Pesticide applicator recertification and supervising noncertified applicators study guide
40 CFR Part 171 sets EPA's federal standards for certifying applicators of restricted use pesticides. This guide sets out what the rule text states on the certification period and recertification by written examination or continuing education (171.107), the duties of certified applicators who supervise noncertified applicators, including qualifications, minimum ages, use conditions, training and records (171.201), where a certification is valid, the credentials a State plan must describe and how a State may rely on another jurisdiction's certification (171.301 and 171.303), applicators in Indian country (171.307) and EPA-administered programs (171.311). 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.
Certification period and recertification
Each commercial and private applicator certification expires five years after issuance, unless the applicator is recertified under 171.107.
“Each commercial and private applicator certification shall expire five years after issuance, unless the applicator is recertified in accordance with this section.”
40 CFR 171.107, Standards for recertification of certified applicators
A certifying authority may establish a shorter certification period.
“A certifying authority may establish a shorter certification period.”
40 CFR 171.107, Standards for recertification of certified applicators
For a certification to continue without interruption, the certified applicator must be recertified before his or her current certification expires.
“In order for a certified applicator's certification to continue without interruption, the certified applicator must be recertified under this section before the expiration of his or her current certification.”
40 CFR 171.107, Standards for recertification of certified applicators
Among the items an application for EPA approval of a State certification plan must include for recertification is the certification period, which may not exceed five years.
“The application for Agency approval of a State certification plan must include all of the following: (i) A list and detailed description of all of the State standards for recertification of private and commercial applicators, including the elements described in § 171.303(b)(4)(ii) through (iv), and a citation of the specific State laws and/or regulations demonstrating that the State has adopted such standards. (ii) The certification period, which may not exceed five years.”
A State certification plan must include standards for the recertification of applicators of restricted use pesticides that meet or exceed those standards prescribed by EPA under 171.107.
“The State certification plan must include standards for the recertification of applicators of restricted use pesticides that meet or exceed those standards prescribed by the Agency under § 171.107.”
171.107(b) sets minimum standards for recertification by written examination or through continuing education programs. Under the written examination standard, a certified applicator may be found eligible for recertification upon passing a written examination that is approved by the certifying authority and designed to evaluate whether the applicator demonstrates the level of competency required by 171.103 for commercial applicators or 171.105 for private applicators.
“Minimum standards for recertification by written examination, or through continuing education programs, are as follows: (1) Written examination. A certified applicator may be found eligible for recertification upon passing a written examination approved by the certifying authority and that is designed to evaluate whether the certified applicator demonstrates the level of competency required by § 171.103 for commercial applicators or § 171.105 for private applicators.”
40 CFR 171.107, Standards for recertification of certified applicators
That recertification examination must conform to the applicable examination standards in 171.103(a)(2).
“The examination shall conform to the applicable standards for examinations set forth in § 171.103(a)(2) of this part.”
40 CFR 171.107, Standards for recertification of certified applicators
Under the continuing education standard, a certified applicator may be found eligible for recertification upon successfully completing a continuing education program under the certifying authority's EPA-approved certification plan.
“A certified applicator may be found eligible for recertification upon successfully completing a continuing education program pursuant to the certifying authority's EPA-approved certification plan.”
40 CFR 171.107, Standards for recertification of certified applicators
The quantity, content, and quality of a continuing education program must be sufficient to ensure the applicator continues to demonstrate the level of competency required by 171.103 (commercial) or 171.105 (private).
“The quantity, content, and quality of a continuing education program to maintain applicator certification must be sufficient to ensure the applicator continues to demonstrate the level of competency required by § 171.103 for commercial applicators or § 171.105 for private applicators.”
40 CFR 171.107, Standards for recertification of certified applicators
Any continuing education course or event relied upon for recertification must be approved by the certifying authority as suitable for its purpose in the certifying authority's recertification process.
“Any continuing education course or event relied upon for applicator recertification must be approved by the certifying authority as being suitable for its purpose in the certifying authority's recertification process.”
40 CFR 171.107, Standards for recertification of certified applicators
A certifying authority must ensure that any continuing education course or event relied upon for recertification, including an online or other distance education course or event, includes a process to verify the applicator's successful completion.
“A certifying authority must ensure that any continuing education course or event, including an online or other distance education course or event, relied upon for applicator recertification includes a process to verify the applicator's successful completion of the course or event.”
