Pesticide Applicator Training

Which Pesticide License do you Need?

This page explains the different agricultural licenses, the tests you need, and the study materials that can help you prepare. You can buy study materials from the IFAS Extension Bookstore. Some of these books are also available in the reference section at Lake County Libraries.

There are now special study guides for: 

• Limited Lawn and Ornamental License
• Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance License

You should use these guides along with the book "Applying Pesticides Correctly (CORE)". The CORE book is still required for all pesticide licensing. 

Here's where you can find the most up-to-date details on: 

• FDACS pesticide exams
• How to get a pesticide exam voucher

• Which License Do You Need and How Can You Study?

  Which pesticide applicator license do you need?

  The license you need depends on where you will be spraying pesticides.
  You can find more details in the "Finding the Correct Pesticide Applicator License in Florida" PDF.
  
  

  Study Materials

  There are study materials for each type of license.

  The Limited Lawn & Ornamental license and the Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance license now have their own study guides. These are used along with the Applying Pesticides Correctly (CORE) study guide.

  You can buy study materials from the IFAS Extension Bookstore. Some materials may also be available in the reference section of Lake County Libraries.
   

• How You Can Study

  In‑Person Classes

  UF/IFAS Extension Lake County offers classes that can help you prepare for your exam.

  You can also search for CEU classes if you need continuing education credits.
  
  

  Online Training

  There is online pesticide applicator training available in Spanish, but please remember that all exams are in English.

  Study Materials 

  Study materials can be purchased at the UF/IFAS Bookstore.

  Be sure to know what license you need before you order books. Finding the Correct Pesticide Applicator License in Florida PDF.

  Important Testing Update

  Because of changes to the FDACS system, County Extension Offices no longer offer in‑person testing for Pest Control Operators effective October 1, 2025.
  
  

  Need Help or Accommodations?

  If you need more information or special accommodations for CEU classes, you can contact our office during business hours:

  Email: lake@ifas.ufl.edu
  Phone: 352‑343‑4101
  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
  
  

   

• Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

  CEU Information Resources

   

  Before taking a class, make sure they are the exact CEUs that you need.

  • Online CEUs for fee from UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office
  • Free online CEUs in CORE from Growing Produce
  • Free online CEUs in CORE from Citrus Industry Magazine

   

• WPS Trainer Certification and Resources

  Resources for training workers and handlers

   

  Online Course

  The EPA offers an online WPS Train the Trainer (TTT) course for $35.
  When you complete this course, you will get a WPS TTT certificate. This certificate allows you to train your own workers and handlers on the latest Worker Protection Standard (WPS) rules.
  
  

  In‑Person Classes

  Some local Extension offices offer live WPS Train the Trainer (TTT) classes during the year. Check the schedule to see when the next class is available.
  
  

  Training Materials:
  

  WPS Materials Order Form

  You can order different WPS materials, such as:

  • • • Safety training video
      • Central posting sign
      • “How to Comply” guide
      • And more

  EPA-Approved WPS Training Videos

  New WPS training videos are available from the EPA. Some can be downloaded, while others are on YouTube, which will require an internet connection.

  Orchard worker and handler training:

  • • • Video for online WPS worker training - English
      • Video for online WPS worker training - Spanish
      • Video for online WPS handler training - English - on YouTube
      • Video for online WPS handler training - Spanish - on YouTube

  Greenhouse worker and handler training:

  • • • Video for online WPS greenhouse worker training - English
      • Video for online  WPS greenhouse worker training - Spanish
      • Video for online WPS greenhouse handler training - English - on YouTube
      • Video for online  WPS greenhouse handler training - Spanish - on YouTube
      • Globally Harmonized System Pictograms 
        
        

  New WPS Respirator requirements:

  • • • Respirator requirements for employers of pesticide handlers - includes selecting a respirator, medical evaluations, fit testing, training, maintenance of PPE and more.
      • Respirator fit testing protocols from OSHA
      • One option for fit testing
        
        

   

• Paraquat Certification

  Use of paraquat now requires special training. It can only be done online and is free.

  Paraquat Training for certificate

• Fertilizer License

  You must have a fertilizer license if you are applying fertilizer to residential landscapes for hire.

  Need a Fertilizer License? You need to become Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Certified.

  Urban Fertilizer license CEUs online.

• Disposal of Old Pesticides

  For Homeowners

  Homeowners can take old or unwanted pesticides to the landfill’s hazardous waste area for safe disposal.

  For Commercial Pesticide Users

  Commercial users can take part in Operation Cleansweep.The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) offers Operation Cleansweep when funding is available. This program gives farms, golf courses, pest control companies, and other commercial operations a safe, easy, and low‑cost way to get rid of:

  • • Canceled pesticides
    • Suspended pesticides
    • Unusable pesticides (CSUP)