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Online Private Applicator Certification Program

In response to limited face-to-face training during the COVID-19 situation, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Plant Industry has approved an online private applicator certification program developed by the MSU Extension Service. Persons needing to obtain or renew their private applicator certification can complete the online training (two video training modules and a competency exam) by following this link. The fee for training and testing is $20, payable online by credit card, debit card, or eCheck.

Private Applicator Certification

A private applicator is a certified applicator who uses or supervises the use of restricted-use pesticides to produce an agricultural commodity on his or her own land, leased land, or rented land or on the lands of his or her employer. Private applicators must be at least 18 years old.

Private applicator certification expires after 5 years. To renew their certification, private applicators must complete private applicator training and pass the test during the 12 months prior to their expiration date.

In order to complete mandatory paraquat training  or mandatory auxin herbicide (dicamba) training, candidates must hold a current pesticide applicator certification.

How Online Private Applicator Certification Works

  1. From a PC, laptop, or notebook, access the registration portal and follow these instructions to set up an MSU-ES Canvas account and sign into the MSU-ES Canvas portal.
  2. Pay the $20 training fee by credit card, debit card, or eCheck.
  3. Watch the two training modules and take the 25-question exam. You must score 100% in order to pass the exam. You can review the training modules and take the exam again until you pass.
  4. When you successfully complete the training, the Bureau of Plant Industry will mail your private applicator certification card via USPS to the address you provided during the registration process.

Need help?

For technical assistance with the registration portal and operation of training/testing modules, contact the MSU Extension Center for Technology Outreach at (662) 325-3226.

For information regarding the current status of private applicator certificates, contact the Bureau of Plant industry at (662) 325-3390.

For all other questions regarding private applicator certification and training, contact the Mississippi Pesticide Safety Education Program at (662) 325-5829 or MSPSEP@ext.msstate.edu.

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Filed Under: Pesticide Applicator Certification, Pests March 5, 2024

Professionals involved in pest management in Mississippi can attend a Mississippi State University workshop on March 26 to renew a variety of licenses and certifications. The 2024 General Pest Management Workshop will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MSU Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Raymond. Lunch will be provided. Participants must pay a $25 registration fee by March 15 to reserve a spot in the workshop.

Filed Under: Pesticide Applicator Certification, Insects, Pests August 28, 2023

MISSISSIPPI STATE , Miss. -- A Mississippi State University Extension Service specialist has been elected to the executive board of the American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators. Gene Merkl, program manager for pesticide safety education for the state of Mississippi, will serve as president-elect for the nationwide organization. His service on the board is a three-year commitment.

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