Pesticide applicator commercial applicator categories and certification study guide
40 CFR 171.101 and 171.103 set the EPA categories of commercial applicators of restricted use pesticides and the standards for certifying them. This guide sets out what the federal rule text states on the commercial categories, how competency is determined, the minimum age, the examination standards, additional methods such as performance testing, selected core and category competency standards, and the persons the standards do not apply to. goraedu does not train, test or certify pesticide applicators, and this is not a certification exam. States, Tribes and Federal agencies run their own certification programs under EPA-approved plans and may set stricter or additional requirements, so check yours too. Every point links to the regulation and quotes its exact words.
Commercial categories by site and setting
171.101 identifies the categories of commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides.
“Categories of commercial applicators using or supervising the use of restricted use pesticides are identified below.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Crop pest control covers commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides in production of agricultural commodities. The list of examples, which is not limited to the items named, runs from grains and vegetables to feed and forage crops (including grasslands) and non-crop agricultural lands.
“This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides in production of agricultural commodities, including but not limited to grains, vegetables, small fruits, tree fruits, peanuts, tree nuts, tobacco, cotton, feed and forage crops including grasslands, and non-crop agricultural lands.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Livestock pest control covers use or supervision of use of restricted use pesticides on animals or in places where animals are confined.
“This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides on animals or to places on or in which animals are confined.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Livestock pest control certification alone is not sufficient to authorize the purchase, use, or supervision of use of the products for predator control listed in 171.101(k) and (l).
“Certification in this category alone is not sufficient to authorize the purchase, use, or supervision of use of products for predator control listed in paragraphs (k) and (l) of this section.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Forest pest control covers use or supervision of use of restricted use pesticides in forests, forest nurseries and forest seed production.
“This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides in forests, forest nurseries and forest seed production.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Ornamental and turf pest control covers controlling pests in the maintenance and production of ornamental plants and turf.
“This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides to control pests in the maintenance and production of ornamental plants and turf.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Seed treatment covers use or supervision of use of restricted use pesticides on seeds in seed treatment facilities.
“This category applies to commercial applicators using or supervising the use of restricted use pesticides on seeds in seed treatment facilities.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Aquatic pest control covers any restricted use pesticide purposefully applied to standing or running water. It excludes applicators engaged in the public health related activities specified in 171.101(h).
“This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of any restricted use pesticide purposefully applied to standing or running water, excluding applicators engaged in public health related activities included in as specified in paragraph (h) of this section.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Right-of-way pest control covers the maintenance of roadsides, powerlines, pipelines, railway rights-of-way and similar areas.
“This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides in the maintenance of roadsides, powerlines, pipelines, and railway rights-of-way, and similar areas.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Industrial, institutional, and structural pest control covers use in, on, or around food handling establishments, packing houses and food-processing facilities; human dwellings; institutions such as schools, hospitals and prisons; and industrial establishments, including manufacturing facilities, warehouses, grain elevators, and any other structures and adjacent areas, public or private, for the protection of stored, processed, or manufactured products.
“This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides in, on, or around the following: Food handling establishments, packing houses, and food-processing facilities; human dwellings; institutions, such as schools, hospitals and prisons; and industrial establishments, including manufacturing facilities, warehouses, grain elevators, and any other structures and adjacent areas, public or private, for the protection of stored, processed, or manufactured products.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Not covered here
Who counts as a commercial applicator and other definitions are in 171.3, covered in the scope and definitions set. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Categories for government programs, research, predator control, fumigation and aerial use
Public health pest control applies to State, Tribal, Federal or other governmental employees and contractors who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides in government-sponsored public health programs for the management and control of pests having medical and public health importance.
“This category applies to State, Tribal, Federal or other governmental employees and contractors who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides in government-sponsored public health programs for the management and control of pests having medical and public health importance.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Regulatory pest control applies to State, Tribal, Federal, or other local governmental employees and contractors who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides in government-sponsored programs for the control of regulated pests.
“This category applies to State, Tribal, Federal, or other local governmental employees and contractors who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides in government-sponsored programs for the control of regulated pests.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Regulatory pest control certification does not authorize the purchase, use, or supervision of use of the products for predator control listed in 171.101(k) and (l).
