What is a Private Pesticide Applicator's License?
Certain herbicides and pesticides cannot be sold to the public; they can be sold only to those who have the proper license to purchase them. A person who sprays agricultural chemicals as part of a job in which he receives a salary can use the Private Pesticide Applicator's License to purchase these commercial chemicals. A person in a business where he sprays chemicals for a fee (such as a lawn-care business) will need a Commercial Applicator's License.
How can I obtain a license?
You can apply for a Private Pesticide Applicator's License at your local LSU AgCenter Extension office. Commercial Applicator's and other commercial licenses are obtained by contacting the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry.
How can I obtain a Private Pesticide Applicator's License?
- Your Parish Office has a study book: National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual, which is used to prepare for the test. The $10 cost for the book is refundable upon return; however, the book is a source of good reference materials, and most keep it after taking the test.
- After studying, come by your parish office (in St. Mary Parish, the office is located at the Courthouse, 500 Main Street, Room 314, Franklin) to take a Certification test. The test is made up of 100 multiple choice questions.
- The test is sent to the Department of Agriculture & Forestry to be graded. If a passing score (80% or higher) is obtained, the client will be notified by mail on how to proceed with the licensing process.
- The license is renewed every three years by attending a re-certification class, usually held in February or March of each year. All license-holders are notified before the class.
For more information, including Commercial Applicator's and other licenses, please contact your local agent. In St. Mary and Iberia Parishes, that agent is
Jimmy Flanagan (337) 828-4100, extension 300