the demonstration (through testing) that an individual has the knowledge to apply pesticides without undue risk to themselves, the public, or the environment.
Pesticide licensing is the legal standing with the state to offer your application services to the public for monetary compensation.
The DPR certification period is two years. The DPR license period is one year.
If your last name begins with A through L your license expires on December 31 of even-numbered years (e.g. 2024, 2026, 2028, etc.)
If your last name begins with M through Z your license expires on December 31 of odd numbered years (e.g. 2025, 2027, 2029, etc.)
You are required to accumulate at least 20 hours of approved continuing education (CE) every two years before certificate renewal. Four of the 20 hours must cover the topic of pesticide laws and regulations (3 CCR section 6511).
QAC & QAL holders who have Category M, N, P, or Q are required to complete eight hours of approved CE after their first renewal.
QAC & QAL holders who have Category H only are required to complete four hours of approved CE after their first renewal.
Two of the hours must cover pesticide laws and regulations (3 CCR section 6511).
CE courses can only be taken one-time per calendar year to receive hours towards license and certificate renewal requirements according to The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).
For more information please visit: CADPR CE Requirements
Applicators must submit their own continuing education to California. Printable certificates will be available immediately after completing courses.
Yes, all of our courses are state approved.
If you have been licensed less than 12 months - no CE is required
If you have been licensed 12 to 20 months - you must complete half of your CE
If you have been licensed 21 to 24 months - you must complete all of your CE
You must MAIL your application, Fee and CE Course Certificates
CE Must be completed by 12/31 but have 1 yr to submit renewal application.
You many renew your certification for up to 12 months after expiration by paying a late fee. CE hours must be completed by December 31 of your expiration year. If you do not renew your certification within 12 months you must retake the Laws and Regulations exams along with all appropriate category exams.
If you did not complete your CE by December 31 you must retake the Laws and Regulations exams along with all appropriate category exams.
General use pesticides are applied according to label instructions on the individual’s own property or with permission of the property owner. Restricted use pesticides are available only to certified applicators. Restricted use includes any materials that are hazardous to public health, farm workers, domestic animals, the environment, wildlife, or crops other than those being treated.
The individual renewal packet can be found here
Pesticide certification is the demonstration (through testing) that an individual has the knowledge to apply pesticides without undue risk to themselves, the public, or the environment.
Pesticide licensing is the legal standing with the state to offer your application services to the public for monetary compensation.
Phone: (916) 561-8700
Fax: (916) 263-2469
Email: pestboard@dca.ca.gov
Web: https://www.pestboard.ca.gov/index.shtml
Household pests* and wood destroying pests or organisms, or other pests that may invade households or other structures, including railroad cars, ships, docks, trucks, airplanes, or the contents thereof, the engaging in, offering to engage in, advertising for, soliciting, or the performance of, any of the following:
*Household pests are defined as those pests other than wood destroying pests or organisms, which invade households and other structures, including, but not limited to, rodents, vermin, and insects.
Applicator:
Field Representative:
Operator:
Pesticide certification is the demonstration (through testing) that an individual has the knowledge to apply pesticides without undue risk to themselves, the public, or the environment.
Pesticide licensing is the legal standing with the state to offer your application services to the public for monetary compensation.
Step 1 - Fill out and Submit Via Email the Examination Application
Step 2 - Complete the Live Scan/Fingerprint Process (See 1-7 Below)
Step 3 - Wait for PSI to mail or email you a Candidate Handbook with instructions for scheduling your exam.
Step 4 - Schedule and sit for exam within 6 months.
Step 5 - Exam Results will be available immediately. Passing Results will include a License Application. Failing Results will include a RE-Examination Application (to re-test)
Step 6 - Send in License Application and Fee
Step 7 - Once a license number has been issued you can start working. The physical license will be mailed in 2-4 weeks.
Students will receive a handbook and approval letter from PSI
Exam Fees: $55
License Fees: $10
Renewal Fees: $10
Late Fees: $5 if within 90 days of expiration date
Renewal applications are sent out 2 months prior to the expiration date. Student must mail in Renewal Form--The renewal form is not available online. If you do not receive your renewal form by June 1st, contact the Board's licensing unit to request that a duplicate notice be generated.