40 CFR 171.107, Standards for recertification of certified applicators
Not covered here
40 CFR Part 171 does not set a number of continuing education hours or units. Where a State's recertification is based upon continuing education, its application for EPA approval of its plan must explain how its program ensures continued competency, including the quantity of continuing education required to maintain certification (171.303(b)(4)(iv)(A)). We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Supervisors, scope and exceptions
171.201 applies to any certified applicator who allows or relies on a noncertified applicator to use a restricted use pesticide under the certified applicator's direct supervision.
“This section applies to any certified applicator who allows or relies on a noncertified applicator to use a restricted use pesticide under the certified applicator's direct supervision.”
The certified applicator must have a practical knowledge of applicable Federal, State and Tribal supervisory requirements, including any requirements on the product label and labeling, regarding the use of restricted use pesticides by noncertified applicators.
“The certified applicator must have a practical knowledge of applicable Federal, State and Tribal supervisory requirements, including any requirements on the product label and labeling, regarding the use of restricted use pesticides by noncertified applicators.”
The certified applicator must be certified in each category (as set forth in 171.101 and 171.105(a) through (f)) applicable to the supervised pesticide use.
“The certified applicator must be certified in each category as set forth in §§ 171.101 and 171.105(a) through (f) applicable to the supervised pesticide use.”
The requirements in 171.201(a) through (e) do not apply to persons conducting laboratory research involving restricted use pesticides, or 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.
“The requirements in § 171.201(a) through (e) of this part do not apply to the following persons: (1) Persons conducting laboratory research involving restricted use pesticides. (2) Doctors of Medicine and Doctors of Veterinary Medicine applying restricted use pesticides to patients during the course of the ordinary practice of those professions.”
A State certification plan must include standards for direct supervision of noncertified applicators that meet or exceed 171.201, or must state that use by noncertified applicators is not permitted.
“The State certification plan must include standards for the direct supervision of noncertified applicators by certified private and commercial applicators of restricted use pesticides that meet or exceed those standards prescribed by the Agency under § 171.201, or must state that use by noncertified applicators is not permitted.”
Not covered here
The definition of "noncertified applicator" in 171.3 is 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.
What each noncertified applicator must meet
The certified applicator must ensure that each noncertified applicator using a restricted use pesticide under his or her direct supervision meets all of the requirements in 171.201(b)(2) before using a restricted use pesticide, including having satisfied the qualification requirements in 171.201(c) and having been instructed within the last 12 months in the safe operation of any equipment he or she will use for mixing, loading, transferring, or applying pesticides.
“The certified applicator must ensure that each noncertified applicator using a restricted use pesticide under his or her direct supervision meets all of the following requirements before using a restricted use pesticide: (i) The noncertified applicator has satisfied the qualification requirements under paragraph (c) of this section. (ii) The noncertified applicator has been instructed within the last 12 months in the safe operation of any equipment he or she will use for mixing, loading, transferring, or applying pesticides.”
A noncertified applicator must be at least 18 years old, except that the minimum is 16 years old if all of the conditions in 171.201(b)(2)(iii)(A) through (C) are met.
“A noncertified applicator must be at least 18 years old, except that a noncertified applicator must be at least 16 years old if all of the following requirements are met:”
Condition for the 16-year minimum: the noncertified applicator is using the restricted use pesticide under the direct supervision of a private applicator who is an immediate family member.
“The noncertified applicator is using the restricted use pesticide under the direct supervision of a private applicator who is an immediate family member.”
Condition for the 16-year minimum: the restricted use pesticide is not a fumigant, sodium cyanide, or sodium fluoroacetate.
“The restricted use pesticide is not a fumigant, sodium cyanide, or sodium fluoroacetate.”
Condition for the 16-year minimum: the noncertified applicator is not applying the restricted use pesticide aerially.
“The noncertified applicator is not applying the restricted use pesticide aerially.”
Before any noncertified applicator uses a restricted use pesticide under direct supervision, the supervising certified applicator must ensure that the noncertified applicator has met at least one of the qualifications in 171.201(c). One option: the noncertified applicator has been trained in accordance with 171.201(d) within the last 12 months.
“Before any noncertified applicator uses a restricted use pesticide under the direct supervision of the certified applicator, the supervising certified applicator must ensure that the noncertified applicator has met at least one of the following qualifications: (1) The noncertified applicator has been trained in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section within the last 12 months.”
Another option: the noncertified applicator has met the training requirements for an agricultural handler under 40 CFR 170.501 within the last 12 months.
