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Rutgers Offers the Courses and Exams to Help You Earn and Maintain a NJ Pesticide Applicator License
Whether you are just starting the process of becoming a licensed pesticide applicator or operator and need to fulfill the training requirement, want to take a pesticide exam to become licensed, or need to earn recertification credits to keep your license active, we can help.
For new commercial applicators or operators, we offer a NJDEP-approved basic pesticide training course: CORE Basic Pesticide Training.
Need to register for a NJ pesticide exam? Visit the Rutgers Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam Registration (PACER) website.
Looking for NJ pesticide applicator recertification credits? Check out our Landscape and Grounds Management courses.
Please check back often for the latest offerings, and join our email list to receive course announcements!
Have questions or need more information? Contact us at ocpe@njaes.rutgers.edu.
Pesticide Course and Exam Details
CORE Basic Pesticide Training Program
This is a NJDEP-approved basic pesticide training course for new commercial applicators or operators seeking to gain a state license. It is a 4-hour course currently offered in-person in New Brunswick, NJ.
Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam Registration (PACER)
Anyone interested in taking a NJDEP pesticide exam must register through the online Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam Registration (PACER) system, administered by Rutgers University.
Earn Pesticide Applicator Recertification Credits
Rutgers OCPE offers dozens of landscaping classes approved for NJ Pesticide Applicator recertification credits in a variety of categories. Credits for applicators in other nearby states (DE, PA, MD, NY, MA) are also available.
Additional Resources
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach
Learn how to use the environment to your favor! Integrated Pest Management (or IPM) is a commonsense approach to pest control that reduces reliance on chemical pesticides as a sole method of controlling pests. With IPM, a combination of strategies is used to predict, prevent, and manage landscape insects and diseases. These IPM strategies are proactive, not reactions to the presence of a pest. IPM programs result in effective landscape pest control with diminished economic, health, and environmental risks.
Rutgers offers several classes focused on teaching IPM methods, including:
- Basic Landscape Integrated Pest Management
- Landscape Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Natural and Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Sports Turf
If you are interested in learning how to lower pesticide inputs, you may want to enroll in our Natural Turf and Landscape Management Certificate Program.
Although not an IPM class, our Sustainable Landscape Design course is similar in philosophy and teaches students to use the environment in their favor.
Our Lake Management and Pond Design, Management, and Maintenance courses include discussions on non-pesticide, environmentally friendly techniques to control aquatic weeds and algae.
Helpful Links
Rutgers Pest Management Office
The Pest Management Office provides information on pesticide applicator training, including how to purchase pesticide training manuals.
NJDEP Pesticide Licenses and Product Registration
Review information regarding pesticide applicators, operators, recertification, reciprocal licenses, and more.
How to Check Your Pesticide Applicator Credit History – Step by Step Instructions
The NJDEP has provided the below instructions for pesticide applicators who need assistance accessing their records electronically. Follow these steps to review your current license information and recertification status.
Directions to Look Up Credit History – Commercial Certified Pesticide Applicators
- Visit the DEP Data Miner website.
- Click on the link labeled Commercial Certified Pesticide Applicators – Specific Information.
- Enter the requested information (Birth Date, Last Four Digits of Social Security Number, and License Number).
- Click Submit.
Directions to Look Up Credit History – Private Certified Pesticide Applicators
- Visit the DEP Data Miner website.
- Click on the link labeled Private Certified Pesticide Applicators – Specific Information.
- Select your License Number from the drop down menu and enter the requested information (Last Four Digits of Social Security Number and Birth Date).
- Click Submit.
