Alaska state regulations (18 AAC 90.300) require pesticide applicators to be licensed and certified in order to;

1. Use, or supervise the use of, any pesticide for commercial purposes (on property other than the applicator’s)
2. Provide information or consultation about commercial pesticide use
3. Use, or supervise the use of, a pesticide at a school or public place
4. Use, supervise the use of, purchase, or sell any restricted-use pesticide

Applicators must be at least 18 years of age. Certification is valid for up to three years.

Applicators must be certified in the appropriate category for the work they plan to do. Categories include;

1. Regulatory Pest Control (for government employees)
2. Demonstration and Research Pest Control
3. Private Agricultural Pest (for private agricultural use of restricted-use pesticides)
4. Ornamental and Turf Pest Control
5. Antifouling Paint
6. Aquatic Pest Control
7. Industrial, Institutional, Structural, and Health Related Pest Control
8. Public Health Pest Control
9. Right-of-Way Pest Control
10. Mosquito and Biting Fly Pest Control
11. Aerial Pest Control
12. Forest Pest Control
13. Wood Preservatives
14. Restricted-use Dealer

Becoming Certified

Pesticide Training Classes
To become certified, applicators must successfully complete the required training course and pass an examination. Training classes are offered by the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Cooperative Extension Service.

Click here for a link to the Cooperative Extensions Service class schedule.

Contact numbers for Alaska Cooperative Extension Offices
Statewide Information (Delta Junction office)             895-4215
Anchorage                                                            786-6300
Delta Junction/Kodiak                                            895-4215
Tanana/Fairbanks                                                  474-1530
Juneau                                                                  796-6221
Homer                                                                  262-5824
Kenai/Soldotna                                                     262-5824
Matsu/Palmer                                                       745-3360
Nome                                                                   443-2320

Correspondence and Home Study
Correspondence and home study training is also available on a limited basis. Certification may be obtained by completing the correspondence/home study course and successfully passing the required exam. In these cases, certification is valid for only one year, regardless of test score.

Please contact the ADEC Pesticide Program directly to obtain an application for correspondence and home study training. The Pesticide Program will send study materials after the application is complete and an official examination is scheduled.

Recertification for Currently Certified Applicators

Applicators may renew their certification either by successfully passing the required exam, or by completing at least 12 approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs). These activities must be completed prior to expiration of current certification.

Exams may be arranged either through the Cooperative Extension or the ADEC Pesticide Program.

CEUs are available through attendance at a variety of classes, conferences, and meetings, as well as some on-line courses. Contact the ADEC Pesticide Program to get more information on approved CEUs.

Each year in March the Cooperative Extension Service holds the Alaska Certified Applicator Conference in Anchorage. Currently certified applicators can obtain up to 6 CEUs by attending this course. An official examination may be offered at the conference. Please e-mail Dora Wainwright or her phone number is 907-786-6319 with the Cooperative Extension Service for more information or to be placed on the mailing list for this conference.

Licensing

Certified applicators must renew their state license each year. Licenses may be renewed online through Kelly Solutions. Click here to complete on-line renewal.