Massachusetts law requires that all persons who apply pesticides in public areas and private places used for human occupation and habitation must be in possession of a valid license or certification issued by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources . In accordance with the Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act and the current pesticide regulations, the DAR conducts written examinations to measure competency to use, sell, and apply pesticides in Massachusetts. All exams are closed book and applicants must be at least 18 years of age as of the date of the examination.

How to obtain a MA pesticide license or certification: Complete information about how to obtain a Massachusetts pesticide license or certification is detailed in the Pesticide Examination and License Information Bulletin. The bulletin includes an exam schedule and an exam application: Download 2010 Pesticide Examination and License Information Bulletin (PDF 497K) Questions about downloading files followed by the symbol? Click here for more info. If you have problems downloading or printing the bulletin, call the Mass. DAR Pesticide Bureau at (617) 626-1785 to have a copy mailed to you.

Training Workshops to Prepare for State Pesticide Applicator License Exams
The Pesticide Education Program of UMass Extension offers a workshop designed to help individuals prepare for the pesticide applicator examination. This workshop is offered several times through the year and includes all of the basic information covered in the examination. A practice exam is part of each workshop. Information on workshop dates and registration can be obtained by clicking on the following link:

Training Workshops Information at the UMass Extension Pesticide Education Program website

Pesticide Recertification Training Workshops
Pesticide license regulations require that applicators remain current in their knowledge and understanding of pesticide issues including the safe and effective use of pesticides. The Pesticide Education Program of UMass Extension provides opportunities for continuing education related to pesticide issues by offering workshops throughout the year. Each of these workshops has been approved for pesticide license recertification credits by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Information on workshop dates and registration can be obtained by clicking on the following link:

Recertification Workshops Information at the UMass Extension Pesticide Education Program website