Online Private Applicator Certification Program

In response to limited face-to-face training during the COVID-19 situation, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Plant Industry has approved an online private applicator certification program developed by the MSU Extension Service. Persons needing to obtain or renew their private applicator certification can complete the online training modules and an exam by following this link. The fee for training and testing is $60, payable online by credit card, debit card, or eCheck. The online private applicator training consists of video modules and an online proctored exam. While the video modules are accessible on mobile devices, the online exam will require a laptop or desktop, a webcam, adequate internet connection, and valid photo identification. The online test will be proctored by the online proctoring system Honorlock. Alternatively, the private applicator exam can be taken either online or as a paper test at an MSU County Extension Office.

Private Applicator Certification

A private applicator is a certified applicator who uses or supervises the use of restricted-use pesticides to produce an agricultural commodity on his or her own land, leased land, or rented land or on the lands of his or her employer. Private applicators must be at least 18 years old.

Private applicator certification expires after 5 years. To renew their certification, private applicators must complete private applicator training and pass the test during the 12 months prior to their expiration date.

In order to complete mandatory paraquat training  or mandatory auxin herbicide (dicamba) training, candidates must hold a current pesticide applicator certification.

How Online Private Applicator Certification Works

1. From a laptop or a desktop computer access the registration portal and follow these instructions to set up an MSU-ES Canvas account and sign into the MSU-ES Canvas portal.
2. Pay the $60 training fee by credit card, debit card, or eCheck.
3. Watch the training modules and take the 55-question exam. You must score 70% in order to pass the exam. You can review the training modules and take the exam again until you pass.
4. When you successfully complete the training, the Bureau of Plant Industry will mail your private applicator certification card via USPS to the address you provided during the registration process.

You must follow the Technology Requirements for Honorlock:

• Laptop or desktop computer (not a tablet or cell phone).
• Google Chrome browser.
• One-time installation of a Chrome browser extension (The system will guide you through this step, and you can remove it after use).
• Webcam (integrated or external).
• Single monitor setup (multiple monitors are not allowed).
• Strong internet connection.

Need help?

For technical assistance with the registration portal and operation of training/testing modules, contact the MSU Extension Center for Technology Outreach at (662) 325-3226.

For information regarding the current status of private applicator certificates, contact the Bureau of Plant industry at (662) 325-3390.

For all other questions regarding private applicator certification and training, contact the Mississippi Pesticide Safety Education Program at (662) 325-5829 or MSPSEP@ext.msstate.edu.