Pesticide applicator private applicator certification study guide
40 CFR 171.105 sets EPA's standards for certifying private applicators of restricted use pesticides. This guide sets out what the federal rule text states on who must be certified, the general knowledge standards, the additional standards for sodium cyanide and sodium fluoroacetate predator control, soil and non-soil fumigation and aerial pest control, the minimum age, how competency is established by examination or training, and the exceptions. The knowledge areas are summarized, not reproduced in full. 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.
Who must be certified
Before using or supervising the use of a restricted use pesticide as a private applicator, a person must be certified by an appropriate certifying authority as having the necessary competency to use restricted use pesticides for pest control in the production of agricultural commodities. That competency includes the ability to read and understand pesticide labeling.
“Before using or supervising the use of a restricted use pesticide as a private applicator, a person must be certified by an appropriate certifying authority as having the necessary competency to use restricted use pesticides for pest control in the production of agricultural commodities, which includes the ability to read and understand pesticide labeling.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
General private applicator certification alone is not sufficient to authorize the purchase, use, or supervision of use of the restricted use pesticide products in the categories in 171.105(b) through (f).
“Certification in this general private applicator certification category alone is not sufficient to authorize the purchase, use, or supervision of use of the restricted use pesticide products in the categories listed in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Persons seeking certification as private applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control associated with the production of agricultural commodities and effective use of restricted use pesticides, including all of the knowledge areas the paragraph then lists.
“Persons seeking certification as private applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control associated with the production of agricultural commodities and effective use of restricted use pesticides, including all of the following:”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
The requirements in 171.105(a) through (h) do not apply to persons conducting laboratory research involving restricted use pesticides.
“The requirements in § 171.105(a)-(h) of this part do not apply to the following persons: (1) Persons conducting laboratory research involving restricted use pesticides.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private 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 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Not covered here
The commercial applicator categories and standards (171.101 and 171.103) and the rules for supervising noncertified applicators (171.201) are covered in their own sets. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Labeling and safety knowledge
The general standards private applicators must demonstrate practical knowledge of include 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 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They also include understanding that applicators must comply with all use restrictions and directions for use in pesticide labels and labeling, including being certified in the appropriate category to use restricted use pesticides for fumigation or aerial application, or predator control devices containing sodium cyanide or sodium fluoroacetate, if applicable.
“Understanding that applicators must comply with all use restrictions and directions for use contained in pesticide labels and labeling, including being certified in the appropriate category to use restricted use pesticides for fumigation or aerial application, or predator control devices containing sodium cyanide or sodium fluoroacetate, if applicable.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They include understanding the meaning of product classification as either general or restricted use, and that a product may be unclassified.
“Understanding the meaning of product classification as either general or restricted use, and that a product may be unclassified.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They include recognizing and understanding the difference between mandatory and advisory labeling language.
“Recognizing and understanding the difference between mandatory and advisory labeling language.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They include understanding that a pesticide's risk is a function of exposure and the pesticide's toxicity.
“Understanding that a pesticide's risk is a function of exposure and the pesticide's toxicity.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They also cover proper identification, storage, transport, handling, mixing procedures, and disposal methods for pesticides and used pesticide containers, including precautions to be taken to prevent children from having access to pesticides and pesticide containers.
“Proper identification, storage, transport, handling, mixing procedures, and disposal methods for pesticides and used pesticide containers, including precautions to be taken to prevent children from having access to pesticides and pesticide containers.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Pests, application, laws and stewardship
Under pests, the general standards include the importance of correctly identifying target pests and selecting the proper pesticide product(s).
“(4) Pests. The proper identification and effective control of pests, including all of the following: (i) The importance of correctly identifying target pests and selecting the proper pesticide product(s).”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They also include verifying that the labeling does not prohibit the use of the product to control the target pest(s).
“Verifying that the labeling does not prohibit the use of the product to control the target pest(s).”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
The general standards include knowledge of which application method to use in a given situation and that use of a fumigant, aerial application, or a predator control device containing 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, or predator control device containing sodium cyanide or sodium fluoroacetate requires additional certification.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They include knowledge of all applicable State, Tribal, and Federal laws and regulations, including understanding the Worker Protection Standard in 40 CFR part 170 and the circumstances where compliance is required.
