ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pesticide?

Where can I find information about required Paraquat Training?

Where can I find more information on bulk pesticide handling requirements?(link is external) (click to find out)

What pesticides can I apply on cannabis?

Do I need a license, permit and/or certification for using pesticide agriculturally?  (The Pest Management Division has separate requirements so please ensure you know where you are applying to know which license, permit or certification you need.) 

  • The Arizona Department of Agriculture administers 20 tests relating to agricultural pesticide usage. Use the Key to Licenses, Permits & Certifications to decide what you need.
  • We strongly encourage calling ahead and scheduling an appointment for testing.  Tests are administered in Phoenix (602) 542-3578, Tucson (520) 730-0220 and Yuma (928) 344-7909.
  • There is no cost associated with taking the exam. There is a cost for obtaining the certification or license which is shown in ( ) after the listed exam.
  • If you are applying pesticides for hire to structures like houses or in any non-farm setting please contact the Licensing section at 602-542-3578 to answer your pest management licensing related questions.

Where do I find businesses or individuals who hold licenses, permits, and/or certifications?

Find them using these resources:

What tests are offered?

Private Applicator exam and Private Applicator Fumigation exam (only allows use of fumigants for on-farm stored commodity or burrowing rodents) - ($50)

Commercial Applicator Core Exam - ($50)

Commercial Applicator Core Category exams (you must pass at least one category exam to be commercially certified):

  • Ag Pest Control
  • Forest Pest Control
  • Seed Treatment
  • Aquatic Pest Control
  • M-44
  • Rodent

Pest Control Advisor (PCA) Core exam - ($50)

Pest Control Advisor Category exams (you must pass at least one category exam to be licensed as a PCA): 

  • Insects and Mites
  • Plant Pathogens
  • Nematode
  • Vertebrates
  • Weed
  • Defoliation
  • Plant Growth Regulators

Custom Applicator Core Exam (to  apply pesticides by air or for hire) - ($100)

Custom Applicator Ground or Air exam (you must pass at least one of the category exams to be licensed)

Pilots exam (final exam for those who fly the planes applying pesticides) - ($50)

Additional resources:

Where do I find a list of forms?

Can I see how many credit hours I have accumulated?

Important Notice:  You can still see the classes you have taken even if your license has expired, the ability to see the courses taken is not verification your license is still valid.  If you are uncertain about your license status go here:  http://searchagriculture.az.gov/SearchAg/Home/Credentials.  If it is not found please contact licensing for further verification at 602-542-3578.

Pest Control Advisor (PCA) and Private (PUP) or Commercial (PUC) applicators can check your Continuing Education Units (hours) here -

http://searchagriculture.az.gov/SearchAg/Home/CEUs

You can get more detail here, if you have your login information:  https://renewals.azda.gov/credentials

Where do I find a list of available continuing education credit hours?

2023 Annual Agriculture Recertification Course (CEU Training)

  • Held annually -  6 CEUs available for the attending both morning and afternoon sessions.  

Where can I find out more about the continuing education process and approve providers?

Links to Continuing Education Pages

Where do I find information about native plants?

What do I need to know about Beekeepers/Pollinators?

Local jurisdictions may have restrictions relating to placement of bee hives under their planning and zoning regulations.  Check with county or city planning and zoning agencies for further information. In addition, Arizona has a law relating to bee hive placement near agricultural lands.  Here are some helpful links: