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Arizona Pesticide Applicator — Requirements & Free Practice

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Private Applicator Certification (PUP)

Agricultural restricted-use pesticide applicator certification. Core and category competency are determined by the applicant's certification and application sites.

Licensing authority: Arizona Department of Agriculture · Application information

Renewal after operating with an expired certification
Core Examination
Age
At least 18 years of age under R3-3-208(B).
Application
Submit the completed Department application, applicable fee, identifying and employer information, requested certification categories, disciplinary history, and lawful-presence documentation under R3-3-208(D).
Application scope
General agricultural applications excluding non-soil fumigation.
Expired operation
Renewal following unlawful pesticide services while the certification was expired. Under R3-3-200(F)(4), the applicable written examinations must be taken in addition to penalties.
Not offered categories
The guide marks soil fumigation not yet available and marks the sodium-cyanide and sodium-fluoroacetate predator examinations not yet available. R3-3-208(E)(2)(b) makes the incorporated special-category standards mandatory from January 1, 2026. The unavailable papers are not currently offered examination leaves; the applicant must resolve authorization with the Department before those uses.
Pesticide scope
Certification must cover every category appropriate to the pesticide and site used; passing an alternative category does not authorize an unrelated application.
Private use
Production of agricultural commodities on property owned or controlled by the applicator or the employer. The non-soil fumigation examination is additional when fumigating on-farm stored commodities or burrowing rodents.
Retakes
A failed examination may be retaken no more than twice within six months, with at least seven days between attempts.
Score
Score at least 75 percent on each applicable written examination under R3-3-200(E)(2).
Renewal after operating with an expired certification

All of the following:

  • Core Examination
  • Private Applicator Non-Soil Fumigation Examination (practice unavailable)
Age
At least 18 years of age under R3-3-208(B).
Application
Submit the completed Department application, applicable fee, identifying and employer information, requested certification categories, disciplinary history, and lawful-presence documentation under R3-3-208(D).
Application scope
Use or supervision of restricted-use non-soil fumigants in addition to general agricultural applications.
Expired operation
Renewal following unlawful pesticide services while the certification was expired. Under R3-3-200(F)(4), the applicable written examinations must be taken in addition to penalties.
Not offered categories
The guide marks soil fumigation not yet available and marks the sodium-cyanide and sodium-fluoroacetate predator examinations not yet available. R3-3-208(E)(2)(b) makes the incorporated special-category standards mandatory from January 1, 2026. The unavailable papers are not currently offered examination leaves; the applicant must resolve authorization with the Department before those uses.
Pesticide scope
Certification must cover every category appropriate to the pesticide and site used; passing an alternative category does not authorize an unrelated application.
Private use
Production of agricultural commodities on property owned or controlled by the applicator or the employer. The non-soil fumigation examination is additional when fumigating on-farm stored commodities or burrowing rodents.
Retakes
A failed examination may be retaken no more than twice within six months, with at least seven days between attempts.
Score
Score at least 75 percent on each applicable written examination under R3-3-200(E)(2).
Recertification after expiration exceeding eleven months
Core Examination
Age
At least 18 years of age under R3-3-208(B).
Application
Submit the completed Department application, applicable fee, identifying and employer information, requested certification categories, disciplinary history, and lawful-presence documentation under R3-3-208(D).
Application scope
General agricultural applications excluding non-soil fumigation.
Expired period
Certification has been expired for more than eleven months; complete the initial requirements and retake and pass the applicable examinations.
Not offered categories
The guide marks soil fumigation not yet available and marks the sodium-cyanide and sodium-fluoroacetate predator examinations not yet available. R3-3-208(E)(2)(b) makes the incorporated special-category standards mandatory from January 1, 2026. The unavailable papers are not currently offered examination leaves; the applicant must resolve authorization with the Department before those uses.
Pesticide scope
Certification must cover every category appropriate to the pesticide and site used; passing an alternative category does not authorize an unrelated application.
Private use
Production of agricultural commodities on property owned or controlled by the applicator or the employer. The non-soil fumigation examination is additional when fumigating on-farm stored commodities or burrowing rodents.
Retakes
A failed examination may be retaken no more than twice within six months, with at least seven days between attempts.
Score
Score at least 75 percent on each applicable written examination under R3-3-200(E)(2).
Recertification after expiration exceeding eleven months

All of the following:

