Michigan Pesticide Applicator Core Review Sessions, RUP credits and MDARD testing for winter 2025 through spring 2026
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EmailEssential information and frequently asked questions regarding the certification process, recertification options and the upcoming Michigan Pesticide Applicator Core Review Sessions with MDARD testing.
Pesticide certification is an important step for anyone who applies or supervises the use of restricted-use pesticides in Michigan. Certification ensures that applicators are trained to handle pesticides safely, responsibly, and in compliance with state and federal regulations. Whether you are a first-time applicant or an experienced applicator preparing to renew your certification, understanding the certification process and available recertification options is essential to maintaining your credentials.
To further support Michigan pesticide applicators, the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) through Michigan State University Extension has developed this short FAQ to help restricted use pesticide (RUP) applicators and other pesticide professionals identify the best options for testing and recertification across the state. Whether you work in production agriculture, landscaping, greenhouse management or another pesticide-related profession, this article will guide you through the process of becoming certified, maintaining your credentials, and taking advantage of upcoming training and testing opportunities.
What is pesticide certification?
In Michigan, pesticide certification is a process required for individuals who intend to apply or supervise the application of pesticides, particularly for those using RUPs. Certification ensures that applicators have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle and apply pesticides, protecting public health, the environment and non-target organisms. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has developed a handy flowchart to help you determine whether a certification is the appropriate option for you.
What are different types of certifications?
- Private applicator certification
- Commercial applicator certification
- Registered applicator
Private applicator certification: This is for individuals who use or supervise the use of RUPs for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on their own lands or their employer's land, or on land rented to them. Applicators must pass the private core exam.
Commercial applicator certification: This is for individuals who apply RUPs for commercial purposes (for-hire or for anyone who applies non-ready-to-use pesticides) during their employment. All commercial applicators must pass the commercial core exam and at least one category exam depending on the type of applications being completed. See the Commercial Pesticide Application Certification Categories List to decide which categories to include on your application.
Registered applicator: This may be appropriate for applicators who apply general-use pesticides for a commercial purpose under the supervision of a certified applicator. Registered applicators are not allowed to apply RUPs. Registered applicators must be trained by an MDARD-approved trainer using an MDARD-approved training program that meets Regulation 636, Rule 8, Subrule 9 requirements. Approved trainers must pass the Registered Applicator Trainer Exam and be a commercially certified applicator with at least two seasons of experience applying pesticides in the categories which they will train registered applicators. A Registered Applicator Trainer Manual is available for trainers to study for the exam. To schedule your exam, contact Safa Alzohairy, PSEP coordinator, at safa@msu.edu.
What are the requirements to become a commercial pesticide applicator?
To become a commercial certified applicator, individuals must be 18 years of age or older. Each applicator is required to pass the Commercial Core Exam, which includes the national pesticide standards and the Michigan pesticide standards (addendum). These are two separate study manuals. In addition, study the manuals for the appropriate categories of pesticide applications need and then take the correlating exams.
What are the requirements to become a private pesticide applicator?
To become a private certified applicator, individuals must be 18 years of age or older. Each applicator is required to pass the Private Core Exam, which includes the national pesticide standards and the Michigan pesticide standards. These are two separate study manuals. If you are applying fumigants, you also need to have the fumigation standard.
What are the requirements to apply fumigant pesticides?
Individuals who plan to apply fumigants must pass an additional standard exam for fumigation.
What are the requirement to become an aerial applicator?
In Michigan, aerial pesticide application is regulated by MDARD for both crewed aircraft and drones. Anyone controlling an aircraft for pesticide use is considered an aerial applicator. Crewed applicators fly airplanes or helicopters, while uncrewed applicators operate drones either remotely or autonomously. MDARD sets certification, licensing and equipment standards, with specific requirements for each type of aerial operation. Detailed guidance is available through MDARD’s commercial and private UAV applicator flowcharts. Visit the MDARD webpage for Aerial Pesticide Applicators for more information.
Where can we purchase updated training manuals?
Private core, commercial core and category manuals can be purchased online at the Pesticide Safety Study Manual website. Michigan State University (MSU) Extension county offices may also have copies available for purchase. Visit MSU Extension's website to locate the county Extension office nearest you. It is recommended to call ahead for availability.
What are different options for taking the exam?
After studying and once ready to take the exam, there are three testing options available:
- Paper-based in-person exams (with core review sessions) are available through MSU Extension.
- Computer-based in-person exams are available through the Metro Institute.
- Computer-based remotely-proctored exams are available through the Metro Institute.