“Knowledge of all applicable State, Tribal, and Federal laws and regulations, including understanding the Worker Protection Standard in 40 CFR part 170 and the circumstances where compliance is required.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
For supervisors of noncertified applicators, the responsibilities standard includes understanding and complying with the requirements in 171.201 for private applicators who supervise noncertified applicators using restricted use pesticides.
“(9) Responsibilities for supervisors of noncertified applicators. Certified applicator responsibilities related to supervision of noncertified applicators, including all of the following: (i) Understanding and complying with requirements in § 171.201 of this part for private applicators who supervise noncertified applicators using restricted use pesticides.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Those responsibilities also include providing use-specific instructions to noncertified applicators using restricted use pesticides under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
“Providing use-specific instructions to noncertified applicators using restricted use pesticides under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Under stewardship, the general standards include understanding the importance of maintaining chemical security for restricted use pesticides.
“(10) Stewardship. Understanding the importance of all of the following: (i) Maintaining chemical security for restricted use pesticides.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Stewardship also covers understanding the importance of how to communicate information about pesticide exposures and risks with agricultural workers and handlers and other persons.
“(10) Stewardship. Understanding the importance of all of the following: (i) Maintaining chemical security for restricted use pesticides. (ii) How to communicate information about pesticide exposures and risks with agricultural workers and handlers and other persons.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
The agricultural pest control standard includes practical knowledge of how to avoid contamination of ground and surface waters.
“(11) Agricultural pest control. Practical knowledge of pest control applications to agricultural commodities including all of the following: (i) Specific pests of relevant agricultural commodities. (ii) How to avoid contamination of ground and surface waters.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Predator control
In addition to satisfying 171.105(a), to use sodium cyanide in a mechanical ejection device, private applicators must demonstrate comprehension of all laws and regulations applicable to those devices, including the restrictions on the use of sodium cyanide products ordered by the EPA Administrator.
“In addition to satisfying the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section, in order to use sodium cyanide in a mechanical ejection device, private 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 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Private applicators using sodium cyanide devices must also demonstrate practical knowledge and understanding of all of the specific use restrictions for those devices. The restrictions the rule lists include notification to medical personnel before use of the device and requirements to consult U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maps before use to avoid affecting endangered species.
“Applicators must also demonstrate practical knowledge and understanding of all of the specific use restrictions for sodium cyanide devices, including safe handling and proper placement of the capsules and device, proper use of the antidote kit, notification to medical personnel before use of the device, conditions of and restrictions on where devices can be used, requirements to consult U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maps before use to avoid affecting endangered species”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
In addition to satisfying 171.105(a), to use sodium fluoroacetate, private applicators must demonstrate comprehension of all laws and regulations applicable to sodium fluoroacetate products, including the restrictions ordered by the EPA Administrator.
“In addition to satisfying the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section, in order to use sodium fluoroacetate, private applicators must demonstrate comprehension of all laws and regulations applicable to the use of sodium fluoroacetate products, including the restrictions on the use of sodium fluoroacetate products ordered by the EPA Administrator.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Private applicators using sodium fluoroacetate must also demonstrate practical knowledge and understanding of the specific use restrictions for sodium fluoroacetate in the livestock protection collar, including where and when sodium fluoroacetate products can be used, safe handling and placement of collars, and practical treatment of sodium fluoroacetate poisoning in humans and domestic animals.
“Applicators must also demonstrate practical knowledge and understanding of the specific use restrictions for sodium fluoroacetate in the livestock protection collar, including where and when sodium fluoroacetate products can be used, safe handling and placement of collars, and practical treatment of sodium fluoroacetate poisoning in humans and domestic animals.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They must also demonstrate practical knowledge and understanding of specific requirements for field posting, monitoring, recordkeeping, proper storage of collars, the disposal items the rule names, and reporting of suspected and actual poisoning, mishap, or injury to threatened or endangered species, humans, domestic animals, or non-target wild animals.
“Applicators must also demonstrate practical knowledge and understanding of specific requirements for field posting, monitoring, recordkeeping, proper storage of collars, disposal of punctured or leaking collars, disposal of contaminated animal remains, vegetation, soil, and clothing, and reporting of suspected and actual poisoning, mishap, or injury to threatened or endangered species, humans, domestic animals, or non-target wild animals.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Soil fumigation
In addition to satisfying 171.105(a), private applicators that use or supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide to fumigate soil must demonstrate practical knowledge of the pest problems and pest control practices associated with performing soil fumigant applications.