  • Core Examination
  • Private Applicator Non-Soil Fumigation Examination (practice unavailable)
Age
At least 18 years of age under R3-3-208(B).
Application
Submit the completed Department application, applicable fee, identifying and employer information, requested certification categories, disciplinary history, and lawful-presence documentation under R3-3-208(D).
Application scope
Use or supervision of restricted-use non-soil fumigants in addition to general agricultural applications.
Expired period
Certification has been expired for more than eleven months; complete the initial requirements and retake and pass the applicable examinations.
Not offered categories
The guide marks soil fumigation not yet available and marks the sodium-cyanide and sodium-fluoroacetate predator examinations not yet available. R3-3-208(E)(2)(b) makes the incorporated special-category standards mandatory from January 1, 2026. The unavailable papers are not currently offered examination leaves; the applicant must resolve authorization with the Department before those uses.
Pesticide scope
Certification must cover every category appropriate to the pesticide and site used; passing an alternative category does not authorize an unrelated application.
Private use
Production of agricultural commodities on property owned or controlled by the applicator or the employer. The non-soil fumigation examination is additional when fumigating on-farm stored commodities or burrowing rodents.
Retakes
A failed examination may be retaken no more than twice within six months, with at least seven days between attempts.
Score
Score at least 75 percent on each applicable written examination under R3-3-200(E)(2).
Initial certification by examination
Core Examination
Age
At least 18 years of age under R3-3-208(B).
Application
Submit the completed Department application, applicable fee, identifying and employer information, requested certification categories, disciplinary history, and lawful-presence documentation under R3-3-208(D).
Application scope
General agricultural applications excluding non-soil fumigation.
Not offered categories
The guide marks soil fumigation not yet available and marks the sodium-cyanide and sodium-fluoroacetate predator examinations not yet available. R3-3-208(E)(2)(b) makes the incorporated special-category standards mandatory from January 1, 2026. The unavailable papers are not currently offered examination leaves; the applicant must resolve authorization with the Department before those uses.
Pesticide scope
Certification must cover every category appropriate to the pesticide and site used; passing an alternative category does not authorize an unrelated application.
Private use
Production of agricultural commodities on property owned or controlled by the applicator or the employer. The non-soil fumigation examination is additional when fumigating on-farm stored commodities or burrowing rodents.
Retakes
A failed examination may be retaken no more than twice within six months, with at least seven days between attempts.
Score
Score at least 75 percent on each applicable written examination under R3-3-200(E)(2).
Initial certification by examination

All of the following:

  • Core Examination
  • Private Applicator Non-Soil Fumigation Examination (practice unavailable)
Age
At least 18 years of age under R3-3-208(B).
Application
Submit the completed Department application, applicable fee, identifying and employer information, requested certification categories, disciplinary history, and lawful-presence documentation under R3-3-208(D).
Application scope
Use or supervision of restricted-use non-soil fumigants in addition to general agricultural applications.
Not offered categories
The guide marks soil fumigation not yet available and marks the sodium-cyanide and sodium-fluoroacetate predator examinations not yet available. R3-3-208(E)(2)(b) makes the incorporated special-category standards mandatory from January 1, 2026. The unavailable papers are not currently offered examination leaves; the applicant must resolve authorization with the Department before those uses.
Pesticide scope
Certification must cover every category appropriate to the pesticide and site used; passing an alternative category does not authorize an unrelated application.
Private use
Production of agricultural commodities on property owned or controlled by the applicator or the employer. The non-soil fumigation examination is additional when fumigating on-farm stored commodities or burrowing rodents.
Retakes
A failed examination may be retaken no more than twice within six months, with at least seven days between attempts.
Score
Score at least 75 percent on each applicable written examination under R3-3-200(E)(2).
Late renewal within eleven months without reexamination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certification status
Existing certification already satisfies current examination and competency standards; no violation requiring reexamination under R3-3-200(F)(4).
Ceu timing
All required CEUs must have been obtained while certification was current.
Continuing education
Complete 3 CEUs for each renewal year in the relevant categories during the current certification period; excess credit does not carry forward.
Expired period
Apply within eleven months after expiration.
Late fee
Pay the renewal fee plus $10 per expired month, up to $110.
No services during expiration
Do not provide pesticide-related services between expiration and effective renewal.
Renewal period
Choose one or two years, submit the renewal application and applicable fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocal certification
Core Examination
Age
At least 18 years of age under R3-3-208(B).
Application
Submit the completed Department application, applicable fee, identifying and employer information, requested certification categories, disciplinary history, and lawful-presence documentation under R3-3-208(D).
Application scope
General agricultural applications excluding non-soil fumigation.
Not offered categories
The guide marks soil fumigation not yet available and marks the sodium-cyanide and sodium-fluoroacetate predator examinations not yet available. R3-3-208(E)(2)(b) makes the incorporated special-category standards mandatory from January 1, 2026. The unavailable papers are not currently offered examination leaves; the applicant must resolve authorization with the Department before those uses.
Pesticide scope
Certification must cover every category appropriate to the pesticide and site used; passing an alternative category does not authorize an unrelated application.
Private use
Production of agricultural commodities on property owned or controlled by the applicator or the employer. The non-soil fumigation examination is additional when fumigating on-farm stored commodities or burrowing rodents.
Reciprocity
Hold applicator certification from another state, federal or tribal agency under an approved EPA plan. Obtain originating-agency verification; the Director may waive Arizona examinations in whole or in part. The currently offered Arizona examinations remain referenced because a partial waiver may leave them required. Arizona certification may terminate if the originating certification ends.
Retakes
A failed examination may be retaken no more than twice within six months, with at least seven days between attempts.
Score
Score at least 75 percent on each applicable written examination under R3-3-200(E)(2).
Reciprocal certification

