Following the U.S. EPA's update to pesticide applicator certification rules, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) has released a mandatory training video. The 1-hour video, titled “NCDA&CS Required Pesticide Certification & Training Standards Update,” is required viewing to maintain your certification and serves as a practical alternative to retesting.
Who is affected by this requirement?
If you are a private or commercial applicator who obtained your certification (passed the Core Exam) prior to July 1, 2025, you are required to complete this update.
What actions are required?
To remain compliant, you must:
- View the 1-hour video.
- Submit the online verification form once you have finished viewing the video.
Deadlines for completion:
This mandatory training must be completed by your standard recertification credit deadline in the year your current certification expires. Failure to complete the training by these dates will require you to retake the certifying exam(s), even if all other recertification credit requirements have been satisfied.
Specific deadlines are determined by your certification type:
- Deadline for Commercial Applicators: June 30th of the year your certification expires
- Deadline for Private Applicators: September 30th of the year your certification expires
Note:
If your certification is set to expire in 2026, it is vital that you complete the video and form by June 30th (commercial applicators) or September 30th (private applicators).
How to Access the Training
The video and verification form (currently available in English only) can be found on the NCDA&CS website here:
NCDA&CS C&T Rules and Training
If you are unable to view the video or need technical assistance, contact your local county pesticide coordinator at a nearby county Extension office. You can find a list of NC County Extension offices near you on the Pesticide Safety Education Program website: https://pesticidesafety.ces.ncsu.edu/. Choose a website from NC State Extension that has a directory or map of the counties to click on.
For questions about the Certification & Training update, or other pesticide certification and licensing matters in North Carolina, contact the NCDA&CS at 984-236-4575 or visit their website at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/structural-pest-control-and-pesticides.
