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.

Certified commercial pesticide applicator certification is valid for three (3) years. It may be renewed by attending an approved recertification training session within twelve (12) months before the expiration date, or by taking and passing a reexamination. 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 three years.

Be sure to bring your certified commercial pesticide applicator card to the training session. Your certificate number and expiration date must be recorded on the recertification attendance form.