Indiana Pesticide Applicator Requirements & FAQs

INDIANA PESTICIDE APPLICATOR GENERAL INFORMATION

State contact information for licensing questions

Phone: (765) 494-1492

Fax: (765) 494-4331

Email:  walshm@purdue.edu

Web: Office of Indiana State Chemist

What pesticide application activities require a license in Indiana?

Certification of commercial applicators in Indiana is a legal requirement for anyone who applies any pesticide (herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, rodenticide, etc.) including over-the-counter and restricted-use products:

• to someone else’s property as a for-hire service;
• to school property (public and non-public);
• to golf courses (public and private); and/or
• for area-wide mosquito control.

Commercial applicator certification is also required for anyone who applies restricted-use pesticides only:

• on the property of their employer as a function of their job; and/or
• as an employee of a state or local governmental agency.

Certification is also required for anyone who applies agricultural fertilizers commercially, applies lawn fertilizers commercially, or who inspects structures for wood-damaging pests.

There is an exception to the two-step (Core and category) certification process for certain commercial applicators. Certification in Categories 12 and 14 does NOT require the applicant to take the Core examination. (Certification in Category 13 requires a Core examination only.)

Certification as a commercial, for-hire lawn care applicator (Category 3b) or as a commercial, for-hire termite control operator (Category 7b) requires Core and category examinations, plus documentation of work-related experience. Generally, for-hire Category 3b and 7b applicators meet their work experience by attending a multi-day, hands-on workshop sponsored by Purdue Pesticide Programs. Contact Purdue Pesticide Programs at 765-494-4566 for more information about the lawn care and termite control workshops (and about select waivers to workshop attendance). Applicants may also download a lawn care or termite control workshop registration application form. (Online registration is available at The Education Store.)

Not all pesticide applicators in commercial settings need to be certified. Non-certified applicators may work under the direct on-site supervision of a certified applicator. Or, non-certified applicators may become registered technicians by passing the Core exam. Registered technicians can perform every application for which their supervisor is certified, and the supervisor need not be physically present.

What are the applicator categories for Indiana Pesticide Applicators?

Category 1 - Agricultural Pest Management
Category 2 - Forest Pest Management
Category 3a - Ornamental Pest Management
Category 3b - Turf Management
Category 4 - Seed Treatment
Category 5 - Aquatic Pest management
Category 6 - Industrial Weed Management
Category 7a - Industrial, Institutional, Structural and Health-Related Pest Management
Category 7b - Termite Control
Category 7d - Fumigation
Category 8 - Community-Wide Mosquito Control
Category 11 - Aerial Application
Category 12 - Wood Destroying Pest Inspection
Category 13 - Limited Certification
Category 14 - Agricultural Fertilizer Application
Category RT - Registered Technician

Does my company need a separate Pesticide Applicator's Certification?

Yes. In order to qualify for this license you must:

1.  Employ at least one certified pesticide applicator.
2. Submit a completed application form for the business and each applicator and technician.
3. Submit annual fees of $45.00 for the business and $45.00 for each certified applicator and registered technician.
4. Submit a certificate of insurance.

Do all of my employees need their own Indiana Pesticide Applicator's Certification?

Yes

Do I need an Indiana Pesticide Applicator's Certification to apply general use pesticides for hire?

Yes.

A Private Pesticide Applicator is anyone who applies pesticides to property they own, rent or otherwise control for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity. Any private applicator wishing to buy and use restricted-use pesticides must be certified by passing the Core exam.

A Private Fertilizer Applicator is anyone who applies manure from a Confined Feeding Operation (CFO) to property they own, rent or otherwise control for purposes of producing an agricultural commodity. Any private applicator wishing to use (apply, handle, transport) manure from a CFO must be certified by passing the Category 14 Agricultural Fertilizer exam.

Does Indiana offer reciprocity for pesticide applicators?

Yes, reciprocity differs by category type, view a full list of reciprocal categories here.