Changes to Pesticide Private Applicator Certification in 2025
By Pat Burt – Wild West District Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent
There will be changes as to how individuals will go about obtaining or renewing their pesticide private applicator licenses in Kansas. The Environmental Protection Agency required each state to update their certification and training plans. These plans outline the private and commercial pesticide certification in each state. In order to meet these requirements, the Kansas Department of Agriculture introduced House Bill 2607, which has been approved by the legislature that make some changes to the current private applicator certification. House Bill 2607 can be found here: https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2607_enrolled.pdf .
Starting January 1, 2025, there will be 3 options for private applicators to receive certification:
- Closed book examination (still offered at extension offices, but there will be some new rules)
- Attend an in-person training to obtain certification
- Complete online training hosted in CanvasPro (6 modules each with review and activities to complete)
I do not know where the in-person training will occur or other aspects of the implementation of the changes but training materials are in development to train agents on the changes hopefully soon. I wanted to let private applicators be aware that changes were coming and when. If you have been holding off on getting or renewing your private applicator certification in Kansas, you might want to do so before the end of this year. Private applicator certifications expire on the individual’s birthday in the 5th calendar year after it is issued. Currently, you can take your private applicator tests at any extension office. The fee is $25 and the test is open book, however, the test will take about 2 to 3 hours and you should study the manual prior to the test. Manuals can be borrowed or purchased at extension offices and can also be found online and downloaded at:
https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/private-pesticide-applicator-manual_MF531.pdf . If you plan to take the test at one of our offices, please call ahead to schedule a time.
