Whether you are starting as a pesticide technician or working toward becoming a certified applicator, NJDEP has a specific licensing path for you.
A Pesticide Operator License is for technicians who apply pesticides while working under the supervision of a New Jersey Commercial Certified Pesticide Applicator.
This is often the first step for employees entering the pest management industry.
Complete an NJDEP-approved Basic Pesticide Training Course.
The course covers pesticide safety, application equipment, mixing procedures, personal protective equipment, pesticide labels, disposal and decontamination, IPM principles, and applicable state and federal regulations.
After completing Basic Pesticide Training, submit:
Email both documents to NJDEP at pestoperator@dep.nj.gov
Complete at least 40 hours of supervised on-the-job training in the type of work you will perform. You must also witness or perform a required number of pesticide applications. For example:
| Work Category | Minimum Applications |
|---|---|
| 7A — General and Household Pest Control | 15 |
| 3A — Ornamental Pest Control | 15 |
| 3B — Turf Pest Control | 15 |
| 8B — Mosquito Pest Control | 5 |
| 7D — Food Manufacturing and Processing | 5 |
Your supervising Commercial Applicator will guide and document this training.
NJDEP will send a $30 Operator License invoice to your employer after it receives your application.
Do not send payment with your initial application. Pay the invoice after your required 40 hours of training are complete.
Once payment is made, you may work under a temporary authorization for up to 30 days while NJDEP processes your license.
A Commercial Pesticide Applicator License is for professionals who want to become certified to apply pesticides in one or more categories and supervise Pesticide Operators.
To become fully certified, you must pass the Core Exam and at least one Category Exam.
Before taking the Core Exam, complete an NJDEP-approved Basic Pesticide Training Course.
Save a digital copy of your Certificate of Attendance. You will need it when registering for your exam.
The Core Exam covers essential pesticide knowledge, including safety, labels, laws and regulations, environmental protection, application methods, and integrated pest management.
Study manuals are available through Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
Register and pay for your exam through Rutgers’ PACER system. Exams are remotely proctored and closed-book.
The exam fee is $135
You must select at least one pesticide application category based on the work you plan to perform.
For Most Pest Management Professionals The most common category is:
7A – General and Household Pest Control
For Most Pest Management Professionals The most common category is:
3A — Ornamental Pest Control
3B – Turf Pest Control
Complete at least 40 hours of supervised on-the-job training for each category. Your trainer must sign the Training Verification Form (VPE-002).
For categories 3A, 3B, 7A, 7B, and 8B, applicants may take NJDEP-approved category training instead of completing the 40-hour on-the-job training requirement.
Register and pay for your selected Category Exam through PACER.
Each Category Exam costs $135.
You must pass the Core Exam and at least one Category Exam to become a fully certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator.
After you pass the required exams, NJDEP will create an online license invoice. It generally becomes available 7–10 days after NJDEP receives exam scores.
Your license number is not valid until the invoice has been paid.
Start with an Operator License if you will be applying pesticides under the supervision of a certified applicator.
Work toward a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License if you want to become certified in a category such as General and Household Pest Control, Ornamental Pest Control, or Turf Pest Control—and eventually supervise licensed operators.