All of the following:

  • Core Examination
  • Private Applicator Non-Soil Fumigation Examination (practice unavailable)
Age
At least 18 years of age under R3-3-208(B).
Application
Submit the completed Department application, applicable fee, identifying and employer information, requested certification categories, disciplinary history, and lawful-presence documentation under R3-3-208(D).
Application scope
Use or supervision of restricted-use non-soil fumigants in addition to general agricultural applications.
Not offered categories
The guide marks soil fumigation not yet available and marks the sodium-cyanide and sodium-fluoroacetate predator examinations not yet available. R3-3-208(E)(2)(b) makes the incorporated special-category standards mandatory from January 1, 2026. The unavailable papers are not currently offered examination leaves; the applicant must resolve authorization with the Department before those uses.
Pesticide scope
Certification must cover every category appropriate to the pesticide and site used; passing an alternative category does not authorize an unrelated application.
Private use
Production of agricultural commodities on property owned or controlled by the applicator or the employer. The non-soil fumigation examination is additional when fumigating on-farm stored commodities or burrowing rodents.
Reciprocity
Hold applicator certification from another state, federal or tribal agency under an approved EPA plan. Obtain originating-agency verification; the Director may waive Arizona examinations in whole or in part. The currently offered Arizona examinations remain referenced because a partial waiver may leave them required. Arizona certification may terminate if the originating certification ends.
Retakes
A failed examination may be retaken no more than twice within six months, with at least seven days between attempts.
Score
Score at least 75 percent on each applicable written examination under R3-3-200(E)(2).
Routine renewal through continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certification status
Existing certification already satisfies current examination and competency standards; no violation requiring reexamination under R3-3-200(F)(4).
Continuing education
Complete 3 CEUs for each renewal year in the relevant categories during the current certification period; excess credit does not carry forward.
Renewal period
Choose one or two years, submit the renewal application and applicable fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal requiring transition to current examination standards
Core Examination
Age
At least 18 years of age under R3-3-208(B).
Application
Submit the completed Department application, applicable fee, identifying and employer information, requested certification categories, disciplinary history, and lawful-presence documentation under R3-3-208(D).
Application scope
General agricultural applications excluding non-soil fumigation.
Not offered categories
The guide marks soil fumigation not yet available and marks the sodium-cyanide and sodium-fluoroacetate predator examinations not yet available. R3-3-208(E)(2)(b) makes the incorporated special-category standards mandatory from January 1, 2026. The unavailable papers are not currently offered examination leaves; the applicant must resolve authorization with the Department before those uses.
Pesticide scope
Certification must cover every category appropriate to the pesticide and site used; passing an alternative category does not authorize an unrelated application.
Private use
Production of agricultural commodities on property owned or controlled by the applicator or the employer. The non-soil fumigation examination is additional when fumigating on-farm stored commodities or burrowing rodents.
Retakes
A failed examination may be retaken no more than twice within six months, with at least seven days between attempts.
Score
Score at least 75 percent on each applicable written examination under R3-3-200(E)(2).
Transition
Renewal of certification issued or renewed before February 6, 2023 that has not yet satisfied the revised examination and competency standards. R3-3-208(E)(3) postpones compliance until renewal and expires December 31, 2026.
Renewal requiring transition to current examination standards

All of the following:

