COMMERCIAL APPLICATORS - Training Programs
Depending on the pesticide category, applicants requiring Indiana certification have three exam preparation options.
- Option 1: Applicant self-studies with the respective training manual.
- Option 2: eLearning (online) courses that provide online instruction from speakers with practical experience augmented by photographs, videos and activities.
- Option 3: In-Person classroom training sessions conducted by experienced instructors going over the materials in the training manuals.
Certification exams must be taken through Metro Institute.
What Trainings Do We Have for Each Category?
- Pesticide CORE - In-person trainings, and eLearning
- Category 1 : Agricultural Pest Management - In-person trainings (January-March)
- Category 2: Forest Pest Management - eLearning
- Category 3a: Ornamental Pest Management - eLearning
- Category 3b: Turf Management - In-person trainings (January-March)
- Category 4: Seed Treatment - Manual
- Category 5: Aquatic Pest Management - eLearning
- Category 6: Industrial Weed Management - In-person training (March)
- Category 7a: Industrial, Institutional, Structural and Health-Related Pest Mgmt - eLearning
- Category 7b: Termite Control - In-Person workshop offered in March and September. (This is a mandatory training once in a lifetime)
- Category 7d: Fumigation - Manual
- Category 8: Community-Wide Mosquito Control - In-person training (March)
- Category 11: Aerial Application - Manual
- Category 12: Wood Destroying Pest Inspection - In-person trainings offered in April and September. (This is a mandatory training once in a lifetime)
- Category 13: Limited Certification (e.g., animal repellents, mold control, sanitizers and disinfectants, water treatment biocides) - Manual
- Category 13WP: Wood Preservation - Manual
- Category 13SLRC: Sewer Line Root Control- Manual
- Category 14: Agricultural Fertilizer Application - Manual
Registered Technician Training
A Registered Technician can make applications of general use pesticides for-hire under the off-site supervision of a commercial certified applicator. To become a Registered Technician the person must be at least 18 years old and have completed one of the mandatory training options.
Category 7b Termite Control Workshop
The Category 7b Termite Control workshop is a two-day, hands-on program designed to introduce termite control operators to the fundamentals of wood destroying pest identification and biology, pest inspection and reporting, treatment techniques on common foundation types, and the use and calibration of application equipment. Participation in the workshop is a one-time only requirement for all for-hire, termite control operators. We offer 2 workshops a year, once in March and once in September/October. Email Steph DeSimini at sdesimin@purdue.edu for more information.
Pest Management and Lawn Maintenance Workshop
To assist lawn care operators, PPP offers a two-day workshop in the Fall. This hands-on program introduces the fundamentals of turfgrass growth, fertility, and weed management, and the use and calibration of application equipment. The workshop is optional, but attendees find it highly relevant and beneficial to their lawn care operations. Email Steph DeSimini at sdesimin@purdue.edu for more information.