To comply with 2017 Environmental Protection Agency standard changes WSDA updated some pesticide license rules. These changes will take place January 1, 2026. Any new licensees after this date will have new study materials and exams which include the new materials. If you have an existing pesticide applicator’s license you will have to meet new requirements by the end of your five year recertification cycle.
What will I have to do to maintain my applicator license?
For most licensees you will need to take a specific 1 hour recertification course (available from Washington State University’s internet course catalog starting Jan 1, 2026) covering new standards to keep your license up to date. Licensees can also choose to take a certification and training quiz specific to the new requirements. For certain types of applicators (eg aerial applicators, fumigators) there are additional testing requirements.
If the licensee only has categories that are being omitted with the rule change, they will have to test to keep their license. For example, if the licensee only has retired categories or if they only have a category such as sulfur dioxide fumigation that will no longer be available.
Additional Information
Washington State Department of Agriculture How to Comply with C&T Changes
Contact
Licensing and Recertification Program
C&T questions: pestlicenseupdate@agr.wa.gov
Licensing questions: license@agr.wa.gov
Recertification questions: recertification@agr.wa.gov
Toll free: 877-301-4555 (Para Español, presione 2)