  • Core Examination
  • Private Applicator Non-Soil Fumigation Examination (practice unavailable)
Age
At least 18 years of age under R3-3-208(B).
Application
Submit the completed Department application, applicable fee, identifying and employer information, requested certification categories, disciplinary history, and lawful-presence documentation under R3-3-208(D).
Application scope
Use or supervision of restricted-use non-soil fumigants in addition to general agricultural applications.
Not offered categories
The guide marks soil fumigation not yet available and marks the sodium-cyanide and sodium-fluoroacetate predator examinations not yet available. R3-3-208(E)(2)(b) makes the incorporated special-category standards mandatory from January 1, 2026. The unavailable papers are not currently offered examination leaves; the applicant must resolve authorization with the Department before those uses.
Pesticide scope
Certification must cover every category appropriate to the pesticide and site used; passing an alternative category does not authorize an unrelated application.
Private use
Production of agricultural commodities on property owned or controlled by the applicator or the employer. The non-soil fumigation examination is additional when fumigating on-farm stored commodities or burrowing rodents.
Retakes
A failed examination may be retaken no more than twice within six months, with at least seven days between attempts.
Score
Score at least 75 percent on each applicable written examination under R3-3-200(E)(2).
Transition
Renewal of certification issued or renewed before February 6, 2023 that has not yet satisfied the revised examination and competency standards. R3-3-208(E)(3) postpones compliance until renewal and expires December 31, 2026.

Core Examination

Provider
Arizona Department of Agriculture
Format
Written examination
Passing score
75 percent
Examination outline
  • Label and labeling comprehension
    • The general format and terminology of pesticide labels and labeling.
    • Understanding instructions, warnings, terms, symbols, and other information commonly appearing on pesticide labels and labeling.
    • Understanding that it is a violation of Federal law to use any registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.
    • Understanding when a certified applicator must be physically present at the site of the application based on labeling requirements.
    • Understanding labeling requirements for supervising noncertified applicators working under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
    • Understanding that applicators must comply with all use restrictions and directions for use contained in pesticide labels and labeling, including being certified in the appropriate category to use restricted use pesticides for fumigation or aerial application, or predator control devices containing sodium cyanide or sodium fluoroacetate, if applicable.
    • Understanding the meaning of product classification as either general or restricted use, and that a product may be unclassified.
    • Understanding and complying with product-specific notification requirements.
    • Recognizing and understanding the difference between mandatory and advisory labeling language.
  • Safety
    • Understanding the different natures of the risks of acute toxicity and chronic toxicity, as well as the long-term effects of pesticides.
    • Understanding that a pesticide's risk is a function of exposure and the pesticide's toxicity.
    • Recognition of likely ways in which dermal, inhalation, and oral exposure may occur.
    • Common types and causes of pesticide mishaps.
    • Precautions to prevent injury to applicators and other individuals in or near treated areas.
    • Need for, and proper use of, protective clothing and personal protective equipment.
    • Symptoms of pesticide poisoning.
    • First aid and other procedures to be followed in case of a pesticide mishap.
    • Proper identification, storage, transport, handling, mixing procedures, and disposal methods for pesticides and used pesticide containers, including precautions to be taken to prevent children from having access to pesticides and pesticide containers.
  • Environment
    • Weather and other climatic conditions.
    • Types of terrain, soil, or other substrate.
    • Presence of fish, wildlife, and other non-target organisms.
    • Drainage patterns.
  • Pests
    • The importance of correctly identifying target pests and selecting the proper pesticide product(s).
    • Verifying that the labeling does not prohibit the use of the product to control the target pest(s).
  • Pesticides
    • Types of pesticides.
    • Types of formulations.
    • Compatibility, synergism, persistence, and animal and plant toxicity of the formulations.
    • Hazards and residues associated with use.
    • Factors that influence effectiveness or lead to problems such as pesticide resistance.
    • Dilution procedures.
  • Equipment
    • Types of equipment and advantages and limitations of each type.
    • Uses, maintenance, and calibration procedures.
  • Application methods
    • Methods used to apply various forms and formulations of pesticides.
    • Knowledge of which application method to use in a given situation and that use of a fumigant, aerial application, or predator control device containing sodium cyanide or sodium fluoroacetate requires additional certification.
    • How selection of application method and use of a pesticide may result in proper use, unnecessary or ineffective use, and misuse.
    • Prevention of drift and pesticide loss into the environment.
  • Laws and regulations
    • Knowledge of all applicable State, Tribal, and Federal laws and regulations, including understanding the Worker Protection Standard in 40 CFR part 170 and the circumstances where compliance is required.
  • Responsibilities for supervisors of noncertified applicators
    • Understanding and complying with requirements in § 171.201 of this part for private applicators who supervise noncertified applicators using restricted use pesticides.
    • Providing use-specific instructions to noncertified applicators using restricted use pesticides under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
    • Explaining appropriate State, Tribal, and Federal laws and regulations to noncertified applicators working under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.
  • Stewardship
    • Maintaining chemical security for restricted use pesticides.
    • How to communicate information about pesticide exposures and risks with agricultural workers and handlers and other persons.
  • Agricultural pest control
    • Specific pests of relevant agricultural commodities.
    • How to avoid contamination of ground and surface waters.
    • Understanding pre-harvest and restricted entry intervals and entry-restricted periods and areas.
    • Understanding specific pesticide toxicity and residue potential when pesticides are applied to animal or animal product agricultural commodities.
    • Relative hazards associated with using pesticides on animals or places in which animals are confined based on formulation, application technique, age of animal, stress, and extent of treatment.
Examination sources

