Pesticide Licensing FAQ

Pesticide Licensing FAQ

Link to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation's Licensing and Certification Program website.

I want to apply non-restricted pesticides to an agricultural commodity I'm growing that is not intended for home use.

If you are applying a pesticide of any kind to an agricultural commodity which is not intended for home use it is necessary to report the use of that chemical to this office by the 10th day of the month following the application. In order to report that use you must obtain an Operator Identification (OP ID) number from our office. The OP ID is free and will also allow you to purchase agricultural use of chemicals. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment.

I want to apply restricted materials to an agricultural commodity on my own property. What do I need from your office?

In order to purchase and apply California or Federally restricted materials to your own property on which you are producing an agricultural commodity, you must first obtain a Private Applicator Certificate (PAC), a Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) in the appropriate categories, or a Qualified Applicator License (QAL) in the appropriate categories and a Restricted Materials (RM) Permit. RM permits may be obtained from this office at no charge. Please call to schedule an appointment. There will be certain conditions that apply to the issuance of a RM permit and the use of any particular chemical, involving, among other things, beekeepers in the vicinity, supplemental labels, and groundwater considerations. It is necessary to call in a "Notice of Intent" (NOI) 24 hours prior to applying a restricted material to an agricultural commodity and you must report the use of restricted chemicals to this office by the 10th day of the month following the application.

I want to hire a company or individual to apply restricted materials to an agricultural commodity I grow and sell. What do I need from your office?

A Restricted Materials permit must be obtained by the grower from the Agricultural Commissioner's office even if you choose to have a Pest Control Operator (PCO) apply chemicals to your agricultural commodity/property. You must provide the PCO with a written pesticide recommendation and a copy of your RM permit. A Notice of Intent must be called in and a pesticide use report must be submitted by one of the parties.

I want my employee(s) to apply non-restricted materials to an agricultural commodity I wish to grow and sell. Are they required to obtain a license?

Generally, employees are not required to obtain a license to apply pesticides to an agricultural commodity for their employer. However, many regulations pertain to employee safety. The employer is responsible for supplying personal protective equipment such as gloves and eyewear, and documented employee pesticide safety training. Please contact our office for full details.

I want my employee(s) to apply restricted materials to an agricultural commodity I wish to grow and sell. Are they required to have a license?

In order for employees to apply restricted materials to ag commodities, they must be under the supervision of someone with a PAC, QAC, or QAL license. They must also have received documented training. Many regulations pertain to employee safety. Please contact our office for full details.

Private Applicator Certificate (PAC)

A Private Applicator Certificate allows a grower to purchase and apply restricted materials on property they own or lease. The Private Applicator Certificate exam is given by our office. We have limited study materials that are available for checkout and a suggested study list. Please call to schedule an appointment. There is no fee for a PAC. The PAC certificate expires on a rotational basis. Call the office at 224-4949, to see what rotation is currently expiring. PACs can be renewed through continuing education or a simple re-test at our office.

Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC)

The QAC License exam is proctored by DPR. You may pick up an application from our office which includes current fees, test dates and locations. The QAC license may be renewed every two years through continuing education.

Qualified Applicator License (QAL)

The QAL License exam is proctored by DPR. You may pick up an application from our office which includes current fees, test dates and locations. The QAL license may be renewed every two years through continuing education.

Pesticide Broker

The Broker License is issued by DPR. You may pick up an application from our office which includes the requirements and current fees.

Pest Control Dealer

The Dealer License is issued by DPR. You may pick up an application from our office which includes the requirements and current fees.

Aircraft Pilot Pest Control Certificate

The Aircraft Pilot Pest Control Certificate exam is proctored by DPR. You may pick up an application from our office which includes current fees, test dates and locations. It is necessary to register with our office before performing work in Shasta County. You must present your DPR pilot license (AP or JP) and the appropriate fee. The Aircraft Pilot Certificate may be renewed every two years through continuing education.

Pest Control Adviser

An Agricultural Pest Control Advisor License (PCA) is required for any person who offers recommendations on pesticide use. You may pick up an application from our office with the current testing dates, locations, and fee schedule. In addition, Pest Control Advisors are required to register annually with the county they reside in and each county work is performed in. To register, bring in your DPR Pest Control Advisors License and the appropriate fee. The PCA license may be renewed every two years through continuing education.

Agricultural Pest Control Business

Agricultural Pest Control Businesses must register in their county of principle operation and in each county work is performed in. In addition, an all pest control equipment must be registered (download a Shasta County equipment registration form). Applicants must present their QAC/QAL license, DPR business license and remit the appropriate fee.

Pesticide Broker

The Broker License is issued by DPR. You may pick up an application from our office which includes the requirements and current fees.

Structural Pest Control Licenses

The Structural Pest Control Applicator Exam is administered online. One must fill out an application available at the Structural Pest Control Board's Website. You will also need to complete the Live Scan/Fingerprint process before you take the exam. Once you are approved for the exam, you will receive notice of your examination location, date and time.

Please note that the Live Scan process is independent of the SPCB Exam Application. Your applicator license will only be mailed once the Board receives confirmation of a passing grade and clearance via the Live Scan process.

Structural Pest Control Field Representative

The Structural Pest Control Field Representative License is proctored by the California Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB). Please contact SPCB for more details or check out their website.

Structural Pest Control Operator

The Structural Pest Control Operator License is proctored by the California Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB). Please contact SPCB for more details or check out their website.

Structural Pest Control Business - Registration

It is necessary to notify this office before performing work in Shasta County. You may download the Branch 1 or the Branch 2 and 3 notification forms or pick it up at our office and must return it with the appropriate fee.

Branch 1 Registrations must be submitted in person before work is performed.  

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