For more information, call toll-free 877-301-4555 or email license@agr.wa.gov.
The type of license you need depends on who your employer is and what type of pesticides you will be applying. Required exams are listed under each license type. To qualify for most licenses, you need the Laws and Safety exam plus one category. You may need more than one category depending on your field of work.
License types are defined in statute (RCW Chapters 15.58 and 17.21).
Private and Public License Types | Application Fee* |
---|---|
Private applicator | $45 |
Public operator | $50 |
Public pest control consultant | $50 |
Limited private applicator (5-year license) | $40 |
Rancher private applicator (5-year license) | $110 |
Commercial License Types | Application Fee* |
---|---|
Commercial applicator | $250 |
Commercial operator | $85 |
Commercial pest control consultant | $75 |
Dealer manager | $45 |
Demonstration and research applicator | $50 |
Private commercial applicator | $45 |
Structural pest inspector | $85 |
*License application fees are non-refundable.
Effective November 1, 2021, all pesticide license fees increased as a result of Senate Bill 5317.
$7 of every license paid will help support the Washington State University's pesticide safety education program.
Uses or supervises the use of restricted use pesticides (RUPs) in the production of an agricultural commodity on land owned or rented by the applicator or the applicator's employer.
Also required for application of RUPs if applied without compensation other than the trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities on the land of another person.
Applies or supervises the use of restricted use herbicides on non-production agricultural land (e.g., pastures, rangeland, areas around farm buildings) and in mixed rangeland-timber to control noxious weeds.
May not use restriced use insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, or any aquatic herbicides.
Applies or supervises the use of restricted use herbicides and rodenticides on non-production agricultural land (e.g., pastures, rangeland, areas around farm buildings) and on limited production agricultural land where hay and grain are grown for personal use.
May also use herbicides in timber areas for noxious weed control.
May not use restricted use insecticides, fungicides, or any aquatic herbicides.
Must also confirm that the company is legal to do business in Washington State. See Commercial Applicators page for more requirements.