Under the provisions of the Mississippi Pesticide Application Law, the Bureau carries out various activities to certify commercial and private applicators of pesticides, cooperate with EPA on enforcement of federal pesticide laws, inspect records of applications of restricted-use pesticides and investigate pesticide misuse complaints.
The sale and application of certain types of pesticides are restricted by law because of the probability of adverse effects on humans and the environment if these pesticides are improperly used. Pesticides classified as “restricted-use” may be applied only by or under supervision of applicators certified by the Bureau as competent and knowledgeable. Such applicators must attend training sessions and pass a written examination before they receive certification. For more information go to 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 not a license. Certified commercial pesticide applicator certification does not allow you to advertise, solicit business or perform work for a fee as a pesticide applicator. The appropriate Mississippi license is required to conduct pest and/or weed control work in Mississippi. Certified commercial pesticide applicator certification is valid for three (3) years. Certified commercial applicator certification is renewable by attending approved recertification training within twelve (12) months prior to expiration, or by reexamination. Dates and locations of recertification meetings can be found at: extension.msstate.edu/agriculture/pesticide-applicator-certification.
Each session begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at approximately 3:00 p.m. with a one hour lunch period. Lunch will be the responsibility of the person attending. This training qualifies for renewal of certificates in each of the fourteen categories. No examination is required. After training, your certificate will be reissued for three years. Be sure to bring your Certified commercial pesticide applicator card when attending the training session. Your certificate number and expiration date must be recorded on recertification attendance form.
For additional information or a copy of the application form please contact:
Mr. Gene Merkl, Jr.
Mississippi State University
103 Clay Lyle Building
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Phone: (662) 325-5829
gm53@msstate.edu
Commercial Applicator Forms
Computer-based Testing for Commercial Applicator Certification & Dealer Licensing
Testing centers
- Ellisville – Jones County Community College
- Meridian – Meridian Community College
- Mississippi State – Mississippi State University
- Oxford – The University of Mississippi
- Jackson – Hinds Community College
Process: Application and Testing Procedure
- Apply with the Bureau of Plant Industry online at www.metrosignup.com/Mississippi
- Wait to receive your email from the Bureau of Plant Industry approving you to test.
- Visit www.metrosignup.com exam or call: 877-533-2900
- 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)
- If you cannot make your exam appointment for any reason, you may reschedule at no charge within 24 hours notice.
- 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.
- 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