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Renewal Process

Certification/registration credentials expire every third year on December 31. Your credential lists the expiration date in the bottom right corner. You can also Look up an applicator certification credential.

The renewal season begins in October when MDARD mails your Applicator Renewal Application and other renewal information 3 months before the expiration date. If you have not received your Applicator Renewal Application by November and your credential indicates you expire at the end of this year, contact MDARD's Central Licensing Unit at MDARD-PestCert@Michigan.gov or 800-292-3939.

Recertification and reregistration are not complete until the Applicator Renewal Application and applicable certification/registration fee are provided to MDARD. The renewal period lasts for 1 year following the expiration of the credential. If the credential is not renewed, an applicator will start the certification process again as an initial applicator.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I renew my private or commercial applicator credential?
  2. How do I renew my registered applicator credential?
  3. What is the certification or registration renewal fee?
  4. How do I provide my certification/registration application and fee to MDARD?
  5. How do I renew by taking an exam?
  6. How do I pass an exam?
  7. Where can I find study materials?
  8. What are Metro Institute’s fees?
  9. How do I take a remotely proctored exam?
  10. How do I renew by recertification seminar credits?
  11. How many seminar credits do I need?
  12. How do I look up how many seminar credits I have?
  13. How do I move seminar credits to another category?
  14. How do I renew by reciprocity?
  15. Can I add a category during the renewal period?
  16. When will I receive my certification card?
  17. What can I use as my temporary credential until I receive my card in the mail?
  18. I didn’t get my certification/registration card. Who do I contact?
  19. How do I fill out my Private Applicator Renewal Application?
  20. How do I fill out my Commercial Applicator Renewal Application?
  21. How do I fill out my Registered Applicator Renewal Application?

Visit the certification FAQ webpage for additional information about pesticide certification and registration.

How do I renew my private or commercial applicator credential?

Either retake the applicable certification exam(s) or collect recertification seminar credits during the 3-year cycle. Applicators renewing by reciprocity (certified in another approved state) must indicate on the Applicator Renewal Application.

Private Applicator

Provide the $50 renewal fee and Applicator Renewal Application to MDARD. EITHER accrue 16 seminar credits before your credential expires OR retake the private core exam.

Commercial Applicator

Provide the $75 renewal fee and Applicator Renewal Application to MDARD. EITHER accrue eight seminar credits per category (including the core) before your credential expires OR retake the commercial core and applicable category exam(s).

Aerial and Fumigation Standards require either retaking the exam(s) or accruing two seminar credits.

How do I renew my registered applicator credential?

Provide the $45 renewal fee and Applicator Renewal Application to MDARD. Either accrue 8 recertification seminar credits for the commercial core and 8 credits for each additional category before your credential expires OR accrue 8 commercial core credits and retrain using your employer’s approved training program OR retake the commercial core exam and retrain using your entity’s approved training program. 

What is the certification or registration renewal fee?

Renewal fees are the same as the initial certification fees:

  • Commercial applicator: $75.
  • Private applicator: $50.
    • Honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces of the United States are exempt from the certification fee. MDARD will reach out if a new copy of your DD-214 form is required.
  • Registered applicator: $45.

Mail your Applicator Renewal Application and fee to MDARD complete renewal of your credential. Exam scores and seminar attendance records are automatically provided to MDARD, but it’s a good idea to maintain copies for your own records.

How do I provide my Applicator Renewal Application and fee to MDARD?

Applicators are responsible for ensuring the Applicator Renewal Application and fees have been provided to MDARD to complete a credential. Cash and credit card payments are not accepted. Fees are accepted as check or money orders addressed to “The State of Michigan”. Submit the Applicator Renewal Application and fee together in an envelope addressed to:

How do I renew by taking an exam?

Exam scores are only accepted during the renewal period, which begins when the renewal packet is mailed in October. Think of a certification credential like a driver’s license where the license can only be renewed within the renewal period.

There are two ways to have an exam proctored. Both options are by appointment only. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

  1. Metro Institute is a certification exam proctoring company that has partnered with MDARD to increase exam accessibility. Schedule your exam(s) based on your own availability. Metro Institute can proctor your exam(s) in whatever format works best for you:
    1. At an established testing center. You do not need to be computer savvy to complete in person testing. Find a Metro Institute Testing Location.
    2. Online, remotely proctored at your home or office. A stable internet connection, a moveable camera, and a microphone are required. View the How do I take a remotely proctored exam section of this FAQ for additional information.
    Metro Institute charges a convenience fee to proctor each exam. Visit www.metroinstitute.com to sign up for an exam session or call 877-533-2900. Please Note: Metro Institute is in Arizona and in the Pacific Time Zone, with hours of operation two hours behind Michigan. If they do not answer, leave a voicemail. They normally return phone calls within a few business hours.
  2.  MDARD proctors the commercial and private core, aerial, and fumigation exams following a Michigan State University Pesticide Safety Education Program core review. The 4-hour core review is mandatory to have a paper-based exam proctored following the review. Visit 2025 Pesticide Applicator Core Review and MDARD Core Testing for additional requirements and registration information.

How do I pass an exam?