A licensed applicator shall have completed 12 hours of Board approved continuing education. Applicators will be required to complete 4 hours of rules and regulations, 6 hours of pesticide application and use, and 2 hours of IPM.
We do! All providers must submit a course attendance roster to the Structural Pest Control Board within five working days after every course instructed.
There is a grace period of 90 days from license expiration.
Yes. a license with the Structural Pest Control Board would be required for the control of pests within or on a structure.
Pesticide certification is the demonstration (through testing) that an individual has the knowledge to apply pesticides without undue risk to themselves, the public, or the environment.
Pesticide licensing is the legal standing with the state to offer your application services to the public for monetary compensation.
Branch 1 applicants must submit proof satisfactory to the Board that he/she has had six (6) months of training and experience in the practice of fumigating with lethal gases which includes a minimum of 100 hours of training and experience in preparation, fumigation, ventilation and certification.
Branch 2 applicants must submit proof satisfactory to the Board that he/she has had a minimum of 40 hours training and experience in pesticide application, Branch 2 pest identification and biology, pesticide application equipment, pesticide hazards and safety practices, 20 hours of which are actual field work. The minimum hour requirement must include training and experience in Integrated Pest Management, and the impact of structural pest control services on water quality.
Branch 3 applicants must submit proof satisfactory to the Board that he/she has had a minimum of 100 hours of training and experience, in the practice of pesticide application, Branch 3 pest identification and biology, pesticide application equipment, pesticide hazards and safety practices, structural repairs, structural inspection procedures and report writing, 80 hours of which are actual field work. The minimum hour requirement must include training and experience in Integrated Pest Management, and the impact of structural pest control services on water quality.
Step 1 - Fill out and Submit Via Email the Examination Application
Step 2 - Complete the Live Scan/Fingerprint Process (See 1-7 Below)
Step 3 - Wait for PSI to mail or email you a Candidate Handbook with instructions for scheduling your exam.
Step 4 - Schedule and sit for exam within 6 months.
Step 5 - Exam Results will be available immediately. Passing Results will include a License Application. Failing Results will include a RE-Examination Application (to re-test)
Step 6 - Send in License Application and Fee
Step 7 - Once a license number has been issued you can start working. The physical license will be mailed in 2-4 weeks.
Branch 1 applicants click here.
Branch 2 applicants click here.
Branch 3 applicants click here.
Applicants must wait for an acceptance letter from PSI
Exam Fees: $50 Per Branch
License Fees: $30
Renewal Fees: $30
Late Fees: $15
Renewal notices are mailed approximately two months before the June 30th expiration date. Complete Renewal Notice, Include Fee’s and mail to Structural Pest Control Board.
California Field Representative's continuing education requirements:
Renewal notices are mailed approximately two months before the June 30th expiration date. Complete Renewal Notice, Include Fee’s and mail to Structural Pest Control Board.
There is a 90 day grace period for renewing your license after the expiration date.
You must resubmit your application, and pass the required examinations.
Yes. A license with the Structural Pest control Board would be required for the control of pests within or on a structure.
Pesticide certification is the demonstration (through testing) that an individual has the knowledge to apply pesticides without undue risk to themselves, the public, or the environment.
Pesticide licensing is the legal standing with the state to offer your application services to the public for monetary compensation.
An applicant for the Operator's Examination must submit proof satisfactory to the Board that he/she has had experience for a period of not less than the time specified opposite the branches listed below in the employ of a registered company in the State of California in the particular branch or branches of pest control for which the applicant desires to be licensed, or the equivalent of such experience.
Branch 1: 2 Years (1 year as a Field Representative Branch 1 required)
>Branch 1: 2 Years (1 year as a Field Representative Branch 1 required)
Branch 3: 4 Years (2 years as a Field Representative Branch 3 required)
Step 1 - Fill out and Submit Via Email the Examination Application
Step 2 - Complete the Live Scan/Fingerprint Process (See Below)
Step 3 - Wait for PSI to mail or email you a Candidate Handbook with instructions for scheduling your exam.
Step 4 - Schedule and sit for exam within 6 months.
