Commercial Applicator
What kind of permit do I need?
A commercial applicator is a permitted applicator who uses or supervises the use of restricted-use pesticides and other pesticides for any purpose or on any property and applied with compensation other than trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities. Commercial applicators shall be further identified according to the type of pesticide application they are engaged in. There are over 20 categories in Alabama for commercial applicators. Contact the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) to help determine which permit you need.
A private applicator is a permitted applicator who uses or supervises the use of any pesticide that is classified for restricted use for purpose of producing any agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by him or his employer or (if applied without compensation other than trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities) on the property of another person.
Who do I contact to get a commercial permit?
To receive a new commercial applicators permit, contact the ADAI for testing dates and locations.
- Email: cert@agi.alabama.gov
- Phone: (334) 240-7243
- Fax: (334) 240-7168
How do I get a private permit?
There are three ways to get your private permit.
- Find the nearest training available through your local Extension office.
- If you are unable to attend a training, secure the training manual and application and schedule a testing date with your local Extension Office.
- Take the Alabama Private Applicator Online Training Program.
When is testing or training offered for a commercial permit?
Testing for a commercial license is offered throughout the year. See the ADAI website, agi.alabama.gov, for approved online training options and scheduled approved testing dates.
How many points (CEUs) do I have? When does my license expire?
Visit usaplants.tnatc.org/ through ADAI website to search for points for commercial and private applicators. You can search by name, county, certification expiration date, and/or permit number. Also, commercial pesticide applicators can now retrieve their recertification point status conveniently online.
Where can I get the study materials to study for the tests?
Commercial and private applicators can buy their study materials through the Alabama Extension Store. Some books are available to print and some can be purchased through outside sources. Search for your specific category to find a list of necessary materials and documents.
What is required to claim reciprocity from another state?
Alabama has developed reciprocal agreements with seven other states to allow applicators certified in those states to obtain an Alabama permit without being tested. Those states are Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee. All other states must contact the ADAI for further information. Download and complete the Application for Reciprocal Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification from the ADAI website at agi.alabama.gov.
Note. General Standards/CORE (GS) is required for all categories except Wood Treatment (WT), Ornamental and Turf Pest Control (OTPS), and Right-of-Way Pest control (ROW). The Mode of Application (Ground and/or Aerial) must also be certified unless otherwise noted.