Help/Assistance

For assistance information and materials please visit https://agr.wa.gov/services/licenses-permits-and-certificates/pesticide-license-and-recertification/pesticide-and-spi-licensing.

Other sources of help, information, and references:

Helpdesk phone:

877-301-4555

Subject matter expert contact information:

Rickie Johnson (360) 902-2039

license@agr.wa.gov

Private Applicator (New license)

Description/Purpose

The purpose is to license persons who apply or supervise the application of restricted use pesticides to their own or their employer's property for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity. Pesticides include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, fumigants, etc.

The Limited and Rancher Private Applicator licenses allow limited applications of restricted use pesticides. For additional information, please see the Licensing Fact Sheet.

Triggers and activities which would require this license

Applying or supervising the use of restricted use pesticides on your own or your employer's property for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity.

Explanation/Description of costs/fees, including statutory, regulatory, or other legal authority for fees

The license costs $45. In addition, the applicant must pay a $25 testing fee each time they take pesticide exams. Note: The license application fee is waived if another pesticide license fee has been paid.

Application Information

Applications are completed at the time of testing. The first time an application is submitted in a calendar year, the license fee of $45 is required. Each time tests are taken, a $25 testing fee and picture ID is required.

Because exams are required, you must make your initial application at a WSDA testing session. These are offered at a number of statewide testing locations. WSDA does reciprocate with some state and federal licenses so testing may not be necessary. Go to the online reciprocal licensing information for details.

Because exams are required, you must make your initial application at a WSDA testing session. These are offered at a number of statewide testing locations.

The license is renewed annually but in a 5-year recertification cycle. Within the 5 year recertification cycle the licensee must earn 20 continuing education credits with a maximum of 10 credits per year or retest. An alternative to recertification is to retest every 5 years.

After a second, third, or fourth failure in a calendar year, there is a mandatory 14-day waiting period between exam retakes. After the fifth failure, you must wait 60 days before retesting.

Upon notice by the Department to deny, suspend, or revoke a license, a person may request a hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedures Act.

Legal authority
Notes / Comments

Because exams are required, you must make your initial application at a WSDA testing session. These are offered at a number of statewide testing locations. Within the 5 year recertification cycle the licensee must gain 20 continuing education credits with a maximum of 10 credits per year or retest.

Contacts
Washington State Department of Agriculture
Registration Services
1111 Washington Street SE, NRB - 2nd Fl
PO Box 42589
Olympia WA 98504-2589
Email: license@agr.wa.gov
Website: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/pesticides-and-fertilizers
Fax: (360) 902-2093
Toll Free: 1-877-301-4555
* Credential details last updated 5/31/2022
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