February 16, 2023
Producers who need to acquire or renew a private pesticide applicator license have a number of options in 2023. To certify for a new license or recertify an existing one, the following options are available:
1. Attend a face-to-face training session.
2. Complete an online self-study program.
3. Pass a private applicator exam administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
After completing one of the above options, NDA will mail you a postcard requesting payment of a $25 licensing fee. Once the licensing fee is paid, a three-year license is issued.
Dates, locations and registration information for 2023 face-to-face training sessions are listed online. Note that additional training sessions may be added to this list. When selecting a training session from the list, be sure to check the right-most column of the table for registration instructions for each session.
For the online private self-study program, visit pested.unl.edu.
Background
The Environmental Protection Agency classifies pesticide products as restricted-use pesticides if they pose an increased risk to human health or the environment. To purchase and use RUPs, a person must be certified or licensed by the state where they will be using the products.
Nebraska Extension provides the pesticide safety training required to become certified or licensed. In Nebraska, applicator licenses last three years and must then be renewed.
A private applicator license allows a person to apply RUPs to property owned or rented by them for the purpose of producing agricultural commodities. It also allows them to apply RUPs to the property of another producer on their behalf, as long as there is no compensation other than trading of personal services.
Important changes
Both new and recertifying applicators need to be aware of changes to Nebraska’s applicator certification and licensing program:
• The minimum age to be a certified applicator is now 18. Noncertified applicators cannot use RUPs. (A limited exception exists for immediate family members of certified private applicators. Contact NDA for information.)