“Certification in this category does not authorize the purchase, use, or supervision of use of products for predator control listed in paragraphs (k) and (l) of this section.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Demonstration and research applies to individuals who demonstrate the proper use and techniques of application of restricted use pesticides to the public, or supervise such demonstration, and to persons conducting field research with restricted use pesticides, when in doing so they use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides.
“This category applies to individuals who demonstrate to the public the proper use and techniques of application of restricted use pesticides or supervise such demonstration and to persons conducting field research with restricted use pesticides, and in doing so, use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
The rule names examples for demonstration and research: extension specialists and county agents, commercial representatives demonstrating restricted use pesticide products, individuals demonstrating application or pest control methods used in public or private programs, and State, Federal, commercial, and other persons conducting field research on or involving restricted use pesticides.
“This includes such individuals as extension specialists and county agents, commercial representatives demonstrating restricted use pesticide products, individuals demonstrating application or pest control methods used in public or private programs, and State, Federal, commercial, and other persons conducting field research on or involving restricted use pesticides.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Sodium cyanide predator control covers the use or supervision of use of sodium cyanide in a mechanical ejection device to control regulated predators.
“This pest control category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of sodium cyanide in a mechanical ejection device to control regulated predators.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Sodium fluoroacetate predator control covers the use or supervision of use of sodium fluoroacetate in a protective collar to control regulated predators.
“This pest control category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of sodium fluoroacetate in a protective collar to control regulated predators.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Soil fumigation covers the use or supervision of use of a restricted use pesticide to fumigate soil.
“This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide to fumigate soil.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Non-soil fumigation covers the use or supervision of use of a restricted use pesticide to fumigate anything other than soil.
“This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide to fumigate anything other than soil.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Aerial pest control covers the use or supervision of use of restricted use pesticides applied by fixed or rotary wing aircraft.
“This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides applied by fixed or rotary wing aircraft.”
40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories
Determining competency and minimum age
To be determined competent by a State, Tribe, or Federal agency, a commercial applicator must receive a passing score on a written examination that meets the examination standards, and must pass any related performance testing that the State, Tribe, or Federal agency requires.
“To be determined to have the necessary competency in the use and handling of restricted use pesticides by a State, Tribe, or Federal agency, a commercial applicator must receive a passing score on a written examination that meets the standards specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section and any related performance testing that is required by the State, Tribe, or Federal agency.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Examinations and any alternate methods the certifying authority uses must include both the core standards for all categories and the standards for each category in which the applicator seeks certification. Certification processes must meet all of the criteria listed in 171.103(a).
“Examinations and any alternate methods employed by the certifying authority to determine applicator competency must include the core standards applicable to all categories (paragraph (c) of this section) and the standards applicable to each category in which an applicator seeks certification (paragraph (d) of this section). Certification processes must meet all of the following criteria:”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
A commercial applicator must be at least 18 years old.
“A commercial applicator must be at least 18 years old.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
In addition to the written examination, a certifying authority may use additional methods for determining applicator competency, such as performance testing.
“In addition to written examination requirements for determining competency, a certifying authority may employ additional methods for determining applicator competency, such as performance testing.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Any such additional method must be specified in the certifying authority's Agency-approved certification plan and must comply with the applicable standards in 171.103(a).
“Any such additional methods must be specified in the certifying authority's Agency-approved certification plan and must comply with the applicable standards in paragraph (a) of this section.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Examination standards
The certifying authority must ensure that examinations conform to all of the examination standards in 171.103(a)(2).
“The certifying authority must ensure that examinations conform to all of the following standards:”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
The examination must be presented and answered in writing.
“The examination must be presented and answered in writing.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
The proctor must be an individual designated by the certifying authority who is not seeking certification at any session he or she is proctoring.
“The examination must be proctored by an individual designated by the certifying authority and who is not seeking certification at any examination session that he or she is proctoring.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
To be eligible for certification, each person must present, at the time of examination, valid, government-issued photo identification or another similarly reliable form of identification authorized by the certifying authority, as proof of identity and age.
