{"id":49821,"date":"2024-11-01T17:40:21","date_gmt":"2024-11-01T17:40:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/licensing-2\/"},"modified":"2025-11-06T21:48:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T21:48:42","slug":"licensing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/licensing\/","title":{"rendered":"Licensing"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/corn-banner-2.jpg” background_blend=”darken” custom_padding=”||0px|||” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|||22%|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]\t\t

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Applicator Licensing and Testing<\/h2>\n

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Licenses are required for safe and effective use of pesticides. The certification and licensing program protects the environment and public from the adverse effects of unsafe and incorrect use. We have outlined the licensing process below, visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture<\/a> website for more information.<\/p>\n

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Need help deciding what training you need?<\/h2>\n

Take one of the surveys or follow the flowchart below.<\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”131px” custom_margin=”-26px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/divi-sandbox\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/146\/2025\/10\/Applicator-Qualification-Flowchart-10.25.pdf” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”%22What Training Do I Need?%22 Flowchart” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/colostate.az1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_cBhxjXRJSRcfrlI” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”%22What Training Do I Need?%22 Survey” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/colostate.az1.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_0xgwJz2NiIsAyUe” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”%22What Training Do I Need?%22 Survey for CSU Employees” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F1F1F1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|0.1%|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”5%||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Read More On Pesticide Licensing and Training<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Agricultural, Trees & Shrubs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” width=”100%” custom_padding=”||||true|true” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all=”#F15625″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”4%|2%|4%|2%|true|true” border_color_all=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Private Applicators” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/licensing\/#private” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F15625″ image_icon_width=”36px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”6%|6%|6%|6%|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/licensing\/#private” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”#F15625″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Licensed individuals who apply restricted-use pesticides on property they own or manage for the production of a commodity (e.g. food crop, turf, timber, nursery crop).<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Pesticide Technicians” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/licensing\/#technician” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F15625″ image_icon_width=”36px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” min_height=”251.6px” custom_padding=”6%|6%|6%|6%|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/licensing\/#technician” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”#F15625″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Trained individuals who apply pesticides under the direct supervision of a qualified supervisor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”4%|2%|4%|2%|true|true” border_color_all=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Commercial Applicators” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/licensing\/#commercial” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F15625″ image_icon_width=”36px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”6%|6%|6%|6%|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/licensing\/#commercial” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”#F15625″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Licensed professionals who apply pesticides for hire across various properties, including: residential, agricultural, and industrial sites.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Non-Registered Limited Commercial & Public Applicators” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/licensing\/#limited” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F15625″ image_icon_width=”36px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”6%|6%|6%|6%|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/licensing\/#limited” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”#F15625″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Trained individuals who apply general-use pesticides as part of their job on property owned by their employer.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”training” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#1E4D2B” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” border_color_top=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#1E4D2B” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_margin=”-2px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2025\/04\/pesticide-training-stock-1200-16.9-e1747863317237.png” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle – aligned left” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”5%||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]\t\t

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CSU Pesticide Applicator Training
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Our program has developed an online course to prepare you for the general licensing exam. Through our comprehensive training, participants will learn the essential aspects of pest management strategies, pesticide properties, environmental and public safety, applicator safety, and relevant laws and regulations for Colorado applicators.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.online.colostate.edu\/certificates\/pesticide-applicator-training\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Register Today!” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#1E4D2B” button_bg_color=”#F1F1F1″ button_border_color=”#F1F1F1″ background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”||5%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”private” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F1F1F1″ custom_padding=”23px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Private Applicators<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u200b<\/span>According to CDA, a Private Applicator is a person who uses or supervises the use of a restricted-use pesticide (RUP) for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on property owned or leased by the applicator or the applicator\u2019s employer.\u00a0 Private applicators may also apply pesticide on the property of another private applicator when trading services.<\/p>\n

Private applicators do not apply pesticides in exchange for compensation, but only to produce a commodity. If you are hired to apply pesticides in agricultural settings in exchange for payment then you are a commercial applicator.\u200b<\/p>\n

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  1. To be approved for a Private Applicator License, you must first take the general private applicator exam (Category 401). In preparation for this proctored exam, our program, in collaboration with the CDA, has provided a study guide<\/a>. Additionally, we have developed an online pesticide applicator training<\/a>\u00a0that will prepare you for the exam and beyond.<\/li>\n
  2. You will also be required to read and understand the Colorado Pesticide Applicator\u2019s Act<\/a> and the associated Rules and Regulations<\/a> prior to taking the exam or applying pesticides.<\/li>\n
  3. To take the exam, you must register on the Metro Institute online testing website<\/a> and follow the instructions carefully to complete the exam application and schedule a proctored test.<\/li>\n
  4. There is an examination fee of $41.50 per test for this portion of the licensing process.<\/li>\n
  5. After you have completed and passed your exam with a 70% or more, you must submit your application for a Private Applicator License<\/a> (note: the application begins at the bottom of the page). The application fee is $75.<\/li>\n
  6. In some cases you will need to take additional exams. For private applicators using any restricted use fumigant, you will need to take a fumigation test (Category 303: Structural Fumigation, Category 309A: Soil Fumigation, or Category 309B: Non-Soil fumigation), and if you are making any pesticide applications with aerial equipment, you will need to take the aerial exam (Category 114). These tests can also be scheduled through your account at the Metro Institute.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    Remember these things to sign up, prepare for, and succeed on test day:<\/p>\n