“The noncertified applicator has met the training requirements for an agricultural handler under 40 CFR 170.501 of this title within the last 12 months.”
Another option: the noncertified applicator has met requirements established by a certifying authority that meet or exceed the standards in 171.201(c)(1).
“The noncertified applicator has met the requirements established by a certifying authority that meet or exceed the standards in § 171.201(c)(1).”
The last option: the noncertified applicator is currently a certified applicator but is not certified to perform the type of application being conducted, or is not certified in the jurisdiction where the use will take place.
“The noncertified applicator is currently a certified applicator but is not certified to perform the type of application being conducted or is not certified in the jurisdiction where the use will take place.”
Conditions for each supervised use
Before allowing a noncertified applicator to use a restricted use pesticide under his or her direct supervision, the certified applicator must ensure that all of the requirements in 171.201(b)(3) are met. Among them: the noncertified applicator has access to the applicable product labeling at all times during its use.
“The certified applicator must ensure that all of the following requirements are met before allowing a noncertified applicator to use a restricted use pesticide under his or her direct supervision: (i) The certified applicator must ensure that the noncertified applicator has access to the applicable product labeling at all times during its use.”
Where the labeling requires personal protective equipment for mixing, loading, application, or any other use activities, the certified applicator must ensure that any noncertified applicator has clean, labeling-required personal protective equipment in proper operating condition, worn and used correctly for its intended purpose.
“Where the labeling of a pesticide product requires that personal protective equipment be worn for mixing, loading, application, or any other use activities, the certified applicator must ensure that any noncertified applicator has clean, labeling-required personal protective equipment in proper operating condition and that the personal protective equipment is worn and used correctly for its intended purpose.”
Before use of a restricted use pesticide, the certified applicator must provide each noncertified applicator with instructions specific to the site and pesticide used. These instructions must include labeling directions, precautions, and requirements applicable to the specific use and site, and how the characteristics of the use site and the conditions of application might increase or decrease the risk of adverse effects. The certified applicator must provide this information in a manner that the noncertified applicator can understand.
“The certified applicator must provide to each noncertified applicator before use of a restricted use pesticide instructions specific to the site and pesticide used. These instructions must include labeling directions, precautions, and requirements applicable to the specific use and site, and how the characteristics of the use site (e.g., surface and ground water, endangered species, local population) and the conditions of application (e.g., equipment, method of application, formulation) might increase or decrease the risk of adverse effects. The certified applicator must provide this information in a manner that the noncertified applicator can understand.”
Before each day of use, the certified applicator must ensure that equipment used for mixing, loading, transferring, or applying pesticides is in proper operating condition as intended by the manufacturer and can be used without risk of reasonably foreseeable adverse effects to the noncertified applicator, other persons, or the environment.
“The certified applicator must ensure that before each day of use equipment used for mixing, loading, transferring, or applying pesticides is in proper operating condition as intended by the manufacturer, and can be used without risk of reasonably foreseeable adverse effects to the noncertified applicator, other persons, or the environment.”
The certified applicator must ensure that a means to immediately communicate with the certified applicator is available to each noncertified applicator using restricted use pesticides under his or her direct supervision.
“The certified applicator must ensure that a means to immediately communicate with the certified applicator is available to each noncertified applicator using restricted use pesticides under his or her direct supervision.”
The certified applicator must be physically present at the site of the use being supervised when required by the product labeling.
“The certified applicator must be physically present at the site of the use being supervised when required by the product labeling.”
If the certified applicator is a commercial applicator, he or she must create or verify the existence of the records required by 171.201(e).
“If the certified applicator is a commercial applicator, the certified applicator must create or verify the existence of the records required by paragraph (e) of this section.”
Not covered here
This guide does not describe any product label or what a particular label requires. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Noncertified applicator training
General noncertified applicator training must be presented either orally from written materials or audiovisually, and the information must be presented in a manner that the noncertified applicators can understand, such as through a translator.
“General noncertified applicator training must be presented to noncertified applicators either orally from written materials or audiovisually. The information must be presented in a manner that the noncertified applicators can understand, such as through a translator.”
The person conducting the training must be present during the entire training program and must respond to the noncertified applicators' questions.
“The person conducting the training must be present during the entire training program and must respond to the noncertified applicators' questions.”
The trainer must meet one of three criteria. One option: being currently certified as an applicator of restricted use pesticides under Part 171.