There is a study manual and exam for each category of pesticide application. Each examination requires a minimum score of 70 percent to pass. All exams are closed book. The questions are true/false and multiple choice.

Where can I find study materials?

Study manuals and other training resources are available through the Michigan State University Pesticide Safety Education Program. Some study manuals are available through your local MSU Extension County Office. County offices carry the more commonly requested manuals, but not all. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm that they have the manual needed.

All study manuals can be purchased through the National Pesticide Safety Education Center.

The core study manuals include the National Core and Michigan addendums. There may be some instances, as in the use of microbicide (category 5B) or domestic animal (7G), when general standard (core) materials and category-specific materials will be combined into one study manual.

What are Metro Institute’s fees?

Metro Institute charges a convenience fee to offer increased availability for exam proctoring services. For exams at a testing center, it costs $55 per exam. For online, remotely proctored exams, it costs $65 per exam.

Metro Institute’s proctoring fees are SEPARATE from MDARD’s certification fee. Service fee(s) paid to Metro Institute have nothing to do with MDARD. Therefore, the Applicator Renewal Application and appropriate fee also need to be mailed to MDARD at P.O. Box 30776, Lansing, MI 48909.

How do I take a remotely proctored exam?

There are certain technical requirements that must be met in order to successfully complete a remotely proctored exam. Verify you can meet all requirements before scheduling a remotely proctored exam.

  • The computer utilized must have some sort of microphone, camera, and external speaker.
  • There must be a reliable internet connection.
  • The webcam must be able to complete a 360-degree review of the exam room.
  • The testing area needs to be free from interruptions and absent of other people.
  • There can be no prohibited items in the testing area and the proctor will complete a room scan to address any issues.
  • There can be no open tabs on your computer. All other windows/tabs must be closed.

The proctor can see both you and your computer screen and is available via real time chat. The proctor will ask you to hold your ID up to the screen to verify your identify. Once your identity has been verified, you may start the exam.

Create an account with Metro Institute to view the complete list of requirements and to run a pre-check on your computer to test for compatibility. If you cannot meet the requirements for remotely proctored testing, do not schedule a remotely proctored exam.

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How do I renew by recertification seminar credits?

Applicators may start accruing recertification seminar credits once they have a certification/registration number. Attend MDARD approved seminars over the 3-year period. Seminars are category specific. All credits must be earned before the credential expires. Seminar credits do not carry over from one certification period to the next.

Search for MDARD approved seminars using the List of seminars approved for recertification credits. Ensure the seminars you select are applicable to the categories on your certification/registration credential.

How many seminar credits do I need?

Private applicators need 16 credits to renew the private core.

Commercial or registered applicators need 8 credits to renew the commercial core and 8 credits per additional category. For example, an applicator is certified in categories 3A (turfgrass) and 7A (general pest management). The applicator would need 8 commercial core credits, 8 category 3A credits, and 8 category 7A credits, for a total of 24 credits.

The aerial or fumigation standards require 2 credits per standard.

If you do not have enough seminar credits for renewal, you will need to retake the applicable exam(s).

How do I look up how many seminar credits I have?

You are responsible for keeping track of your own credits. Use the seminar attendance record form to assist in tracking your credits. The number of credits MDARD has on file when the renewal period begins will be printed on your Applicator Renewal Application.

Search for how many credits you have using your certification number and the Applicator Credit Report.

Please note, it takes about a month for MDARD to process and post credits. If after 6 weeks the seminar you attended is not posted, contact the seminar host to determine if the attendance roster was provided to MDARD. The host will contact MDARD about any issues with reporting errors.

How do I move seminar credits to another category?

Seminar credits are category specific. Credits earned per meeting are not able to be split or applied to ineligible categories.

Look under the “Eligible Categories” column where seminar credit information is listed on your Applicator Renewal Application. Determine which categories the meeting was eligible for. If the meeting is eligible for a category and you would like to move credits to, then circle the meeting and indicate which category to move the credits.

You can also contact MDARD’s Pesticide Section at MDARD-Pesticide@michigan.gov and indicate which credits you’d like moved. Please provide your certification number, name, and the category you’d like to move from and to.

How do I renew by reciprocity?

Michigan has reciprocal agreements with Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of one of these states and have a certification credential in that state, you may be granted reciprocity in Michigan without examination. Complete section “1. Are you renewing your certification by reciprocity” by checking “yes” and indicate which state and the date of expiration.

View the How do I fill out my Private Applicator Renewal Application or How do I fill out my Commercial Applicator Renewal Application sections of this FAQ for instructions on how to fill out the remainder of your renewal form.

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Can I add a category during the renewal period?

Yes, the applicable certification exam must be passed. On section 2 of the Applicator Renewal Application, check “yes” for “Are you adding any categories” and list the category. Your credential will not be issued until the certification exam is passed. View the How do I renew by taking an exam section of this FAQ for information on how to have an exam proctored.

When will I receive my certification card?

Your card will be mailed to the address provided within two months of successfully:

  • Passing required exam(s) or renewing by seminar credits.
  • Submitting your Applicator Renewal Application to MDARD.
  • MDARD validating your renewal fee.

