The private pesticide applicator license issued by the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) is required for producers wanting to purchase and apply restricted-use pesticides. Application by unlicensed workers under the supervision of licensed applicators will no longer be allowed beginning in 2025. Agricultural producers needing to obtain or renew certification of this license must take this pesticide safety training every five years. You must be directly involved in the production of agricultural commodities to obtain this license.
We are working diligently with the Missouri Department of Agriculture to update our pesticide safety education program to meet new state and federal requirements, and to bring you the cutting-edge information needed to navigate these unprecedented times. This will meet EPA and MDA requirements. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, there will be a $75 fee for training. At that time, we will be adding two new options so applicators will have three certification/recertification options:
- the MU Extension specialist-led training
- a self-paced online training portal
- an exam offered by MDA through Pearson Vue
We look forward to working with you to prosper Missouri as we race toward our 2030 goal of doubling the state’s agriculture at #2xAg2030.
First-time attendees should have a copy of MU Extension publication M87, Private Pesticide Applicator Training Manual. Please read through this manual before attending training.
This training does not include:
- the annual training required to apply synthetic auxin herbicides, or dicamba, given by the registrants. For more information, see the MDA Dicamba Facts page.
- the supplemental training required to apply paraquat dichloride. For more information, see the MDA Paraquat Dichloride Training page.
This training is offered in person or online on the free-to-use Zoom* video communications platform, or a combination of the two. Please check the description carefully to ensure you register for the format you prefer.
* The Zoom platform accommodates audio with computer speakers or through a call-in phone number, and online video streaming. The MDA and EPA have agreed to this format on the condition that we diligently identify the attendees. For us to do this:
- the attendee must register via online using the MU Extension website, giving his or her email and mailing address, and
- the attendee must confirm that email in the chat box during the event.
After the Zoom meeting, the specialist will mail the Private Applicator Training Certification Verification form to the applicator. The applicator must complete the form, sign it in ink, and mail (or scan and email) it back to the county office. The specialist will then sign the form and forward it to the MDA for processing. There is no charge for this service.