Program Overview
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Pest Control Program regulates pest control services under the Arkansas Pest Control Law (Act 488 of 1975). Anyone performing pest control for compensation must be licensed or certified. Pest Control work is the management of pests such as treating buildings for termites, roaches, ants or treating lawns and turf for insect and weed pests. Depending on the type of pest control work being performed various licenses or certifications may be required
Who Needs a License
- Required for individuals or businesses providing pest control services for pay
- Required to use Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs)
- Not required for:
- Property owners working on their own property (unless using RUPs)
- Employees working on their employer’s property (unless using RUPs)
License Types
- Commercial License – for businesses offering pest control services
- Non-Commercial Certificate – for employees working only for their employer (not for hire)
- Agent Registration – for unlicensed employees performing work under supervision
Key Roles
- License Holder – business providing services
- Licensed Operator – certified individual supervising work
- Agent – trained employee working under supervision
- Non-Commercial Applicator – works only for their employer
Classifications (10 Total)
- Structural Pest Control (1–3, 7–8)
- Ornamental Pest Control (4–6, 9–10)
- Separate categories for commercial and non-commercial work
Fees (General)
- Exam: $100 per classification (Basic Core free)
- Agent exam: $30
- Operator license: $150–$300 annually
- Business license: $100–$500 annually (based on employees)
- Non-commercial certificate: $70 annually
Testing Requirements
- Must pass:
- Basic Core exam
- Classification-specific exam(s)
- Exams offered:
- Online (year-round, additional proctor fee)
- In-person (scheduled bi-monthly)
- Some classifications require experience or education
Renewal
- Licenses and certificates are valid July–June
- Must be renewed annually before July 1
Regulation & Inspections
- Program conducts inspections of:
- Termite treatments
- Lawn and turf applications
- Equipment, vehicles, and facilities
- Investigates complaints and pesticide misuse
- Free termite inspections available upon request
Important Compliance
- It is illegal to use pesticides inconsistent with label instructions
- Suspected violations should be reported to the Department
Contact
- General inquiries, licensing, exams, complaints:
[email protected] - Phone: 501-225-1598
- If you have any questions or concerns please email [email protected]
Staff (Regional Oversight)
- Seth Dunlap – Supervisor
- Andrew Simpson – Northwest
- Jarrod Dement – Northeast
- Dean Paullin – Northcentral
- Brian Launius – Southern
- Ryan Nichols – Central
Onsite Pest Control Exam Fees
Commercial/Non-Commercial Pest Control Licensing Exam:
- $100.00 per category (EPA Basic Core Exam is administered at no charge and must be taken if you have not taken the exam in the past)
Agent Exam:
- $30.00 per applicant
Pest Control Licensing Fees
Commercial Categories (Classifications: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6):
License Holder Fee:
- $100.00 for 0–30 Agents employed
- $250.00 for 31–60 Agents employed
- $500.00 for 61 or more
License Operator Fee:
- $150.00 for first classification
- $100.00 for second classification
- Operator licensing fee not to exceed $300.00 for any number of classifications held
Agent Fee:
- $30.00 per agent registered
Non-Commercial Certificate (Classifications: 7, 8, 9, and 10)
Non-Commercial Certificate (THIS IS NOT A LICENSE):
- $70.00 for any one person
Recertification Courses
| Start Date of Course | End Date of Course | Name of Organization Administering and Proctoring the Recertification Course | Registration Email for Arkansas Applicants | Registration Page for Arkansas Applicants | Approved for Recertification in: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/25/2026 | 2/26/2026 | Broox Boze – Vector Disese Control International | [email protected] | https://vdci.net | Classifications 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8 |
| 7/1/2025 | 6/30/2026 | Allpoints Events | [email protected] | https://allpoints123.com | Courses for All Classifications |
| 3/19/2024 | Avitrol Corporation | [email protected] | https://avitrol.com/certified/index.html | Classifications 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8 | |
| 2/28/2025 | Purdue University Online | [email protected] | http://www.eventreg.purdue.edu/online/TurfInsecticides | Classifications 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8 | |
