How to Obtain Approval
Licensed pesticide applicators in Minnesota must fulfill a continuing education requirement to renew their license annually. One continuing education option available to licensed pesticide applicators is attendance at approved recertification workshops that are category-specific. Workshops are conducted at various locations throughout the State of Minnesota.
License types that eligible to recertify through recertification workshops:
- Commercial pesticide applicators
- Noncommercial pesticide applicators
- Structural pest control applicators
Planning Meetings and Agendas:
- Individuals interested in developing recertification workshops should contact the MDA to schedule a planning meeting prior to submitting the intended agenda.
- The MDA participates in planning meetings to provide assistance of the development of the workshop program to ensure the necessary standards are met.
- Planning meetings should be scheduled with MDA far enough in advance to book speakers, distribute any brochures or literature, book venue logistics, and carefully review the program agenda.
- In order for workshops to be approved, the detailed program agenda must be submitted to MDA.
- A copy of the proposed agenda must be submitted to MDA no later than four (4) months prior to the selected workshop date. The MDA will have one (1) month to review the agenda for approval.
Recertification Workshops:
- The MDA monitors attendance at all pesticide applicator workshops and participates in the workshops by providing information on the safe and legal application of pesticides. Enrollment must be open to all licensed personnel (except those programs provided by governmental agencies for their employees). Private, industrial training workshops will not be considered for recertification.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recognizes the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) as the state's lead agency responsible for implementation and enforcement of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Minnesota Pesticide Control Law (MPCL). The USEPA and the MDA require specific standards be incorporate into the pesticide applicator recertification workshops. Program agendas for workshops must include these standards. MDA checks adherence to workshop standards (below) as part of the approval process.
