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Commissioner Andy Gipson

Mississippi’s elected Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce.

Commercial Applicator Certification (Not for hire)

Under the Mississippi Pesticide Application Law, the Bureau of Plant Industry carries out several key responsibilities. These responsibilities include certifying commercial and private pesticide applicators, working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce federal pesticide laws, inspecting records for restricted‑use pesticide applications, and investigating complaints of pesticide misuse.

Certain pesticides are restricted by law because improper use may cause harm to humans or the environment. Pesticides classified as “restricted‑use” may only be applied by, or under the supervision of, certified applicators. The Bureau certifies these applicators based on their training and knowledge. To become certified, individuals must attend required training sessions and pass a written examination.

For more information, visit extension.msstate.edu/agriculture/pesticide-applicator-certification.

Commercial Applicator Categories

1 Agricultural Pest Control
(A) Crop Pest Control
(B) Livestock Pest Control
2  Forest Pest Control
3  Ornamental and Turf Pest Control
4  Seed Treatment
5  Aquatic Pest Control
6  Right-of-Way Pest Control
7(A)  Industrial, Institutional, and Structural Pest Control
7(B)  Non-Soil Fumigation
7(C)  Industrial Weed Control
8  Public Health Pest Control
9  Regulatory Pest Control
10  Demonstration and Research Pest Control
11  Aerial Applicator
12  Wood Preservation and Products Treatment
13  Antifoulant Paint
14  Metam-Sodium

Certification Renewal

Certified commercial pesticide applicator certification is valid for thirty-six (36) months from the date of issuance. It may be renewed by attending a training course that is approved by the Bureau within the twelve (12) months prior to the certification expiration date or successfully complete an examination administered by the Bureau.
Dates and locations for recertification meetings are available at: extension.msstate.edu/agriculture/pesticide-applicator-certification.
 
Each recertification session begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at approximately 3:00 p.m., with a one‑hour lunch break. Lunch is the responsibility of each participant. This training qualifies for renewal in all fourteen certification categories, and no examination is required. After completing the training, your certificate will be renewed for another thirty-six (36) months.
 
Be sure to bring your certified commercial pesticide applicator card to the training session. Your certificate number must be recorded on the recertification attendance form.
 
For additional information, please contact:
Beverly Catchot
Mississippi State University Extension
Phone: 662-325-0795
Fax: 662-325-8837
Email: bdc12@msstate.edu
Certified Pesticide Applicators Search

Commercial Applicator Forms

Commercial Pesticide Applicator Reciprocity Request (PDF)

Approved Online Course List for Commercial Recertification Credit (PDF)

Computer-based Testing for Commercial Applicator Certification & Dealer Licensing

Testing centers

  • Meridian – Meridian Community College
  • Mississippi State – Mississippi State University
  • Oxford – The University of Mississippi
  • Jackson – Hinds Community College

Process: Application and Testing Procedure

  1. Apply with the Bureau of Plant Industry online at www.metrosignup.com/Mississippi
  2. Wait to receive your email from the Bureau of Plant Industry approving you to test.
  3. Visit www.metrosignup.com exam or call: 877-533-2900
  4. Payment of $55 per test (admin fee) may be Check, Visa, MC, AX, or PayPal. If payment by check, mail checks to Metro Institute, 331 N First Ave, Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85003 (Exams cannot be scheduled until payment is received)
  5. If you cannot make your exam appointment for any reason, you may reschedule at no charge within 24 hours notice.
  6. Don’t forget: You must bring your government issued valid photo ID to the testing site. You will not be allowed to test without your photo ID.
  7. All exams are closed book and proctored.

Contact

Pesticide Applicator & Certifications
Hannah Ferguson
HannahF@mdac.ms.gov
Phone:  (662) 325-3393

P.O. Box 5207
Mississippi State, MS 39762

Fax: (662) 325-8397