“The person who conducts the training must meet one of the following criteria: (i) Be currently certified as an applicator of restricted use pesticides under this part.”
Another option: being currently designated as a trainer of certified applicators or pesticide handlers by EPA, the certifying authority, or a State, Tribal, or Federal agency having jurisdiction.
“Be currently designated as a trainer of certified applicators or pesticide handlers by EPA, the certifying authority, or a State, Tribal, or Federal agency having jurisdiction.”
The third option: having completed an EPA-approved pesticide safety train-the-trainer program for trainers of handlers under 40 CFR part 170.
“Have completed an EPA-approved pesticide safety train-the-trainer program for trainers of handlers under 40 CFR part 170.”
The training materials must include the information noncertified applicators need to protect themselves, other people, and the environment before, during, and after a restricted use pesticide application.
“The noncertified applicator training materials must include the information that noncertified applicators need in order to protect themselves, other people, and the environment before, during, and after making a restricted use pesticide application.”
Not covered here
The minimum training-material topics in 171.201(d)(3)(i) through (xxv) are not reproduced here; read the full list in the regulation. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Supervision records
Commercial applicators must create or verify the existence of records documenting that each noncertified applicator has the qualifications required in 171.201(c). For each noncertified applicator, the records must contain the information appropriate to the method of qualification, as provided in 171.201(e)(1)(i) through (iv).
“Commercial applicators must create or verify the existence of records documenting that each noncertified applicator has the qualifications required in paragraph (c) of this section. For each noncertified applicator, the records must contain the information appropriate to the method of qualification as provided in paragraphs (e)(1)(i) through (e)(1)(iv).”
If the noncertified applicator was trained under 171.201(c)(1), the record must contain all of the items in 171.201(e)(1)(i), including the date the training requirement was met.
“If the noncertified applicator was trained in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the record must contain all of the following information: (A) The noncertified applicator's printed name and signature. (B) The date the training requirement in paragraph (c) of this section was met.”
If the noncertified applicator was trained as an agricultural handler under 40 CFR 170.501, the record must contain all of the information required at 40 CFR 170.501(d)(1). If the noncertified applicator qualified by satisfying requirements established by the certifying authority, the record must contain the information required by the certifying authority.
“If the noncertified applicator was trained as an agricultural handler under 40 CFR 170.501 in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the record must contain all of the information required at 40 CFR 170.501(d)(1). (iii) If the noncertified applicator qualified by satisfying the requirements established by the certifying authority, as described in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the record must contain the information required by the certifying authority.”
If the noncertified applicator is a certified applicator not certified for the type of application or the jurisdiction, the record must include all of the items in 171.201(e)(1)(iv), among them the noncertified applicator's certification number.
“If the noncertified applicator is a certified applicator who is not certified to perform the type of application being conducted or not certified in the jurisdiction where the use will take place, as described in paragraph (c)(4) of this section, the record must include all of the following information: (A) The noncertified applicator's name. (B) The noncertified applicator's certification number.”
The commercial applicator must create or verify the existence of the record before allowing the noncertified applicator to use restricted use pesticides under his or her direct supervision.
“The commercial applicator must create or verify the existence of the record containing the information in paragraph (e)(1) of this section before allowing the noncertified applicator to use restricted use pesticides under his or her direct supervision.”
The supervising commercial applicator must have access to these records at the commercial applicator's principal place of business for two years from the date the noncertified applicator used the restricted use pesticide.
“The commercial applicator supervising any noncertified applicator must have access to records documenting the information required in paragraph (e)(1) of this section at the commercial applicator's principal place of business for two years from the date the noncertified applicator used the restricted use pesticide.”
Not covered here
Paragraph 171.201(e) places these recordkeeping duties on commercial applicators; it does not list record items for supervising private applicators. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Validity and other jurisdictions' certifications
A certification issued under a particular certifying authority's certification plan is only valid within the geographical area specified in the certification plan approved by EPA.
“A certification issued under a particular certifying authority's certification plan is only valid within the geographical area specified in the certification plan approved by the Agency.”
A State certification plan must describe the credentials or documents the State certifying authority will issue to each certified applicator verifying certification.
“The State certification plan must describe the credentials or documents the State certifying authority will issue to each certified applicator verifying certification.”
A State may waive any or all of the procedures in 171.103, 171.105, and 171.107 when certifying applicators in reliance on valid current certifications issued by another State, Tribal, or Federal agency under an EPA-approved certification plan.
