A private applicator is an applicator who applies restricted-use pesticides by ground application for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by the applicator or the applicator’s employer. Most private applicators are farmers, greenhouse and/or nursery operators. All other applicators who use restricted use pesticides are considered commercial applicators.
Applicants for private applicator certification must successfully complete a specialized training course provided by University of Tennessee Extension on the proper use of restricted use pesticides.
There is a $50 fee for initial certification training. Upon completion of in-person training, please follow directions provided by the online system to obtain your certification card.
Paying the required $25 fee to TDA is necessary to purchase restricted use pesticides.
Please note: Pesticide certification runs in a three-year cycle. The current certification cycle began on July 1, 2023 and will end on June 30, 2026. The block to the right is ONLY for those needing initial private applicator training.
For options to recertify and gain points BEFORE the June 30, 2026 deadline, please choose from the four options below to access training.