Step 5 - Exam Results will be available immediately. Passing Results will include a License Application. Failing Results will include a RE-Examination Application (to re-test)
Step 6 - Once a license number has been issued you can start working. The physical license will be mailed in 2-4 weeks.
Branch 1 applicants click here.
Branch 2 applicants click here.
Branch 3 applicants click here.
Applicants must wait for an acceptance letter from PSI
Exam Fees: $50 Per Branch
License Fees: $120
Renewal Fees: $120
Late Fees: $30
California operators' continuing education requirements:
Renewal notices are mailed approximately two months before the June 30th expiration date. Complete Renewal Notice, Include Fee’s and mail to Structural Pest Control Board.
There is a 90 day grace period for renewing your license after the expiration date.
You must resubmit your application, and pass the required examinations.
Yes. A license with the Structural Pest control Board would be required for the control of pests within or on a structure.
Pesticide certification is the demonstration (through testing) that an individual has the knowledge to apply pesticides without undue risk to themselves, the public, or the environment.
Pesticide licensing is the legal standing with the state to offer your application services to the public for monetary compensation.
Step 1 - You must be licensed by the Structural Pest Control Board (Board) as an Operator or be in the process of obtaining an Operator's license.
A registered company must have a Qualifying Manager in order to operate. Business and Profession Code, Section 8506.2 states "a 'qualifying manager' is the licensed operator or operators designated by a registered company to supervise the daily business of the company and to be available to supervise and assist the company's employees."
In order to qualify as a Qualifying Manager, you must be licensed by the Board as an Operator. The Operator's license must be in the branch or branches of pest control in which you plan to operate your business (Definitions of pest control branches). For example, if a company registration is issued in Branch 2, General Pest, the Qualifying Manager must be licensed as an Operator in Branch 2. A company may have more than one Qualifying Manager if the company is registered in more than one branch.
Step 2 - Complete the Request for Approval of Registered Company form and submit it to the Board.
Print the Request for Approval of Registered Company form, complete and mail to the Board. An Operator must be listed as the Qualifying Manager on this form or a licensee who has passed the operator exam and is in the process of becoming licensed as an Operator who will be the Qualifying Manager.
Once the Board receives this completed Request for Approval of Registered Company form, it will be reviewed and processed. A letter will then be mailed out notifying you if the company name style has been approved or denied.
If a name style is approved, a company registration packet will be sent notifying you which name style has been approved and that the name will be reserved for 60 days. If all name styles have been denied, notification will be sent along with a blank approval of registered company form.
Step 3 - Complete the application for registration of a company along with bonding and insurance forms.
Included in the company registration packet are instructions for completing the application, along with bonding and insurance requirements and necessary forms. In order for the Board to process the company registration application, each of these documents must be completed in its entirety.
Insurance: The Structural Pest Control Act, Business and Professions Code, Section 8692, requires registered companies to maintain a minimum of $500,000 in general liability insurance. The insurance information must be completed by the insurance company on the insurance form provided by the Board (Certificate of Insurance). All information on the insurance certificate must be typed. The name style in which the insurance policy is issued must be exactly the same as the name style approved by the Board.
If necessary, a list may be requested from the Board regarding the most commonly used insurance companies.
Bond: The Structural Pest Control Act, Business and Professions Code, Section 8697, requires registered companies to maintain a bond executed by an admitted surety insurer in the amount of $12,500. The original bond must be submitted to the Board with the Qualifying Manager's original signature and a seal from the bonding company. If the company will have multiple Qualifying Managers, all Qualifying Managers must sign the bond.
Articles of Incorporation: Needed only for a corporation. The Articles of Incorporation must be submitted after endorsement by the Secretary of State (a copy is acceptable). If filing for DBA (Doing Business As), submit a copy of fictitious name filing from the county recorder's office along with the copy of the Articles of Incorporation.
Ficticious business name statement: Needed only for a sole proprietorship or partnership. If the name style is fictitious, you must file with the county recorder's office and submit a copy to the Board.
Once the Board has received the application for registration of a company in its entirety, it will be reviewed. After the Board reviews the completed application and determines that all of the necessary forms are correct, the company will be issued a principal registration (PR) number and the company will then be allowed to do business.
Please note that the registration of a company packet cannot be downloaded from the Board's website.