If you have taken a certification exam through Metro Institute or re-certification seminars to renew your pesticide applicator certification, please be aware you must complete the certification/registration process by submitting a paper "Pesticide Applicator Certification/Registration Application" and application fee to MDARD. 

Without submitting a completed Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) application and fee, you are NOT considered certified and will not receive a credential from MDARD.

Applicators who are renewing their certification/registration must submit a completed paper renewal notice with the appropriate fee via check or money order ($50 for Private Certification / $75 for Commercial Certification / $45 for Registered Applicator).  If you have misplaced your renewal notice, please contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 or Lisa Graves at GravesL@michigan.gov for a duplicate copy.

Applicators who are newly becoming certified/registered must submit a completed initial Pesticide Applicator Certification/Registration Application with the appropriate fee via check or money order ($50 for Private Certification / $75 for Commercial Certification / $45 for Registered Applicator).

A new emergency rule filed on December 30, 2020 by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell extended pesticide applicator credential expiration dates as part of the state’s continued COVID-19 response. Applicators whose license expired on December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2020 will have those licenses extended to June 30, 2021. In addition to extending the expiration date, the rule gives applicators six additional months to renew their credential via continuing education courses.

MDARD also offers multiple options for taking Certified Pesticide Applicator and Registered Technician exams. Please see the folling links regarding these options:

• Paper-based, in-person exams are administered at limited locations in Michigan through MDARD. Access the online pesticide exam scheduling website for more information on availability and to schedule an exam.
• MDARD offers two ways to take computer-based exams through Metro Institute, a private pesticide exam administration company authorized to conduct testing on MDARD's behalf. Exams can now be obtained at both established testing centers and online from your home or office. Register for computer-based exams through Metro Institute or call 877-533-2900 to speak with a representative.

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The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development has reciprocal agreements with Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.