Navigating the NYS DEC: How to Get Your Certified Pesticide Applicator License
Jim O'Connell, Small Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
As a grape grower in the Northeast, one of your biggest challenges is combating the insects, diseases, and other pests invading your vineyard. Although you do not need a license to purchase or use some pesticides, obtaining your certified pesticide applicator license will give you access to more materials that you can add to your pest combatting-arsenal.
Do I need a license?
Pesticides are divided into two groups:
General use pesticide: A pesticide that may be purchased and used by the general public.
Restricted use pesticide (RUP): Only certified pesticide applicators are allowed to buy these materials, and only certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision may apply them.
Long story short, to apply RUPs you will need a certified pesticide applicator license.
What type of license do I need?
How do I get my license?
First, make sure you meet the requirements
If you need a commercial license, but do not meet the requirements, you can be a technician or apprentice first, then upgrade to certified applicator later. (Requirements on the NYS DEC Website)
Technician: may use most general use pesticides without direct supervision and RUPs under direct supervision of a certified commercial pesticide applicator. May NOT supervise.
Apprentice: a person engaged in commercial application of pesticides but does not meet the technician or certified applicator requirements.
Next, take the appropriate exam.
Find your DEC region here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/about/558.html
Find an exam here (search by region): http://www.dec.ny.gov/nyspad/find?1&tab=EXAMS
To pass the exam, study the CORE and Category Manuals. You can purchase them here: https://www.cornellstore.com/books
How do I maintain my license?
After receiving your pesticide applicator license, you'll have to maintain it by proving you are continuing to get updated education on proper use of pesticides. You can do this by earning recertification credits or by taking the recertification exam at the end of your certification cycle.
All of the information above on how to obtain and maintain a license is available in more detail on the NYS DEC website http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/45618.html
Your regional DEC person welcomes any questions you have as you navigate the application process. Information on the DEC Regions website https://www.dec.ny.gov/about/558.html
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Upcoming Events
Ag Labor Road Show IX
December 1, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 1
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
December 9, 2025 : Save the Date - Ag Labor Road Show In-Person Event (Greenwich, NY)
Greenwich, NY
The Roadshow delivers essential updates on labor law, regulations, and workforce best practices—tailored for farm owners, managers, and ag service providers. Sessions also focus on practical strategies to boost communication, strengthen retention, and build a positive workplace culture.
The in-person session for Eastern NY is December 9 - Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY - full day in person session
Additional in-person sessions are:
December 10 - Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY, December 17 - Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY, December 18 - Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
How to Obtain a Pesticide Applicator License
December 17, 2025
Thinking about becoming a certified pesticide applicator in New York, but aren't sure where to start? Join DEC representative Kenneth Klubek for a discussion on who needs to become a certified pesticide applicator, certification types, examination procedures, and recertification. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the program.
Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam Prep Course
January 13 - January 14, 2026
Join ENYCHP specialists for an in-depth review of topics covered on the NYS DEC pesticide applicator certification exam. This two-day virtual course includes explanation of key concepts on the core exam, test-taking tips for the core and category exam, practice questions, and Q&A with instructors. Course materials, including program recordings, practice exams, and DEC materials will be available to registrants after the program. This training is geared toward certification categories 1A (agricultural plant), 21 (field and forage), 22 (fruit), and 23 (vegetable).