“Each person seeking certification must present at the time of examination valid, government-issued photo identification or other form of similarly reliable identification authorized by the certifying authority as proof of identity and age to be eligible for certification.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Candidates must be monitored throughout the examination period and must be instructed in examination procedures before beginning.
“Candidates must be monitored throughout the examination period. (v) Candidates must be instructed in examination procedures before beginning the examination.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Examinations must be kept secure before, during and after the examination period, so that only candidates have access, and only in the presence of the proctor.
“Examinations must be kept secure before, during, and after the examination period so that only the candidates have access to the examination, and candidates have access only in the presence of the proctor.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
During the examination period, candidates must not communicate, verbally or non-verbally, with anyone other than the proctor.
“Candidates must not have verbal or non-verbal communication with anyone other than the proctor during the examination period.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Only the reference materials approved by the certifying authority and provided and collected by the proctor are used during the examination.
“The only reference materials used during the examination are those that are approved by the certifying authority and provided and collected by the proctor.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
No portion of the examination or its associated reference materials may be copied or retained by anyone other than a person the certifying authority authorizes to do so.
“No portion of the examination or any associated reference materials described in paragraph (a)(2)(ix) of this section may be copied or retained by any person other than a person authorized by the certifying authority to copy or retain the examination or any associated reference materials described in paragraph (a)(2)(ix) of this section.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Reference materials provided to examinees are reviewed after the examination to ensure that no portion has been removed, altered, or destroyed.
“Reference materials provided to examinees are reviewed after the examination is complete to ensure that no portion of the reference material has been removed, altered, or destroyed.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
The proctor reports any examination administration inconsistencies or irregularities to the certifying authority; the rule names cheating, use of unauthorized materials and attempts to copy or retain the examination as examples, without limiting it to them.
“The proctor reports to the certifying authority any examination administration inconsistencies or irregularities, including but not limited to cheating, use of unauthorized materials, and attempts to copy or retain the examination.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
The examination must be conducted in accordance with any other requirements of the certifying authority related to examination administration.
“The examination must be conducted in accordance with any other requirements of the certifying authority related to examination administration.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
The certifying authority must notify each candidate of the results of his or her examination.
“The certifying authority must notify each candidate of the results of his or her examination.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Not covered here
This guide does not cover the other examination administration requirements each certifying authority may have under 171.103(a)(2)(xii); check with yours. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Core standards for all commercial applicators
Persons seeking certification as commercial applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control and proper and effective use of restricted use pesticides by passing a written examination.
“Persons seeking certification as commercial applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control and proper and effective use of restricted use pesticides by passing a written examination.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Written examinations for all commercial applicators must address all of the core areas of competency listed in 171.103(c).
“Written examinations for all commercial applicators must address all of the following areas of competency:”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
One of the areas the core written examination must address is understanding that it is a violation of Federal law to use any registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.
“Understanding that it is a violation of Federal law to use any registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Another is understanding that applicators must comply with all use restrictions and directions for use contained in pesticide labels and labeling, including being certified in the certification category appropriate to the type and site of the application.
“Understanding that applicators must comply with all use restrictions and directions for use contained in pesticide labels and labeling, including being certified in the certification category appropriate to the type and site of the application.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
The core areas also include knowledge of which application method to use in a given situation and that use of a fumigant, aerial application, sodium cyanide, or sodium fluoroacetate requires additional certification.
“Knowledge of which application method to use in a given situation and that use of a fumigant, aerial application, sodium cyanide, or sodium fluoroacetate requires additional certification.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
The laws and regulations core area is knowledge of all applicable State, Tribal, and Federal laws and regulations.
“Laws and regulations. Knowledge of all applicable State, Tribal, and Federal laws and regulations.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
A core area covers the responsibilities of certified applicators supervising noncertified applicators, including understanding and complying with the requirements in 171.201 for certified commercial applicators who supervise noncertified applicators using restricted use pesticides.