What are core review sessions?
To support pesticide applicators across the state, MSU Extension is partnering with the Pesticide Safety Education Program and MDARD to offer a series of Michigan Pesticide Applicator Core Review Sessions with on-site MDARD testing. These 4-hour sessions cover each chapter of the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual and are designed to train handlers on the proper techniques for mixing, loading and applying pesticides.
The review sessions take place in the morning and are intended to prepare participants for the MDARD RUP test, which will be administered in the afternoon. The morning session is mandatory for those planning to take the test. Available tests include Private Core, Fumigation Standard, Aerial Standard and Commercial Core applicator exams. For your convenience, both the Commercial and Private Core exams are offered in English and Spanish.
Many applicators have found this program to be both practical and beneficial. The fee for the core review class is $25. Payment by credit or debit card when checking out at registration is preferred, or mail a check payable to Michigan State University to the address on the confirmation/invoice. Receipts will be sent to the email address provided with the registration.
Note: No commercial category exams will be offered at these sessions. Category exams are offered only through Metro Institute.
For applicators looking to recertify through earning RUP credits, four RUP recertification credits for the core are now available at the Core Review Sessions Winter 2025 - Spring 2026. When registering, indicate if you want credits.
Important note to those who are recertifying: Be sure to have your applicator license number handy when you are attending an education session for recertification or retaking the exam.
Where and when are core review and testing sessions available?
MSU Extension, PSEP and MDARD are providing 28 sessions scheduled throughout the state between November 2025 and May 2026. You must attend the core review if you plan to take the test in-person. A complete list of available sessions, along with registration and additional information, can be found at MDARD In-Person Core Testing and Core Review.
Are there other online core review options available through MSU Extension?
Yes! For those that prefer a more structured learning environment, MSU Extension offers a more formal Pesticide Applicator Training Course. Those that complete the course will receive 12 RUP credits that can be applied to their private or commercial core license.
What is the Metro Institute?
The Metro Institute is a private company that has been authorized by MDARD to administer pesticide applicator certification tests. You can access their site through the Metro Institute – Michigan Testing Site. Metro Institute requires an account on their website before signing up for an exam session. Once the account is created, sign up for either in-person or remotely proctored exams. If planning on taking remotely proctored exams, select so when Metro Institute asks for an exam location. Exams can also be scheduled by calling Metro Institute at 877-533-2900. Note, Metro Institute’s main office is in Arizona.
Where can I go to take an in-person computer-based test?
The Metro Institute has 21 locations throughout Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula.
How does the computer-based remotely-proctored exam work?
This exam is designed to be taken from your home or office. It requires applicants to have:
- Stable internet connection
- A moveable camera
- A microphone
- A quiet clean/clear space
MDARD recommends logging into the system and accessing the exam at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. View a training video that walks you through the exam process.
How do I sign up for a computer-based exam?
Registration for a computer-based exam with the Metro Institute is available on their website.
How much do these options cost?
MDARD certification fees:
- Private applicator fee is $50
- Commercial applicator fee is $75
Testing costs:
- MSU Extension core review session followed by paper-based in-person exam: $25
- Metro Institute computer-based in-person exam: $55
- Metro Institute remote-proctored exam: $65
Note that the testing costs are in addition to the certification fees. MDARD emphasizes that the certification process is not complete until applicators have submitted a completed license application and the application fee.
All of this information and more can be found at the MDARD Pesticide Applicator Certification webpage.
Does MSU Extension have any scheduled programs that offer pesticide education credits before the end of the year?
The Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo and Great Lakes Expo are being held Dec. 9-11, 2025, at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn RUP credits at selected education sessions.
MSU Extension, PSEP and MDARD will provide Pesticide Applicator Review and Testing session at this year’s Great Lakes Expo in both English and Spanish on Dec. 11. In-person testing and recertification through earning RUP credits will be available. Click for registration and more information about this event.
Check other MSU resources for trainings that provides RUP credits: MSU in-person trainings, online events or self-paced courses.
Are there any other opportunities to earn education credits?
All seminars that offer RUP credits are listed on the MDARD Pesticide Applicator Renewal Seminar Meeting Dates and Locations webpage.
- Select the month and click “Find Training” to view the list of in-person and online options, along with a contact phone number.
- Note: There is another link on that page to view a list of only online seminars, many of which can be accessed at any time in a self-paced manner.
For other common certification and recertification frequently asked questions, visit the MSU PSEP FAQs or the MDARD FAQs. To see your current credit status, go to Applicator Credit Report.
