To keep their certification current, Certified Private Pesticide Applicators (Private Applicators) are required to recertify by the expiration date on their ID card. To avoid a lapse in certification, applications to recertify should be submitted 4-6 weeks before the certification card expires.
The recertification cycle is every 5 years and the steps to recertify are:
Complete recertification training credits or take a recertification examination. The number of credits needed to recertify will depend on the specific category or categories the Private Applicator holds. Please see the category table to review the credit requirements for each category. Core credits count for all categories. Of the total amount of credits required for each category, 25% must be specific to that category and the remaining credits can be any combination of the category, core, or other private categories 21-25.
Available courses can be found by searching DEC’s NYSPAD information portal. Department approved distance learning courses, those courses given online, can be used to meet training requirements. Choose “Yes” for Distance Learning to see online course options.
Private Applicators need to keep track of what courses they take and how many credits they have earned. Course sponsors are required to provide the Private Applicator with a copy of the course certificate upon completion of the course. Certificates do not need to be sent to DEC. They are to be kept by the Private Applicator for their own records. Private Applicators who need to verify how many credits they have on file with DEC should contact their regional DEC office (PDF). Private Applicators should remember to take courses early. It should not be left until the last few weeks before their ID card expires. It takes 2-3 weeks for course completions to be reported to DEC.
Private Applicators cannot earn all their recertification credits in one calendar year. If all credits are earned in the same calendar year, an additional 6 penalty credits are required to be completed after their recertification due date. Also, an individual cannot repeat the same course within a twelve-month period. Any course taken more than once within twelve months of each other will only be counted once.
To take a recertification exam instead of completing training credits, submit the online exam application. Exams can be taken online or at a testing center. Exams are also given at regional DEC offices. If an applicant cannot complete the online application, they may complete and mail the printable/paper exam application (PDF). For “exam option” on the application, choose "recertification."
- Submit a recertification application 4-6 weeks before due date (expiration date on applicator ID card), either print out and complete the PDF renewal application (PDF) and mail it to the address on the form OR submit the online renewal application. Do not submit payment with your application.
Pay the recertification fee. After your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be sent an invoice by mail. The invoice will contain details about how to make payment online. Payment can also be made by returning the bottom portion of the invoice with a check or money order. For more information regarding electronic payments, visit the Doing Business with DEC webpage. For assistance with paying an invoice, contact the NYSDEC Revenue Accounting Unit at 518-402-9362. Payment cannot be made over the phone.
For state employees using the Statewide Financial System (SFS) to pay their recertification fee, the invoice mailed to you will include the codes needed to enter payment information into SFS. Pcards should NOT be used.
Once your payment is received and processed, your new ID card will be printed and mailed. It should be received within 2-4 weeks of making payment. If you have not received your ID card within 4 weeks of making payment, submit a request to have a new card printed. The online card request form and a printable PDF form can be found on the Pesticides Forms Page.
Please note: If the Department does not receive your application, required credits, and fee within 90 days after your recertification due date, 6 additional credits will be required before your application can be processed.
You cannot recertify if your certification has been expired for more than 2 years. For more information about how to become certified again, see the How to Become Certified Section on the Pesticide Applicator/Technician Certification page.
