In December, the University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program will once again offer in-person training clinics. Offerings will be similar to that of recent years although quite limited compared to when in-person was the only option. Clinics can fill quickly so plan accordingly. Additionally, our online training modules will be available for those who prefer this learning method. Testing will be offered both in-person and online. More information follows.

Watch the mail for a retest letter & schedule booklet

If your license expires at the end of the year, you should receive a letter from the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA) by Mid November. If possible, please have this letter ready when you test as it will contain your USA Plants number as well as your company name and address. The USA Plants number will streamline the paperwork required prior to taking your exams. If you don’t have a USA Plants number, or if you are testing for the first time, you will need to provide your Social Security number (not card) as well as your company name and address.

Along with the letter will be a schedule booklet with registration information for training and testing.  Much of that information has now been posted to our website.

Testing is required every 3 years. Categories can be added to an applicator license at any time. Each exam is valid for three years if taken the same year as the General Standards exam. Otherwise, all category exams expire along with the General Standards exam regardless of the year taken. All licenses expire on December 31 of the specific year they are scheduled to expire.

Plan ahead

To get your license when you need it, IDA encourages applicators & operators to test early in the year and not wait until the last minute as there are hundreds of people taking exams each month. Also, some do not pass exams on the first attempt so additional study time may be needed. Study materials can be purchased and used in advance of the training so that the course material works as more of a refresher to help reinforce learning. Help ensure that employees are prepared. For testing they will need their company address, a photo I.D., a basic function calculator, and of course their retest letter from IDA. 

Passing the exam does NOT make you licensed. You cannot apply pesticides until IDA receives your completed application and payment. Afterwards, IDA will mail your license to your employer's address. Only then are you licensed to apply pesticides.

Payment concerns for licensing (not training)

IDA does not take debit or credit cards. Some companies have expressed concerns in the past because they do not have a checking account. Alternate payment options include using a money order or personal check and being reimbursed. Universities may use account transfers. Please plan accordingly and allow for extra time that may be needed for paperwork.

Need a duplicate license, secondary license, or change of information?

Current licenses that have been misplaced or destroyed may be replaced. Request a duplicate license using the forms found on the IDA website. In addition, licensees wishing to be licensed under a second company may submit a request to the Department using the secondary license request form. Please let the Department know if you have a change of employer. Licensees should submit any changes of information to the Department using the appropriate forms on the website.

Training options

• Option 1: In-Person Training

                Preregistration and training schedule are available now.

Large capacity, classroom setting using fill-in-the-blank style workbook (provided). Trainings run 2.5-3.5 hours followed by testing. Both 1 and 2 day clinics offered. Details will be in the schedule booklet and posted on our website.

                Preregistration and prepayment required.

                Register online or call (800) 644-2123

                Fee:  General Standards $45.00; Categories $25.00 each

                (Categories vary by location and include: Field Crops, Rights of Way, Mosquito, Turfgrass, and Ornamentals)

• Option 2: Online Training

Online courses are available as an alternative to in-person training. Online courses include General Standards, Private Applicator, and most traditional training categories. The courses are designed to be completed on your own schedule and pace. Each course will guide you through video lessons instructed by PSEP specialists and keep you engaged with plenty of exam-prep questions.

                Register here.

                Fee:  General Standards $45.00; Categories $25.00 each

• Option 3: Self-Study Publications

Training manuals (reference textbooks) are available for purchase for those who prefer to simply read the required material for General Standards, Private Applicator, and each category of licensure. Fill-in-the-blank style workbooks are also available to help guide you through the manual and prepare you for the associated exam.

                Order here or call (217) 333-2007.

Testing options

• Option 1: In-person testing

  • IDA will offer testing at all in-person training clinics. Attendance at training will guarantee a saved seat for testing. Walk-ins for testing will be seated as space allows. There is no fee for in-person testing.  
  • IDA will also offer Test-Only sessions (no training). Pre-registration is required for all Test-Only sessions. To register for an exam and to find Test-Only locations, dates and times please visit IDA's website (click on Pesticide Training and Testing link). Check the website often as additional locations may be added. There is no fee for in-person testing.

• Option 2: Online testing

  • For those needing an alternative to in-person testing, online exams for General Standards, Private Applicator and most of the categories are offered utilizing an exam proctoring service. Exam length and time are similar to that of in-person testing. Exams appointments may be scheduled 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. A small fee is required for the proctoring service and paid directly to them. For more information or to register for an online exam, visit our website.           

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Michelle Wiesbrook provides subject matter expertise and training in pesticide safety with an emphasis on horticultural weed science. She serves as the Illinois Pesticide Review newsletter editor, collecting and organizing material; and co-coordinates social media information for the PSEP program and ensures its timely publication. Jean Miles serves as the PSEP Program Facilitator.