CSU Ext News Ron Meyer: Pesticide License Renewal Credits (Private and Commercial)
Anyone who purchases restricted-use pesticides must have a Private Pesticide Applicator license which is issued by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Private Applicator license study guides and exams can be obtained either from the Colorado Department of Agriculture (https://ag.colorado.gov/plants) or some Colorado State University Extension offices. This exam is also available on-line. Once a pesticide license is received, it is active for 3 years before renewal is needed. Renewal can be achieved by either retaking the exam or attending a recertification course and earning credits. Recertification courses offer credits which can be substituted for retaking the exam. Licenses that expire prior to obtaining recertification credits will require re-taking the private pesticide exam.
Recertification credits are currently offered on-line from a number of approved sources. Seven core credits are required for private pesticide recertification. A few of these on-line pesticide license renewal sources are available at the following websites: https://cepep.agsci.colostate.edu and https://pested.com/product-category/online-courses/colorado/core-co/. There are various charges for these credits and both sites are approved by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Remember to renew your license before the expiration date or re-testing may be required.
Commercial pesticide license credits are also available on-line, and more details can be found at the above two websites, also. After the proper credits have been earned, licensee’s need to apply to renew their license. So, get the credits first, then renew the license before expiration. License renewal applications can be found on the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s website: (https://ag.colorado.gov/cec-workshops-for-qualified-supervisors-and-certified-operators). This site can also be used to access new applicator license applications and testing requirements. Commercial pesticide licenses are only required if an operator charges others a fee for pesticide applications.
Questions regarding pesticide renewal or licensing in Colorado can be directed to the Colorado Department of Agriculture in care of John Scott, johnw.scott@state.co.us
CSU Golden Plains Area Extension, Ron Meyer, Area Extension Agent (Agronomy),
(719) 346-5571 x 305, ron.meyer@colostate.edu
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