The summer field season is underway and Illinois applicators and operators are doing what they do best! With the training and testing season nearing its end, now is the time to enroll anyone who still needs a 2026 license. Please know that the online testing and training system used by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program will be closed for seasonal maintenance starting September 1. The last available testing session will be around noon on August 31. The month of September is the perfect time for us in PSEP to close the system and perform any required maintenance. But rest assured, the system will reopen on October 1 for those seeking training and testing for a 2027 license.
To clarify, if you are still in need of a 2026 license, you can obtain one. Keep in mind that IDOA will switch over to the 2027 license year on October 1. Waiting until that time will ensure that you will get a full 3 years out of your license. But, if you need a license now, you need a license now. Fortunately, you have options.
Mid to late-summer training and testing options:
Online Training and Testing for a 2026 License
- Enroll today to get the most study time. You will have access to your training through Aug. 31.
- Those who would like to test online to become licensed for the remainder of 2026 must complete and pass their online test(s) before noon on Aug. 31.
- Enroll in online training and/or testing
- Online Training Enrollment instructions and Frequently Asked Questions
- Online Testing Enrollment instructions and Frequently Asked Questions
In-Person Testing
- In-person testing is available all year through the Illinois Department of Agriculture. In-person tests can be scheduled online or by calling IDOA’s Springfield office at (217) 785-2427 or the DeKalb office at (815) 787-5476.
Other Study Materials
- Pesticide Safety Manuals and workbooks for home study are available year-round on our website.
Photo by MrHamster on Adobe Stock
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 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. Her other interests include herbicide injury and invasive species.