There are three different sets of requirements for a Commercial Animal Waste Technician (CAWT) license. These requirements are dependent upon the role you play (Company, Site Manager, and Applicator). Please review the requirements below and complete those that apply to your role in using commercial animal waste. 

If you are creating a new CAWT company and the site manager needs to take the exam, you must complete paper applications.  Submit the applications along with payment to MDA prior to testing. A company license will not be issued until the site manager receives a passing score and applications have been processed.

CAWT License -  Site Manager:

  • Be employed by a licensed CAWT Company
  • Apply online or complete and submit the CAWT Site Manager application form selecting Category liquid, solid or both (See Forms + Resources)
  • Pay appropriate fees
  • Meet Financial Responsibility Requirements
  • Take and pass (80% and above) a multiple choice exam, see Commercial Animal Waste Technician Site Manager Study Manual, under Forms + Resources
  • Take and pass exam for each category desired liquid and/or solid (Testing Locations)
  • Recertify 
    • By attending a MDA approved recertification workshop within the year listed on the license card, or
    • Retest during the license renewal period (after renewal letter is received) and pay all required fees.
  • Renew and pay license fee annually

CAWT License -  Applicator:

  • Be employed by a licensed CAWT Company
  • Always work under the supervision of a CAWT Site Manager 
    • Use License Lookup to check if a company has a license and employs a Site Manager
  • Apply online (Only online applications are accepted)
  • Complete two hours of designated online training. This is part of the online application process.
  • Pay appropriate fee
  • Recertify with two hours of designated online training annually or recertify at a Site Manager workshop to receive two years credit.
  • Renew and pay license fee annually