Registered Applicators

Registered applicators can only apply general use pesticides. RUPs are not able to be applied by registered applicators. Commercial registered applicators are required to take the commercial core exam and receive category specific training from a company’s MDARD approved training program and trainer. Registered applicator credentials last for three years and expire on December 31 of the third year.

In order to utilize registered applicators, a company must follow these steps:

  • Complete the Registered Applicator Trainer Exam:  To become a registered applicator trainer you must pass the Registered Applicator Trainer Exam. Passing score for all Michigan pesticide exams is 70% or greater.
  • The trainer must be a commercially certified applicator with at least two seasons of experience completing pesticide applications in the applicable categories of application. Use the Registered Applicator Trainer Manual to study for the exam.
  • Obtain Program Approval: A training program must be approved by MDARD. Training programs must meet the requirements outlined in Regulation 636, Rule 8, Subrule 9. 

Contact MDARD's Pesticide Certification Specialist Lauren Gott at GottL@Michigan.gov for assistance with establishing a training program and how to take the Registered Applicator Training Exam.  Contact MSU PSEP Coordinator Safa Alzohairy at safa@msu.edu to schedule your exam. Exams are proctored online.

Registered applicators must complete the following tasks once a company has an approved trainer and training program in place:

  • Pass the commercial core exam.
  • Receive training from the approved trainer using the approved training program in the applicable categories of pesticide application.
  • Mail the Commercial Applicator Registration Application and $45 certification processing fee to MDARD (payable to the State of Michigan).

For more information on registered applicators visit the MDARD website at https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/licensing/pesticide/pesticide-applicator-certification

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