Computer-Based Pesticide Testing

For more information, call toll-free 877-301-4555 or email license@agr.wa.gov.

WSDA contracted with Metro Institute to offer computer-based pesticide licensing exams. The fee is $58 per exam. Make sure to read the following instructions and testing policies before going to the Metro website.

Testing Policies:

• You must be at least 18 years old apply for a license and take exams.
• Testing fees must be paid prior to the scheduled exam. Fee for computer-based testing is $58 per exam.
• You must bring your government-issued photo ID to your scheduled testing session.
  • You will not be allowed to test without your ID verifying your identity, including photo, full name, and birthdate.
• Waiting periods are required for second or more failures of paper-based and computer-based exams:
  • Second, third, or fourth failure of any exam require a 14-day waiting period.
  • Fifth or more failures require a 60-day waiting period.
  • If you schedule an exam before the required waiting period, those exam results will not be valid.
• If WSDA revises or develops an exam, all affected licensees may be required to retest.
• Removing or being in possession of all or a part of a WSDA exam is prohibited.
• You must not:
  • Use your cell phone or any other device prohibited by the testing vendor.
  • Use study materials
  • Take notes on the exam.
  • Talk to another tester during the exam.
  • Remove any testing information.
• Any violation of testing policies listed here or presented on the day of exam can result in voiding of your exam scores or referral to Compliance for action

To Apply To Test:

• Create a user account on Metro Institute’s website.
• Submit an application for the license type you are trying to obtain or maintain. The following information is required:
  • Full legal name (as it appears on your government-issued photo ID)
  • Social security number
  • Date of birth
  • Mailing address
  • Email address
• Before you can schedule an exam, you must have paid this year’s license fee and WSDA must have approved your application.
  • Duplicate or incorrect fees under $50 will not be refunded unless a written request is submitted. 
• How to:
• Submit and pay for a new application if you already have a Metro log-in. [PDF]
• Pay for your license application fee if you’ve already submitted an application. [PDF]

To Schedule an Exam:

Before you can schedule an exam, you must have paid this year’s license fee and WSDA must have approved your application. To schedule an exam:

• You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been approved.
• Click the link to Metro and log in.
• Select the exam you wish to take, the testing center location, and the preferred date/time.
• Pay the appropriate exam fee(s), $58 per exam.
• Payment must be made via credit card.

Things to Note Before You Schedule:

• Before you can schedule an exam, you must have paid this year’s license fee and WSDA must have approved your application.
  • Duplicate or incorrect fees under $50 will not be refunded unless a written request is submitted. 
• The testing fee is $58 per exam and it must be paid at the time you schedule.
• Time allowed for each exam varies. Two hours for exams with 60 or more questions. One hour for exams with less than 60 questions. See “Allowed Time for Exams” below.
• Exams required for the Structural Pest Inspector (SPI) license are not available via computer-based testing yet.

Why Computer-Based Testing:

Benefits of computer-based testing:

• 24/7 online portal to apply for a license and register for exams.
• Easier tracking for employers signing up multiple testers.
• Immediate testing results.
• Topic breakdown of test results to show what areas need improvement.
• Faster processing of licenses and added categories.
• Testing locations across the state with more availability.

For more information on computer-based testing, review the presentations on the changes needed to get here:

• Testing fee rulemaking update webinar, October 2021 [PDF]
• Testing fee rulemaking update webinar, June 2022 [PDF]
• Pesticide Management Division update webinar, November 2022, page 12 [PDF]

You can view the full recorded webinars at the Pesticide Licensing Webinars page.