Licensing and Certification Program

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About Licensing

DPR's Licensing and Certification Program is responsible for examining and licensing or certifying qualified pesticide applicators, pest control aircraft pilots, pest control dealer designated agents, and agricultural pest control advisers. DPR also licenses businesses that sell or apply pesticides or use pest control methods/devices for hire (i.e., pest control business, maintenance gardener pest control business, pest control dealer, and pesticide broker).

Visit the local County Agricultural Commissioner for private applicator certificate information.
Visit the Structural Pest Control Board for structural pest control licensing information.
Visit the California Department of Public Health for vector control technician certification information.

Renewal Season 2022

Please see our Licensing Renewal Information page for the latest renewal updates, information, and resources.

What's New in Licensing

Certification and Training of Pesticide Applicators (C&T) Regulations, (video)

The proposed action will improve the competency standards for certified applicators using California restricted materials, which includes federally restricted use pesticides (RUPs), and improve standards for CE courses. Please visit our Certification and Training page for additional information.

Study Materials

A new, updated version of the Laws and Regulations Study Guide is now available on DPR’s website. Reviewing and knowing the information in the study guide should help you to prepare for taking the Laws and Regulations exam. It’s also a good refresher on pesticide use requirements. Study materials for exams can be found on DPR’s website.

Examinations

All Agricultural Pest Control Adviser License (PCA), Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Certificate (APC and JPC), Qualified Applicator (QAL and QAC), and Designated Dealer Agent (DDA) exams are now given at computer-based testing centers. These testing centers are conveniently located throughout California. Once you submit your application to DPR and it has been processed, you will be emailed a link to schedule a time and location for your exam that works best for you! Exam schedule, PDF (Español, PDF).

New Information and Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Individual License Holders, PDF (En Español)
• Licensing and Registration Requirements for Sanitizing and Disinfecting Services, PDF (En Español)
• Notice of New Restrictions on Sale and Use of Pesticide Products Containing Carbaryl, PDF
• 2022 Licensing Renewal Reminder Poster, PDF – A tool for CE sponsors and county agricultural commissioner staff to use to remind A-L license and certificate holders to renew early.
• 2022 Licensing Renewal Information Presentation, PDF – A tool for CE sponsors, county agricultural commissioner staff, or others to inform individuals renewing this year (surnames and business names beginning with letters A-L) about the DPR renewal process, important dates, and benefits of renewing early.
• Top 10 Agricultural Pesticide Use Violations of 2021, PDF - CE course sponsors and licensees are encouraged to use this presentation covering the most common agricultural pesticide use violations that occurred during 2021. This presentation is also available in Spanish (En Español, PDF).