“A State may waive any or all of the procedures specified in §§ 171.103, 171.105, and 171.107 of this part when certifying applicators in reliance on valid current certifications issued by another State, Tribal, or Federal agency under an EPA-approved certification plan.”
A State may rely only on valid current certifications that are issued under an approved State, Tribal or Federal agency certification plan.
“A State may rely only on valid current certifications that are issued under an approved State, Tribal or Federal agency certification plan.”
A State issuing a certification based in whole or in part on another State's, Tribe's or Federal agency's valid current certification must issue an appropriate State credential or document to the applicator.
“The State issuing a certification based in whole or in part on the applicator holding a valid current certification issued by another State, Tribe or Federal agency must issue an appropriate State credential or document to the applicator.”
Not covered here
How a particular State handles applicators certified elsewhere is set by that State's plan, which must explain whether, and if so, under what circumstances, the State will certify applicators based in whole or in part on another jurisdiction's certification (171.303(a)(9)). The State's comparability review and termination mechanism in 171.303(a)(9)(ii) and (iii) are not set out here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Indian country and EPA-administered programs
All applicators of restricted use pesticides in Indian country must either hold a certification valid in that area of Indian country, or be working under the direct supervision of a certified applicator whose certification is valid in that area.
“All applicators of restricted use pesticides in Indian country must hold a certification valid in that area of Indian country, or be working under the direct supervision of a certified applicator whose certification is valid in that area of Indian country.”
40 CFR 171.307, Certification of applicators in Indian country
An Indian Tribe may choose to allow persons holding currently valid certifications issued under one or more specified State, Tribal, or Federal agency certification plans to use restricted use pesticides within the Tribe's Indian country.
“An Indian Tribe may choose to allow persons holding currently valid certifications issued under one or more specified State, Tribal, or Federal agency certification plans to use restricted use pesticides within the Tribe's Indian country.”
40 CFR 171.307, Certification of applicators in Indian country
171.311 applies in any State or area of Indian country where there is no approved State or Tribal certification plan in effect.
“This section applies in any State or area of Indian country where there is no approved State or Tribal certification plan in effect.”
40 CFR 171.311, EPA-administered applicator certification programs
In any State or area of Indian country where EPA administers a certification plan, any person who uses or supervises the use of any restricted use pesticide must meet one of the criteria in 171.311(b). For a commercial applicator: he or she must be certified in each category and subcategory, if any, described in the EPA-administered plan, for which the applicator is applying or supervising the application of restricted use pesticides.
“In any State or area of Indian country where EPA administers a certification plan, any person who uses or supervises the use of any restricted use pesticide must meet one of the following criteria: (1) A commercial applicator must be certified in each category and subcategory, if any, as described in the EPA-administered plan, for which the applicator is applying or supervising the application of restricted use pesticides.”
40 CFR 171.311, EPA-administered applicator certification programs
For a private applicator: he or she must be certified in each category and subcategory, if any, described in the EPA-administered plan, for which the applicator is applying or supervising the application of restricted use pesticides.
“A private applicator must be certified in each category and subcategory, if any, as described in the EPA-administered plan, for which the applicator is applying or supervising the application of restricted use pesticides.”
40 CFR 171.311, EPA-administered applicator certification programs
For a noncertified applicator: he or she may only use a restricted use pesticide under the direct supervision of an applicator certified under the EPA-administered plan, in accordance with 171.201, and only for uses in categories authorized by that certified applicator's certification.
“A noncertified applicator may only use a restricted use pesticide under the direct supervision of an applicator certified under the EPA-administered plan, in accordance with the requirements in § 171.201, and only for uses in categories authorized by that certified applicator's certification.”
40 CFR 171.311, EPA-administered applicator certification programs
Not covered here
EPA's procedures for denying, suspending, modifying or revoking certifications under an EPA-administered plan (171.311(e)) and retail dealer reporting and recordkeeping (171.311(f)) are not covered here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Sources
- eCFR: 40 CFR 171.107, Standards for recertification of certified applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 40 CFR 171.303, Requirements for State certification plans (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 40 CFR 171.201, Requirements for direct supervision of noncertified applicators by certified applicators (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 40 CFR 171.301, General (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 40 CFR 171.307, Certification of applicators in Indian country (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 40 CFR 171.311, EPA-administered applicator certification programs (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
Other Pesticide applicator study guides: Scope, definitions and effective dates, Commercial applicator categories and certification, Private applicator certification