License Categories
This license applies to individuals applying restricted use pesticides in the following categories:
- Agricultural Plants
- Agricultural Animals
- Aquatic Pest Control
- Demonstration and Research
- Forest Pest Control
- Public Health Pest Control
- Right-of-Way Pest Control
- Wood Treatment
Note: If you are a structural, household, turf, or ornamental (lawn care) applicator, refer to the Regulatory Section.
Who Needs This License?
Individual Commercial Applicators
Apply pesticides for hire on property other than their own. Includes both aerial and ground applicators.
Custom Applicator: A subset of commercial applicators who apply Class E or F pesticides (e.g., 2,4-D). Must pass the Custom Applicator Exam and be employed by a firm with a valid Custom Permit.
Non-Commercial Applicators
Use restricted use pesticides only for their employer, not for hire.
Examples: city employees, Extension Agents, university researchers, chemical company reps.
Step 1 – Initial Certification
Certification Requirements
You must pass:
- Basic Core Exam
- One or more Category-Specific Exams
- Optional: Custom Applicator Exam (if applicable)
Training is optional but recommended.
Training & Study Materials
- Study kits and online courses are available here: Arkansas Pesticide Application Training
- In-person training sessions are held annually (typically in March).
- Contact the Pesticide Safety Education Specialist at 501-671-2234 for details.
County Extension Agents do not provide training for this license type.
Exam Scheduling
Exams are given twice monthly at the Department offices in Little Rock.
- Preregistration is required
- Or call: 501-225-1598
Additional Required Training (Annual)
If you plan to apply specific herbicides, the following annual trainings are required:
- Non-Crop Dicamba Use
- Enlist One and Enlist Duo Herbicides
- Crop Use of New Dicamba Formulations (In-Person Company Training)
- Engenia, Fexapan, Tavium, Xtendimax
Step 2 – Apply for a License
First-Time Applicants
After passing the exams, you’ll receive an email notification from the Department.
Then submit:
- DP-30 – Individual Commercial Applicator
- DP-27 – Non-Commercial Applicator
- Include required fee
Submit online at the Pesticide Section Forms webpage or by mail to:
Arkansas Department of Agriculture
Plant Industries Division, Pesticide Section
#1 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
Licenses are emailed once processed.
View active licenses at: License Search & Verification
Renewals
- Renewal notices are emailed in November each year
- Submit updated form (DP-30 or DP-27) and fee online or by mail
Step 3 – Recertification & Renewal
- Certification is valid for 3 years
- Recertification training is required every 3 years
Recertification Training Options
- Online Recertification Training
- Or contact the Pesticide Safety Education Specialist at 501-671-2234 for in-person sessions
Reminder: Annual training is still required for certain herbicides (see Step 1)
Contact Us
Pesticide Section: 501-225-1598
For Commercial Applicators: [email protected]
For Non-Commercial Applicators: [email protected]