If you are an Ag producer using any type of pesticide, you likely need to be certified as a private applicator.  South Dakota state law requires anyone who uses any pesticide in the production of an agricultural commodity with the gross sales potential of $1,000 or more to be certified as a private applicator.   If you are regularly applying pesticides for hire, you need to be certified and licensed as a commercial applicator.

To become a certified private applicator you may complete a self-study, take-home exam, available from most county Extension offices and from all Extension regional centers.   You may also become certified by attending private applicator certification trainings conducted by Extension field specialists at various locations across the state.  See the link below for a listing of dates and locations of trainings.  Once certified, you need to renew your private applicator certification every 5 years.  Testing and training are also the options for recertifying.  If you are currently certified, check the front of your certification card to determine when recertification is needed.

View a listing of private applicator certification trainings

If you have questions about applicator certification please contact your regional Extension center, SD Department of Agriculture (605) 773-4432, or Jon Kieckhefer at (605) 688-6784.