The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is responsible for testing and licensing pesticide applicators and dealers in Arkansas. Required certification and recertification training is provided by the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
Important Notice: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is currently transitioning to a paperless licensing system and updating its database. This may cause delays in processing. To avoid issues, please ensure that all required information is provided on your application.
If you have questions or need immediate assistance, call the Pesticide Section at 501-225-1598.
Types of Licenses and Permits
Private Applicator License
For individuals who use Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) to produce agricultural commodities on land they or their employer own or rent.
Note: This license does not apply to home gardeners, as RUPs are not labeled for home garden use.
Commercial Applicator License
For individuals or firms who apply pesticides for hire on properties not covered under the private applicator definition.
Includes both aerial and ground applicators.
Commercial Applicator Technician
For individuals applying Restricted Use Pesticides under the direct supervision of a licensed Commercial Applicator.
Non-Commercial Applicator License
For individuals who apply RUPs for their employer on a not-for-hire basis.
Examples include: city employees, Extension agents, researchers, and chemical company reps.
Restricted Use Pesticide Dealer License
Required for anyone who sells, offers for sale, or distributes Restricted Use Pesticides, including those classified as E, F, or H.
Bulk Dealer Permit
Required for pesticide dealers who repackage pesticides from bulk containers into smaller containers.
2,4-D Hardship Permit
Required to use Class F products (including 2,4-D and 2,4-D-containing products) from April 16 to September 15 in the following counties: Clay, Greene, Craighead, Poinsett, Cross, Crittenden, St. Francis, Lee, Phillips, and Mississippi.
Educational and Outreach Materials
- AR Pollinator Stewardship Program Brochure (488.62 KB)
- Pesticide Applicators and Pesticide Dealers Informational Flyer (738.98 KB)
License Search and Verification
Verify a license or view active license holders for any of the licenses or permits listed above here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have I not gotten my license yet?
If you have not received your license, please check the status on our Department website by using the License Search & Verification.
When is the next certification (Training) class?
The Department does not set the dates for in-person Private Applicator Training. For Private, Commercial, Non-Commercial online recertification classes can be found on U of A website at this link.
When is the next test date for Commercial/Non-Commercial Applicators?
In-person examinations are given at the Department office once a month, usually on the first Tuesday of each month.
- To register for an in-person exam, use this link. Test dates are listed on the registration form.
- To register for an online exam, use this link.
- Training is not required before taking the test but it is recommended that you request study materials from the U of A.
What do I have to do to get a commercial license and what does it cost?
First is to become certified and then provide the required application forms and fees.
- The fees are $100 for the firm plus $20 for each piece of application equipment.
- The individual applicator license is $35 for each category.
- It takes both the firm license and individual applicator license to apply pesticides.
When does my certification expire?
Private Applicators – Certification is good for five years.
Commercial/Non-Commercial Applicators – Certification is good for three years.