“Knowledge of the responsibilities of certified applicators supervising noncertified applicators, including all of the following: (i) Understanding and complying with requirements in § 171.201 of this part for certified commercial applicators who supervise noncertified applicators using restricted use pesticides.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Not covered here
The full lists of core knowledge areas are not reproduced; this guide quotes selected elements only and does not explain the underlying pesticide knowledge. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Category-specific standards
In addition to the core standards, persons must demonstrate through written examinations practical knowledge for each category for which they intend to apply restricted use pesticides, except as provided at 171.303(a)(4) and 171.305(a)(5).
“In addition to satisfying the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, to be certified as commercial applicators, persons must demonstrate through written examinations practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control and proper and effective use of restricted use pesticides for each category for which they intend to apply restricted use pesticides, except as provided at §§ 171.303(a)(4) and 171.305(a)(5).”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
The category standards in 171.103(d)(1) through (15) are minimum competency standards.
“The minimum competency standards for each category are listed in paragraphs (d)(1) through (15) of this section.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Examinations for each 171.101 category must be based on those standards of competency and on examples of problems and situations appropriate to the particular category in which the applicator is seeking certification.
“Examinations for each category of certification listed in § 171.101 must be based on the standards of competency specified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (15) of this section and examples of problems and situations appropriate to the particular category in which the applicator is seeking certification.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Under the forest pest control standards, applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of types of forests, forest nurseries, and seed production within the jurisdiction of the certifying authority and the pests involved.
“Forest pest control. Applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of types of forests, forest nurseries, and seed production within the jurisdiction of the certifying authority and the pests involved.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Under the ornamental and turf pest control standards, because of the frequent proximity of human habitations to application activities, applicators in that category must demonstrate practical knowledge of application methods that will minimize or prevent hazards to humans, pets, and other domestic animals.
“Ornamental and turf pest control. Applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of pesticide problems associated with the production and maintenance of ornamental plants and turf. The required knowledge includes the potential for phytotoxicity due to a wide variety of plants to be protected, for drift, for persistence beyond the intended period of pest control, and for non-target exposures. Because of the frequent proximity of human habitations to application activities, applicators in this category must demonstrate practical knowledge of application methods that will minimize or prevent hazards to humans, pets, and other domestic animals.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Under the demonstration and research standards, applicators must, in addition, demonstrate competency in each pest control category applicable to their demonstrations.
“Demonstration and research. Applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the potential problems, pests, and population levels reasonably expected to occur in a demonstration situation and the effects of restricted use pesticides on target and non-target organisms. In addition, they must demonstrate competency in each pest control category applicable to their demonstrations.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Under the sodium cyanide predator control standards, applicators must demonstrate comprehension of all laws and regulations applicable to the use of mechanical ejection devices for sodium cyanide, including the restrictions on the use of sodium cyanide products ordered by the EPA Administrator.
“Applicators must demonstrate comprehension of all laws and regulations applicable to the use of mechanical ejection devices for sodium cyanide, including the restrictions on the use of sodium cyanide products ordered by the EPA Administrator.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Under the aerial pest control standards, the applicator must demonstrate competency in performing an aerial pesticide application, including each of the items the rule lists under that heading.
“Performing aerial application. The applicator must demonstrate competency in performing an aerial pesticide application, including all of the following:”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Not covered here
The detailed knowledge lists for each category, including soil fumigation, non-soil fumigation and aerial pest control, are not reproduced or explained here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Exceptions
The requirements in 171.103(a) through (d) do not apply to persons conducting laboratory research involving restricted use pesticides.
“The requirements in § 171.103(a)-(d) of this part do not apply to the following persons: (1) Persons conducting laboratory research involving restricted use pesticides.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
They also do not apply to Doctors of Medicine and Doctors of Veterinary Medicine applying restricted use pesticides to patients during the course of the ordinary practice of those professions.
“Doctors of Medicine and Doctors of Veterinary Medicine applying restricted use pesticides to patients during the course of the ordinary practice of those professions.”
40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators
Sources
- eCFR: 40 CFR 171.101, Commercial applicator certification categories (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 40 CFR 171.103, Standards for certification of commercial applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
Other Pesticide applicator study guides: Scope, definitions and effective dates, Private applicator certification, Recertification and supervising noncertified applicators