| 3/12/2025 | PESTED | https://pested.com/ | Courses for All Classifications | ||
| 2/20/2026 | 2/20/2026 | Missouri Pest Management Association | [email protected] | Classifications 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8 | |
| 3/20/2026 | 3/20/2026 | Missouri Pest Management Association | [email protected] | Classifications 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8 | |
| 2/5/2026 | All Star Training, Inc. | [email protected] | AllstarCE.com | Courses for All Classifications | |
| 4/7/2026 | 4/9/2026 | Vegetation Management Association of Kentucky | [email protected] | https://www.vmak.org | Classification 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10 |
| 2/18/2026 | 2/18/2026 | Mississippi Turfgrass Association | [email protected] | Classification 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10 |
Passing Grades for the Pest Control Program Examinations
EPA Basic Core
Minimum: 70% to pass
Classification 1 Termite and Other Structural Pest
Minimum: 75% to pass
Classification 2 Household Pest and Rodent Control
Minimum: 75% to pass
Classification 3 General Fumigation
Minimum: 75% to pass
Classification 4/9 Ornamental Tree and Turf Pest Control
Minimum: 75% to pass
Classification 5 Weed Control (ONLY)
Minimum: 70% to pass
Classification 6/10 Golf Course Pest Control
Minimum: 70% to pass
Classification 7 Non-commercial Structural Pest Control
Minimum: 70% to pass
Classification 8 Non-commercial Fumigation
Minimum: 70% to pass
Agent Exam
Minimum: 80% to pass
Pest Control License/Certificate Renewal
Please use the below link for renewal of ALL Pest Control Licenses and Non-Commercial Certificates. You will receive an INVOICE; that will state any other additional paperwork or fees that will be needed to finish the renewal process.
All Licenses and Non-Commercial Certificates are digital and will NOT be printed by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department). You will receive all licenses via e-mail in a Protected Document File (PDF). The Department staff will check your official government issued identification for verification of license status. A list of all licensed companies and operators is available for download above.
For RENEWAL of Pest Control Licenses and Non-Commercial Certificates:
- Renewal Application for Pest Control Licenses
- Upload Bond, Insurance, and Other Licensing Documents HERE
Operator and Agent Exam Application
This exam application must be received at least five (5) working days prior to exam date for any onsite testing. The application will not be considered unless the application is filled out in its entirety, including complete mailing addresses. Exam results will not be given until invoice is paid.
Online testing via Everblue is now available. Click here to view the Everblue Arkansas Pest Control Demonstration. Online examinations have an additional proctoring fee of approximately $30.00 per exam that is administered and proctored via Everblue. Once you have submitted your application for online testing, please allow two to three business days to receive payment instructions from Everblue
Please make sure to view the proctoring rules before attempting any online examination. The proctoring rules can be found here.
Operator Exam Study Material
- Basic Core Study Material (National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual)
- Study Materials (from UAEX-UADA)
Agent Testing and Renewal Forms
Monthly Reports and Exclusion Request
Monthly Reports and Exclusion Requests are strongly encouraged to be processed electronically. Monthly Reports submitted online must be received by the 15th of the month following the reporting period. An invoice will be sent with the amount owed, and payment is due immediately upon receipt. Monthly Reports may be counted as late if payment is not received by the 15th of the month following the report’s due date.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Pest Control Program at 501-225-1598 or email [email protected].
Monthly Reports Chart for Determining Late Fee
| Work Month | Due By | Late After |
|---|---|---|
| January | February 15 | March 15 |
| February | March 15 | April 15 |
| March | April 15 | May 15 |
| April | May 15 | June 15 |
| May | June 15 | July 15 |
| June | July 15 | August 15 |
| July | August 15 | September 15 |
| August | September 15 | October 15 |
| September | October 15 | November 15 |
| October | November 15 | December 15 |
| November | December 15 | January 15 |
| December | January 15 | February 15 |
Note: The postmark determines the date of receipt.
Fees
Regular Fee: $5.00 per building
Late Fee: $10.00 per building