Apply for a License
Who Needs a License?
The State of California requires a license or certification for many categories of professional pesticide applicators, as well as businesses that sell or apply pesticides or use pest control methods/devices for hire − such as pest control businesses, maintenance gardener pest control businesses, pest control dealers, and pesticide brokers.
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s (DPR) role is to examine, license, or certify:
- Persons who advise on agricultural pesticide applications
- Persons or businesses that apply or sell pesticides
- Pest control dealers and brokers
Examples of these persons and businesses include:
- Qualified pesticide applicators
- Pest control aircraft pilots
- Pest control dealer-designated agents
- Agricultural pest control advisers
- Pest control businesses
- Maintenance gardener pest control businesses
- Pest control dealer
- Pesticide brokers
Interested in learning more about licensing news and updates? Visit our News and Announcements page.
How to Apply
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Determine which licensing or certification you need for your specific work.
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Ensure that you meet basic licensing requirements.
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Complete and submit the applications and pay the application fee.
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Schedule prerequisite examinations.
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Review study materials before examination.
Application Packets to Apply for a New License or Certificate
The complete packets include the application and other required forms, fact sheet on licensing or certification requirements, suggested study materials, and Visa/Mastercard transaction form.
Exam and Education Resources
To prepare for examinations, please read our helpful resources.
Pest Control Adviser Education Requirements
These Approved Courses were evaluated and meet the education requirements of California Code of Regulations Section 6550.
If you are a first time PCA applicant or university or college staff member and have questions about the PCA application process, minimum education course requirements or how to get a course approved by DPR, please contact us at: PCAmail@cdpr.ca.gov.
Exam Information
How to Renew
All individuals and businesses with valid DPR licenses and certificates must renew the license and certificate prior to expiration. To renew follow the steps below:
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After receiving your license or certification, complete continuing education (CE) hours.
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Submit a renewal application and pay the renewal fee.
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Pay the renewal fee.
Continuing Education
Continuing education (CE) courses are required for active licenses and certifications.
To find a course, visit our Continuing Education Courses website page.
Renewal Application Packets to Renew a License or Certificate
The complete packets include the application and other required forms, fact sheet on licensing or certification requirements, and Visa/Mastercard transaction form.
Fees for Licensing and Certification
View the licensing and certification fees.
Financial Responsibility Forms
Miscellaneous Forms
Applicants will submit LIC-045 to County Agricultural Commissioners, not to the Department of Pesticide Regulation.
Contact Us
Please contact us if you have any questions about Licensing and Certification.
Email: LicenseMail@cdpr.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 445-4038
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Still have a Question or Need More Information?
Please contact us with questions or visit the Contact Us page on our website to connect with other programs at DPR.