Attention all pesticide license holders: if you passed your pesticide exam prior to July 1, 2025, you are at risk of losing your pesticide certification and license.
You must complete the C&T standards update training by your next recertification date. Failure to complete the required training will result in the loss of your pesticide certification! For questions, please contact: NCDA&CS Structural Pest Control & Pesticides Division (984) 236-4575
Check out this article by Luke Owen in Buncombe County for more information about the new Pesticide Standards.
Why get Licenced?
To apply pesticides (insecticides, herbicides or fungicides) to another person's property for a fee you must have a Commercial Ground Applicator's Pesticide License issued by the NC Department of Agriculture. The North Carolina Pesticide Law of 1971 requires licensing for individuals applying any pesticide for compensation. The pesticide applicator is required to pass two tests: the Core Exam and a Category Exam. For you, this is the Category L Turf and Ornamentals.
| Category Explanation | Study Manuals Needed | Exams Required | Number of Questions | Price of Exam |
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(L) Ornamental & Turf Pest Control For pesticide applicators using pesticides in the maintenance and production of ornamentals, shade trees, and turf. This category includes commercial pesticide application work on home lawns, public grounds, parks, shade trees, golf courses, cemeteries, and in greenhouses. |
Ornamental & Turf | Ornamental & Turf | 50 | $20.00 |
| N.C. Pesticide Applicator Certification Core | Core | 100 | $50.00 |
Here is the Pesticide In-Person Exam Calendar for 2026.
* Note: Pesticide Schools are offered by NC State University. They are not required in order to sit for the exam which is administered by the NC Department of Agriculture. School registrations and Exam fees are paid separately.
Pay for exams at the exam site via check or money order, no cash, credit or debit cards.
Online, you can find information on the Pesticide Safety School here; once you are registered for a Pesticide School, you don’t need to register for the test, you automatically have a spot for the test. Here is the In-Person and Online Pesticide Exam Information.