Every private pesticide applicator in Ohio must have at least 3 hours of educational training every 3 years. The training must include an hour of core and at least 30 minutes in each category licensed. Every fertilizer applicator must complete 1 hour of educational training every 3 years. Both trainings are often held during one recertification event.
New Pesticide Applicator
First time getting your applicator license? To become licensed, the Private Applicator must take an exam. The exam assesses the candidate's knowledge of federal and state pesticide law, integrated pest management, best management practices, pest identification, and the ability to read and understand pesticide labels. All exams are multiple choice, require having a passing score of 70%, and are written in English.
The suggested way to prepare and take the exam is:
- Obtain study materials from your County Extension Office. It is helpful to call your local OSU Extension Office before you visit to ensure that the office has the materials on hand. The phone number for Mercer County Extension is (419) 586-2179.
- Select an exam date and site. Register online using this ODA website.. Mercer County is a host site for the exam every month on the last Thursday of the month, with the exception of November and December due to holidays.
- If you need assistance, contact Ohio Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Division at (614) 728-6987. (Because of limited space, you may not be able to take the exam if not pre-registered.)
- Take the exam on the date and location you selected.
Then:
- Ohio Department of Agriculture will notify you by letter with exam results. After the exam is passed, pay the $30 license fee to ODA. The license will be mailed within 3-4 weeks.
License Fees should be paid to:
Ohio Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Regulation
8995 E. Main St.
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-3399
Phone: (614) 728-6987 or (800) 282-1955.
New Fertilizer Applicator
Persons who are seeking a fertilizer license for the first time are not requried to take an exam. They may take an exam OR attend a 3 hour training. Visit pested.osu.edu/Fert_cert for more information about obtaining a fertilizer applicator license with the state of Ohio.
Mercer County Programs
New Applicator Classes
Mercer County occasionally holds classes to help prepare for the pesticide applicator exam. There are no classes offered at this time. You may call the Mercer County OSU Extension Office at 419-586-2179 to see if there are offerings nearby to help you prepare.
New fertilizer applicator classes are also offered occasionally, usually in the late winter. There are no classes offered at this time. You may call the Mercer County OSU Extension Office at 419-586-2179 to see if there are fertilizer classes offered soon, or visit pested.osu.edu/NutrientTraining.
Pesticide and Fertilizer Recertification
Applicators who are expiring in 2025 need to recertify their license before March 31, 2025. Mercer County holds two recertification trainings (also abbreviated PAT), on January 28 and February 3. You are able to attend other counties' trainings if you missed Mercer County's. To view other options, visit pested.osu.edu/privaterecertification. Mercer County is in the blue "Top of Ohio" section.
If you are unsure of when your license expires, you may check your status using your applicator ID number and last name at the following link:
agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/pesticides/online/credit-search
Resources
Drones for pesticide application resources
Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, and Alfalfa