A private pesticide applicator is someone who uses or supervises the use of restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides or regulated herbicides to produce an agricultural commodity on:

• Personally owned property;
• Rented property;
• Property owned by his or her employer;
• Property under his or her general control; or
• The property of another person if applied without compensation, other than the trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities.

An agricultural commodity is a plant or animal grown for sale, lease, barter, feed or human consumption and animals raised for farm or ranch work. No license is required to apply general-use pesticides to produce agricultural commodities.

NEW LICENSING AND CONVENIENCE TESTING PROCEDURES!

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has contracted with PSI Services (PSI) to administer exams for agricultural pesticide applicator licensing. This is the same vendor that administers exams for structural pest control licensing. PSI has been providing credentialing and testing services to state and federal agencies, private sector businesses and professional associations for over 65 years.

PSI will provide both excellent quality exam opportunities and a convenient schedule for pesticide applicators to test in 22 locations across the state. The schedule will provide more testing opportunities than previously offered. By outsourcing testing to a third-party vendor, the Department’s resources may be used in a more consistent and efficient manner.

For more information please visit the Texas Department of Agriculture website: https://www.texasagriculture.gov/RegulatoryPrograms/Pesticides/PesticidePrivateApplicatorLicense.aspx