Private Applicator Non-Soil Fumigation Examination

Provider
Arizona Department of Agriculture
Format
Written examination
Passing score
75 percent
Examination outline
  • Label and labeling comprehension
    • Familiarity with the pesticide labels and labeling for products used to perform non-soil fumigation, including labeling requirements specific to non-soil fumigants.
  • Safety
    • Understanding how certified applicators, handlers, and bystanders can become exposed to fumigants.
    • Common problems and mistakes that can result in direct exposure to fumigants.
    • Signs and symptoms of human exposure to fumigants.
    • When air concentrations of a fumigant triggers handlers to wear respirators or to exit the work area entirely.
    • Steps to take if a person using a fumigant experiences sensory irritation.
    • Understanding air monitoring, when it is required, and where and when to take samples.
    • Buffer zones, including procedures for buffer zone monitoring and who is permitted to be in a buffer zone.
    • First aid measures to take in the event of exposure to a fumigant.
    • Labeling requirements for transportation, storage, spill clean up, and emergency response for non-soil fumigants, including safe disposal of containers and contaminated materials, and management of empty containers.
  • Non-soil fumigant chemical characteristics
    • Chemical characteristics of non-soil fumigants.
    • Specific human exposure concerns for non-soil fumigants.
    • How fumigants change from a liquid or solid to a gas.
    • How fumigants disperse in the application zone.
    • Compatibility concerns for tanks, hoses, tubing, and other equipment.
  • Application
    • Application methods and equipment commonly used for non-soil fumigation.
    • Site characteristics that influence fumigant exposure.
    • Conditions that could impact timing of non-soil fumigant application, such as air stability, air temperature, humidity, and wind currents, and labeling statements limiting applications when specific conditions are present.
    • Conducting pre-application inspection of application equipment and the site to be fumigated.
    • Understanding the purpose and methods of sealing the area to be fumigated, including the factors that determine which sealing method to use.
    • Calculating the amount of product required for a specific treatment area.
    • Understanding the basic techniques for calibrating non-soil fumigant application equipment.
    • Understanding when and how to conduct air monitoring and when it is required.
  • Pest factors
    • Influence of pest factors on fumigant volatility.
    • Factors that influence gaseous movement through the area being fumigated and into the air.
    • Identifying pests causing the damage and verifying they can be controlled with fumigation.
    • Understanding the relationship between pest density and application rate.
    • The importance of proper application rate and timing.
  • Personal protective equipment
    • Following labeling directions for required personal protective equipment.
    • Selecting, inspecting, using, caring for, replacing, and disposing of personal protective equipment.
    • Understanding the types of respirators required when using specific soil fumigants and how to use them properly, including medical evaluation, fit testing, and required replacement of cartridges and canisters.
    • Labeling requirements and other laws applicable to medical evaluation for respirator use, fit tests, training, and recordkeeping.
  • Fumigant management plans and post-application summaries
    • When a fumigant management plan must be in effect, how long it must be kept on file, where it must be kept during the application, and who must have access to it.
    • The elements of a fumigant management plan and resources available to assist the applicator in preparing a fumigant management plan.
    • The person responsible for verifying that a fumigant management plan is accurate.
    • The elements, purpose and content of a post-application summary, who must prepare it, and when it must be completed.
  • Posting requirements
    • Understanding who is allowed in an area being fumigated or after fumigation and who is prohibited from being in such areas.
    • Distinguishing fumigant labeling-required posting and treated area posting, including the pre-application and post-application posting timeframes for each.
    • Proper choice and placement of warning signs.
Examination sources