If you do not receive your card within two months of completing the steps above, contact MDARD's Central Licensing Unit at MDARD-PestCert@Michigan.gov or 800-292-3939. 

What can I use as my temporary credential until I receive my card in the mail?

  • A copy of the Applicator Renewal Application sent to MDARD.
  • A copy of passing exam scores or proof of renewal by seminar credits.
  • A copy of the check/money order or proof the renewal fee was validated by MDARD.

An applicator must carry all three items as proof of certification/registration until their card is received.

I didn’t get my certification/registration card. Who do I contact?

Contact MDARD's Central Licensing Unit at MDARD-PestCert@Michigan.gov or 800-292-3939. If you fail to contact MDARD about your credential in a timely manner, you may be charged for a replacement card.

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How do I complete my Private Applicator Renewal Application?

Any incorrect information on your Applicator Renewal Application can be crossed out and the correction recorded beside the old information (name, address, phone number, employer name, etc.) Check “No” for any of the following information that does not apply to you.

  1. If you are renewing by reciprocity (certification in another state), check “yes” and indicate which state and the expiration date of the out of state credential.
  2. If you are adding a standard (Fumigation or Aerial), check “yes” and indicate which standard. You are required to successfully complete the exam(s). View the How can I renew by taking an exam section of this FAQ for further information on scheduling exams.
  3. If you are deleting the aerial or fumigation standard, check “yes” and indicate which one.
  4. If you are renewing by recertification seminar credits, check “yes”.
  5. Please list your email address to facilitate any follow up questions.

If the number of credits listed on your Applicator Renewal Application is sufficient to renew your private core and standards by credits, sign and date the renewal form. Mail the Applicator Renewal Application along with the $50 renewal fee to MDARD. Keep a copy for your own records.

If the number of credits listed on your renewal application are insufficient and your personal records indicate you have enough credits, contact MDARD’s Pesticide Section at MDARD-Pesticide@michigan.gov or by calling 800-292-3939. Please provide the seminar title, seminar code, and meeting location (if applicable). Failure to contact MDARD in a timely manner about missing seminar credits could result in a delay of issuing the credential. Mail the Applicator Renewal Application along with the $50 renewal fee to MDARD. Keep a copy for your own records.

How do I complete my Commercial Applicator Renewal Application?

Any incorrect information on your applicator Applicator Renewal Application can be crossed out and the correction recorded beside the old information (name, address, phone number, employer name, etc.)

Check “No” for any of the following information that does not apply to you.

  1. If you are renewing by reciprocity (certification in another state), check “yes” and indicate which state and the expiration date of the out of state credential.
  2. If you are adding a category or standard, check “yes” and indicate which category or standard. You are required to successfully complete the exam(s). View the How can I renew by taking an exam section of this FAQ for further information on scheduling exams.
  3. If you are deleting a category or standard, check “yes” and indicate which one.
  4. If you are renewing by recertification seminar credits, check “yes” and list which categories.
  5. Please list your email address to facilitate any follow up questions.

If the number of credits listed on your renewal application is sufficient to renew your commercial core and categories/standards by credits, sign and date the Applicator Renewal Application. Mail the Applicator Renewal Application along with the $75 renewal fee to MDARD. Keep a copy for your own records.

If the number of credits listed on your Applicator Renewal Application are insufficient and your personal records indicate you have enough credits, contact MDARD’s Pesticide Section at MDARD-Pesticide@michigan.gov or by calling 800-292-3939. Please provide the seminar title, seminar code, and meeting location (if applicable). Failure to contact MDARD in a timely manner about missing seminar credits could result in a delay of issuing the credential. Mail the Applicator Renewal Application along with the $75 renewal fee to MDARD. Keep a copy for your own records.

How do I fill out my Registered Applicator Renewal Application?

Any incorrect information on your Applicator Renewal Application can be crossed out and the correction recorded beside the old information (name, address, phone number, employer name, etc.)

Check “No” for any of the following information that does not apply to you.

  1. If you are adding any categories, check “yes” and indicate which categories you are adding. You are required to successfully complete the applicable training course for any added categories.
  2. If you are deleting any categories, check “yes” and indicate which categories you are deleting.
  3. If you are renewing by recertification seminar credits, check “yes” and list which categories.
  4. Please list your email address to facilitate any follow up questions.

If renewing by retraining or adding a category, have your trainer complete the verified training section on the Applicator Renewal Application.

If the number of credits listed on your renewal application is sufficient to renew your commercial core and categories/standards by credits, sign and date the Applicator Renewal Application. Mail the Applicator Renewal Application along with the $45 renewal fee to MDARD. Keep a copy for your own records.

If the number of credits listed on your renewal application are insufficient and your personal records indicate you have enough credits, contact MDARD’s Pesticide Section at MDARD-Pesticide@michigan.gov or by calling 800-292-3939. Please provide the seminar title, seminar code, and meeting location (if applicable). Failure to contact MDARD in a timely manner about missing seminar credits could result in a delay of issuing the credential. Mail the Applicator Renewal Application along with the $45 renewal fee to MDARD. Keep a copy for your own records.

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