“In addition to satisfying the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section, private applicators that use or supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide to fumigate soil must demonstrate practical knowledge of the pest problems and pest control practices associated with performing soil fumigant applications”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
The soil fumigation knowledge areas include the requirements for certified applicators of fumigants, fumigant handlers and permitted fumigant handler activities, and the safety information that certified applicators must provide to noncertified applicators using fumigants under their direct supervision.
“Requirements for certified applicators of fumigants, fumigant handlers and permitted fumigant handler activities, and the safety information that certified applicators must provide to noncertified applicators using fumigants under the direct supervision of certified applicators.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They include the air concentrations of a fumigant that require applicators to wear respirators or to exit the work area entirely.
“Air concentrations of a fumigant that require applicators to wear respirators or to exit the work area entirely.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They include understanding the types of respirators required when using specific soil fumigants and how to use them properly, including medical evaluation, fit testing, and required replacement of cartridges and canisters.
“Understanding the types of respirators required when using specific soil fumigants and how to use them properly, including medical evaluation, fit testing, and required replacement of cartridges and canisters.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They include the person responsible for verifying that a fumigant management plan is accurate.
“The person responsible for verifying that a fumigant management plan is accurate.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Under buffer zones and posting requirements, they include using the buffer zone table from the labeling to determine the size of the buffer zone.
“(8) Buffer zones and posting requirements. Understanding buffer zones and posting requirements, including all of the following: (i) Buffer zones and the buffer zone period. (ii) Identifying who may be in a buffer zone during the buffer zone period and who is prohibited from being in a buffer zone during the buffer zone period. (iii) Using the buffer zone table from the labeling to determine the size of the buffer zone.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They also include distinguishing buffer zone posting and treated area posting, including the pre-application and post-application posting timeframes for each.
“Distinguishing buffer zone posting and treated area posting, including the pre-application and post-application posting timeframes for each.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Non-soil fumigation
In addition to satisfying 171.105(a), private applicators that use or supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide to fumigate anything other than soil must demonstrate practical knowledge of the pest problems and pest control practices associated with fumigation applications to sites other than soil.
“In addition to satisfying the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section, private applicators that use or supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide to fumigate anything other than soil must demonstrate practical knowledge of the pest problems and pest control practices associated with performing fumigation applications to sites other than soil”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
The non-soil fumigation knowledge areas include when air concentrations of a fumigant trigger handlers to wear respirators or to exit the work area entirely.
“When air concentrations of a fumigant triggers handlers to wear respirators or to exit the work area entirely.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They include conducting pre-application inspection of application equipment and the site to be fumigated.
“Conducting pre-application inspection of application equipment and the site to be fumigated.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They include understanding the purpose and methods of sealing the area to be fumigated, including the factors that determine which sealing method to use.
“Understanding the purpose and methods of sealing the area to be fumigated, including the factors that determine which sealing method to use.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
They include understanding who is allowed in an area being fumigated or after fumigation and who is prohibited from being in such areas.
“Understanding who is allowed in an area being fumigated or after fumigation and who is prohibited from being in such areas.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Aerial pest control
In addition to satisfying 171.105(a), private applicators that use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides applied by fixed or rotary wing aircraft must demonstrate practical knowledge of the pest problems and pest control practices associated with performing aerial application.
“In addition to satisfying the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section, private applicators that use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides applied by fixed or rotary wing aircraft must demonstrate practical knowledge of the pest problems and pest control practices associated with performing aerial application”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
The aerial knowledge areas on labeling include labeling-mandated recordkeeping requirements for aerial pesticide applications, including application conditions if applicable.
“Labeling-mandated recordkeeping requirements for aerial pesticide applications including application conditions if applicable.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Under application equipment, the aerial standards call for understanding how to choose and maintain aerial application equipment, including the importance of inspecting application equipment to ensure it is in proper operating condition prior to beginning an application.
