Do you still need to obtain your Illinois pesticide applicator or operator license? Now that the in-person pesticide safety education clinics have concluded, you may be wondering what your options are for training and testing. See below to get you well on your way to becoming certified.
Training options
Online training
Online courses remain available as an alternative to in-person training. Online courses include General Standards, Private Applicator, and the most popular license 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. Our online training courses will be available until August 31, 2025 when we close them for a month for routine maintenance.
Register here. Be sure to read the “How-to & FAQ” to save time and confusion.
Fee: General Standards $45.00; Categories $25.00 each
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. Workbooks contain “fill-in-the-blanks” which can be answered when using the accompanying manual or while attending our in-person training clinics. Workbook questions include page numbers of where the topic can be found in the manual. Please note these workbooks are not intended for use with online training as the two aren’t as closely aligned and the blanks may not be as easy to fill in.
Order here or call (217) 333-2007. Please note that ordering online will require the creation of an account. Note too that many local Extension offices also carry and sell our publications.
Testing options
In-person testing
The Illinois Department of Agriculture offers test-only sessions (no training). Pre-registration is required for all test-only sessions. To register for an exam and to find locations, dates and times please visit their website. While at that website, note the testing rules listed. There is no fee for in-person testing.
Online testing
For those needing an alternative to in-person testing, online exams for General Standards, Private Applicator and all 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. Be sure to read the “How-to & FAQ” to save time and confusion.
We will be planning the 2025-2026 training clinics soon and those will be set to begin in November or December. However, these training options offered now will help you prepare for the test. Additionally, these resources may prove useful to you, Tips to help employees succeed and Certification exam preparation: tips and accommodations.
Photo credit: Michelle Wiesbrook
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.