Volume 13 Issue 11
Below is an article that was posted last April, since then more information has become available about the changes and actions that licensed applicators need to undertake starting in January 2026. The most up to date information can be found at the WSDA website.
Navigating requirements for obtaining and maintaining a pesticide license can be confusing. In Washington State, a pesticide license is necessary for individuals using, distributing, and consulting on the use of certain pesticides. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is responsible for enforcing state and federal licensing requirements.
In 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced stricter standards for people who use restricted-use pesticides to help prevent misapplications and exposures. WSDA must update our certification program to comply with these new standards.
What is changing?
WSDA is updating pesticide licensing rules, which will:
- Add new license categories for method-specific applications.
- Strengthen standards for existing licenses and certification categories.
- Reinforce minimum age for all licensed applicators and set a new minimum age for unlicensed applicators applying under a licensed applicator’s direct supervision.
- Establish protections for unlicensed applicators by requiring training.
- Increase dealer recordkeeping requirements for distribution of restricted use pesticides.
Who is affected by the proposed rule changes?
There are almost 25,000 active pesticide licensees in Washington State. The rule changes will impact all applicators in the state, including noncertified applicators who work under the supervision of a licensed applicator.
Current licensed applicators studied manuals and took exams that were missing standards that are now federally required. Almost all of Washington’s licensees will need to do something to meet these new requirements.
When will these changes happen?
The proposed effective date of the new requirements is January 1, 2026. Any new licensees after the effective date will be studying new manuals and taking new versions of the exams.
But what does this mean for existing licensees?
This rule change will impose an effective date based on your recertification cycle. You must meet the new requirements by the end of your recertification cycle at the time the new rules are in effect.
| If your current cycle is: | You must meet new requirements by: |
| 2021-2025* | 12/31/2030 |
| 2022-2026 | 12/31/2026 |
| 2023-2027 | 12/31/2027 |
| 2024-2028 | 12/31/2028 |
| 2025-2029 | 12/31/2029 |
| 2026-2030 | 12/31/2030 |
| *This group will be in a new cycle when new rules begin. |
What does “meet the new requirements” mean?
This will be different for everyone and is dependent on your license type, your categories, and the kind of work you do. For most licensees, taking a recertification course that covers the missing competency standards will be enough to meet the new requirements. This course will be assigned certification and training (C&T) specific credits and will only be available from Washington State University’s internet course catalog. This course will be available after January 1, 2026.
For some licensees, testing will be required. Some categories are missing too many standards to be included in a course, and some categories are brand new with a new set of federal standards.
Where can I find the details of the changes?
For information about all the changes and what you will need to do to maintain your license, please visit our C&T Rule Updates webpage.
Share “What’s Happening with C&T” with licensees.
Sign up for any updates on the new C&T requirements, other changes, and renewal notices at the Pesticide Licensing GovDelivery.
Contact us:
Licensing and Recertification Program
C&T questions: pestlicenseupdate@agr.wa.gov
Licensing questions: license@agr.wa.gov
Recertification questions: recertification@agr.wa.gov
Toll free: 877-301-4555 (Para Español, presione 2)