“(2) Application equipment. Understand how to choose and maintain aerial application equipment, including all of the following: (i) The importance of inspecting application equipment to ensure it is in proper operating condition prior to beginning an application.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
The equipment items also include how to verify flow rate by one of the methods the rule names: fixed timing, open timing, known distance, or a flow meter.
“How to verify flow rate using fixed timing, open timing, known distance, or a flow meter.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
To minimize drift, the applicator must demonstrate knowledge of how to determine drift potential of a product using a smoke generator.
“(4) Minimizing drift. The applicator must demonstrate knowledge of methods to minimize off-target pesticide movement, including all of the following: (i) How to determine drift potential of a product using a smoke generator.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
The drift items also include documenting special equipment configurations or flight patterns used to reduce off-target pesticide drift.
“Documenting special equipment configurations or flight patterns used to reduce off-target pesticide drift.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
The applicator must demonstrate competency in performing an aerial pesticide application, including selecting a flight altitude that minimizes streaking and off-target pesticide drift.
“The applicator must demonstrate competency in performing an aerial pesticide application, including all of the following: (i) Selecting a flight altitude that minimizes streaking and off-target pesticide drift.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Minimum age and how competency is established
A private applicator must be at least 18 years old.
“A private applicator must be at least 18 years old.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
The certifying authority must establish the competency of each candidate based on the standards in 171.105(a) through (g), to assure that private applicators can use and supervise the use of restricted use pesticides in accordance with applicable State, Tribal, and Federal laws and regulations.
“The competency of each candidate for private applicator certification must be established by the certifying authority based upon the certification standards set forth in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this section in order to assure that private applicators have the competency to use and supervise the use of restricted use pesticides in accordance with applicable State, Tribal, and Federal laws and regulations.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
The certifying authority must use one of the options the rule names: a written examination process or a non-examination training process.
“The certifying authority must use either a written examination process as described in paragraph (h)(1) of this section or a non-examination training process as described in paragraph (h)(2) of this section”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
That process must assure competency in the general standards in 171.105(a) and, if applicable, the specific standards for each of the categories in 171.105(b) through (f) in which the private applicator is to be certified.
“to assure the competency of private applicators in regard to the general certification standards applicable to all private applicators outlined in paragraph (a) of this section, and, if applicable, the specific standards for the each of the categories outlined in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section in which a private applicator is to be certified.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
If the certifying authority uses an examination process, it must meet all of the requirements of 171.103(a)(2).
“If the certifying authority uses an examination process to determine the competency of private applicators, the examination process must meet all of the requirements of § 171.103(a)(2).”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Any candidate for private applicator certification may complete a training program approved by the certifying authority to establish competency.
“Any candidate for certification as a private applicator may complete a training program approved by the certifying authority to establish competency.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
In a training program, each person must present a valid, government-issued photo identification, or another similarly reliable identification authorized by the certifying authority, to the certifying authority or its designated representative as proof of identity and age at the time of the training program to be eligible for certification.
“Each person seeking certification must present a valid, government-issued photo identification, or other form of similarly reliable identification authorized by the certifying authority, to the certifying authority or designated representative as proof of identity and age at the time of the training program to be eligible for certification.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
The general training program must cover the competency standards in 171.105(a) in sufficient detail to allow the private applicator to demonstrate practical knowledge.
“The training program for general private applicator certification must cover the competency standards outlined in paragraph (a) of this section in sufficient detail to allow the private applicator to demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control and proper and effective use of restricted use pesticides.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
The training program for each relevant category must cover the competency standards in 171.105(b) through (f) for each category in which the applicator intends to apply restricted use pesticides, and must be in addition to the training program required for general private applicator certification.
“The training program for each relevant category for private applicator certification must cover the competency standards outlined in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section in sufficient detail to allow the private applicator to demonstrate practical knowledge of the principles and practices of pest control and proper and effective use of restricted use pesticides for each category in which he or she intends to apply restricted use pesticides, and must be in addition to the training program required for general private applicator certification.”
40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators
Not covered here
The examination standards in 171.103(a)(2) are covered in the commercial applicator certification set. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Sources
- eCFR: 40 CFR 171.105, Standards for certification of private applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
Other Pesticide applicator study guides: Scope, definitions and effective dates, Commercial applicator categories and certification, Recertification and supervising noncertified applicators