Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education
For SPCB:
Renewal Deadline: Applicators, Field Representatives, and Operators are required to renew their certification every three-years by June 30th.
CE Requirements: Continuing education hours differ by certification type. see chart for details.
For DPR:
Commercial applicators starting with letters A-L need to renew by 12/31 of even years, letters M-Z need to renew by 12/31 of odd years. Requirements differ by category, see chart for details.
Private applicators must complete six hours of DPR-approved continuing education and renew their certification every three years.
Courses must be completed by 12/31/21 for credit.
The DPR prohibits course approval numbers to be provided prior to the completion of the course. For course approval verification please click here.
» View California SPCB Applicator Continuing Education Requirements
All applicators are required to renew their certification by June 30 every three years. All continuing education credits must be completed no later than midnight on June 30 of their expiration year to count toward the credit requirement. Individuals who do not complete their CE prior to midnight on June 30th will need to re-test with the SPCB. Individuals are not required to submit certificates of completion with their renewal paperwork.
Applicator's Continuing Education Requirements
| Branch(es) Licensed | Total Hours | Rules and Regs | Pesticide Use and Application | Integrated Pest Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branch 2 (General Pest) | 12 | 4 | 6 | 2 |
| Branch 3 (Wood Destroying) | 12 | 4 | 6 | 2 |
| Branches 2 and 3 | 12 | 4 | 6 | 2 |
Applicator's Continuing Education Requirements
| Branch(es) Licensed | Total Hours | Rules & Regs | Technical Branch 1 | Technical Branch 2 | Technical Branch 3 | Integrated Pest Management | General |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branch 1 (Fumigation) | 16 | 8 | 4 | - | - | - | 4 |
| Branch 2 (General Pest) | 16 | 8 | - | 4 | - | 2 | 2 |
| Branch 3 (Wood Destroying) | 16 | 8 | - | - | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Branches 1 and 2 | 20 | 8 | 4 | 4 | - | 2 | 2 |
| Branches 1 and 3 | 20 | 8 | 4 | - | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Branches 2 and 3 | 20 | 8 | - | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Branches 1, 2, and 3 | 24 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
» View California Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education Requirements
All applicators are required to renew their certification with the DPR every two years. Names beginning with A-L renew in even number years, M-Z in odd number years. Continuing education must be completed no later than midnight on 12/31 in order to count toward recertification credits. Individuals who do not complete their CE prior to midnight on 12/31 will need to re-test with the DPR. Certificates of completion or a list of CE courses completed must be sent in with renewal paperwork.
Certified 12- 20 Months
PCA - 20 hours - including 2 hours of law
QAL - 10 hours - including 2 hours of law
QAC - 10 hours - including 2 hours of law
Certified 21- 24 Months
PCA - 40 hours - including 4 hours of law
QAL - 20 hours - including 4 hours of law
QAC - 20 hours - including 4 hours of law
QAL and QAC applicators that ONLY hold category H, M, N, or Q need to complete the following continuing education rather than the amount listed above:
Certified 12- 20 Months
H - 2 hours including 1 hour of law
M - 4 hours including 1 hour of law
N - 4 hours including 1 hour of law
P - 4 hours including 1 hour of law
Q - 4 hours including 1 hour of law (QAC only)
Certified 21- 24 Months
H - 4 hours - including 2 hours of law
M - 8 hours - including 2 hours of law
N - 8 hours - including 2 hours of law
P - 8 hours - including 2 hours of law
Q - 8 hours - including 2 hours of law (QAC only)
Private applicators must complete six hours of DPR approved continuing education including two hours of laws and regulations.
Certified less than 12 months
Exempt from the continuing education requirement
Certified 21- 24 months
4 hours - including 2 hours of laws and regulations
Certified 25- 36 months
6 hours - including two hours of laws and regulations