What is a Private Pesticide Applicator?

A private applicator is defined as a person who applies pesticide to produce an agricultural commodity AND pesticides are applied on property that you own, rent or your employer owns or rents. If you as the applicator do not meet BOTH parts of the definition, you are considered a commercial applicator. Examples of a commercial applicator would be working for a lawn care company or as a county highway employee.

How do I know when my certification expires?

Applicators must be cognizant of their certification and dates of validity. You can check your status on the Certified Pesticide Applicator Database Search from the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

What are my training options?

Pesticide Applicator Certification training is available in person (via livestream zoom), pre-recorded video online or Self-Study. To achieve this certification, you must purchase the General Farming Manual and take a test. Training Classes are optional. Certification is valid for five (5) years.

The General Farming Manual is only available at the WI Pesticide Applicator Training Online Store. Books are $43 each. Books MUST be purchased prior to any training.

Don’t like that internet stuff? Order by mail with the printed form. Order forms can also be picked up in the Extension office. PLEASE NOTE: Books are NOT sold in the Office or at testing.

TO REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON TRAINING CLASS: If you are completing the in-person class with Dodge County, you may register and purchase your book in one transaction on the PAT Store website.
Please note: Training Class is $10 per person.

TO REGISTER FOR ONLINE TRAINING CLASS:  Go to the UW PAT Store. Select General Farming 100/101.

ALL TYPES OF REGISTRATION ARE COMPLETED ONLINE.

Those wishing to be certified in Fruit Crops or Greenhouse & Nursery, can take the General Farming training, but then take the exam for those specialized categories.

What is Extension Dodge County offering?

Dodge County will be having an in-person live stream zoom training & testing at the Dodge County Administration Building on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 9:00am – 4:00pm.

Lunch is not provided, please plan accordingly.

How do I complete the testing?

You will need to take the exam in person at a county Dodge County Extension Office. Individual tests are by appointment only. Tests are also done as part of the in-person session. Zoom and online training require a 50% passing score. Self-study (no training) requires a 70% passing score.

When taking the in-person exam you will have to provide your certification form (inside the front cover of the manual) with the PAT number to the test proctor (i.e. Extension office) to have your certification processed. When you purchase your book this comes in the front of your manual. If you purchased a pdf or online course, then you will receive it via email.

Can’t test during our office hours? The private company Pearson Vue also provides the Private Applicator test. Please contact Pearson Vue for more information.

More Information:

Contact Extension Dodge County at 920-386-3790 or the State Pesticide Applicator Training website for more information.

Our in-person date does not work for your schedule? You can find trainings in other counties or complete an online course.