Massachusetts pesticide law requires that all persons who apply pesticides in public areas and private places used for human occupation and habitation must be in possession of a valid license or certification issued by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. In accordance with the Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act and the current pesticide regulations, the Mass. DAR conducts written examinations to measure competency to use, sell, and apply pesticides in Massachusetts. All exams are closed book and applicants must be at least 18 years of age as of the date of the examination.
How to Obtain a Massachusetts Pesticide License or Certification
Complete information about how to obtain a Massachusetts pesticide license or certification is detailed in the Pesticide Examination and License Information Bulletin, which is released annually by the Mass. DAR Pesticide Bureau.
Exam Registration Applications, Preparation Workshops, and Study Materials
General Exam Information
Important note: To ensure that your completed exam application reaches the Mass. DAR prior to the deadline (one week before the exam), please allow sufficient time (4 - 5 days) for delivery of the application through the US Postal System and the State internal mail.
To sit for any exam, you will need:
- A picture ID (i.e. Driver's License)
- Multiple sharpened #2 pencils
Call the Pesticide Bureau on the day before the exam to confirm your seat. Sorry, but there are no refunds of exam processing fees. Snow dates are scheduled only if the Pesticide Bureau reschedules an exam due to inclement weather.
Additional information may be obtained from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Pesticide Bureau; (617) 626-1720 or the UMass Extension Pesticide Education Program; (413) 545-1044.
Training Workshops
Training Workshops to Prepare for State Pesticide Applicator License Exams
The Pesticide Education Program of University of Massachusetts Extension offers a workshop designed to help individuals prepare for the pesticide applicator examination. This workshop is offered several times through the year and includes all of the basic information covered in the examination. A practice exam is part of each workshop. Information on workshop dates and registration can be obtained by visiting the UMass Extension Pesticide Education Program web site.
Pesticide Recertification Training Workshops
Pesticide license regulations require that applicators remain current in their knowledge and understanding of pesticide issues including the safe and effective use of pesticides. The Pesticide Education Program of UMass Extension provides opportunities for continuing education related to pesticide issues by offering workshops throughout the year. Each of these workshops has been approved for pesticide license recertification credits by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Information on workshop dates and registration can be obtained by visiting the UMass Extension Pesticide Education Program web site.