STEPS TO BECOMING A COMMERCIAL/NONCOMMERCIAL/NONCOMMERCIAL POLITICAL PESTICIDE APPLICATOR
Step 1: Purchase pesticide examination study manuals from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service via mail in order form at www-aes.tamu.edu, or call (979) 845-1099 and we can take you order over the phone with a Master Card or Visa.
Step 2: Apply online here: https://licensing.texasagriculture.gov/ Complete an application for either a (PA-401) or a (PA-400N) and submit the license fee to TDA. These forms are available from TDA, or by clicking the link. Website: www.TexasAgriculture.gov or by calling TDA at 1-800-835-5832 or 512-463-7622.
o Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Fee = $200/year
o Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator License Fee = $140/year
o Noncommercial Political Subdivision Pesticide Applicator License Fee = $75/year (Who is eligible for the Political Subdivision license? Governmental Employees including: City, County, State, Federal, School Districts and Prisons)
Step 3: Submit the completed applicator license application form and license fee to TDA for processing.
Step 4: When the license application is processed, TDA will send the applicant a letter in the mail with their Account Number. This Account Number will be the number the applicator will use to register and schedule exam(s) with PSI.
Step 5: Applicants can go to PSIexams.com or call 1-800-733-9267 to schedule an exam at one of 22 locations around the state. PSI staff cannot provide licensing advice or information.
o A Pesticide Licensing Examination Candidate Information Bulletin is provided at the PSI website to assist the applicant with the exam scheduling process.
o An applicant must pass the General Standards exam and at least one category exam to be issued a license.
o The commercial/noncommercial applicant will pay $64 per exam.
o There is a 24 hour waiting period to take a repeat exam.
Step 6: Upon completion of the exam, the testing center will provide test results immediately. A passing grade is 70% or higher.
Step 7: PSI will send exam scores to TDA daily. If all licensing criteria are met, TDA will issue the license.
Important: If an applicant has any questions about licensing or exam categories, please contact TDA at 1-800-835-5832 or 512-463-7622. Texas Department of Agriculture – Agriculture Pesticide Program | P.O. Box 12847, Austin, TX 78711 | phone 800-TELL-TDA.