Pesticides

Q: How can I tell if my commercial certification is current?

A: You may view your status by using the commercial certification status webpage. Search using your TDA number or your name. The end date listed indicates when your certification expires.

Example: Your certification period shows 07/01/2023 – 06/30/2026, so your certification will expire on 06/30/2026 unless you earn the required CEUs to renew before that date.

Q: Will CEUs earned before my certification count toward my renewal?

A: No. CEUs earned before you pass the certification exam do not count towards renewal requirements. CEUs only count while you are actively enrolled in the certification program.

Example: You tested for your C07 certification on 3/5/2026, but took a course on 1/1/2026. Because you did not currently hold the certification at the time of the training, that course would not count.

CEUs only count towards the appropriate cycle. Earning CEUs before the beginning of the next cycle does not start the cycle early or allow CEUs to carry over per Tenn. R. & Regs. 0080-09-04-.05(4)(b)2.(iii).

Q: Where can I purchase study materials?

A: Study materials are available through the University of Tennessee Pesticide Safety and Education Program (UT PSEP).

UTIA Publications - Pesticide Training Materials

Phone: 865-974-1276

Email: psep@utk.edu

Q: Which books do I study?

A: For certification exams, it is recommended to study the appropriate certification manual plus the core manual.

Example: For the C07 exam, suggested study materials are the category 7 manual and the core manual.

For license exams, it is recommended to study the appropriate license manual plus the Tennessee Laws and Regulations (TLR) manual.

Example: for the GRC exam, suggested study materials are the GRC manual and the TLR manual.

Q: How do I take the exam?

A: Online testing is available through Everblue. https://register.tn.pesticide.onlinetestportal.com/

• Certification exams are $25 for each attempt.

In-person exams are available on selected dates throughout the year through UT PSEP. You can view their calendar of events here: Pesticide Safety and Education Program | Pesticide Safety and Education Program. Questions regarding in-person exams should be directed to 865-974-1276 or psep@utk.edu

Q: I tested for my certification late in the cycle, do I really need all the points?

A: No. The number of CEUs you need depends on when you pass your certification exam during the three-year cycle.

All certifications follow the same three-year cycle, which runs from July 1 to June 30 of the third year.

• If you are certified for the full three years, you must earn the full number of required CEUs.
• If you pass the exam after the first July 1 of the cycle, you only need to earn two-thirds of the required CEUs.
• If you pass the exam after the second July 1 of the cycle, you only need to earn one-third of the required CEUs.
• If you passed the exam after February 23, 2026, you will be automatically moved into the next renewal period and are not required to earn any CEUs before 07/01/2026.

Example 1: If the cycle runs 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2026 and you pass your exam on 8/1/2024, you must earn two-thirds of the total CEUs.

Example 2: If the cycle runs 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2026 and you pass your exam on 1/1/2026, you must earn one-third of the total CEUs.

Q: Do I have to earn a certain number of points per year?

A: All required points may now be earned anytime through the 3-year cycle, as long as they are complete by the closing of the cycle. You no longer need to spread points out or divide them per year.

Q: I have a license/certification in a different state, will that transfer to Tennessee?

A: Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with certain states and is granted on a case-by-case basis. More information and the online form can be found on our reciprocity website.

Q: How can I tell if I am in current standing?

A: When you view your profile in the private applicator portal webpage, you will see the current period and the CEU cycle timeline.

The end date displayed indicates when your existing certification expires. If your date range shows 07/01/2023-06/30/2026, then your current certification will expire on 06/30/2026 unless you earn enough CEUs to recertify.

Q: Where can I find courses to earn CEU points?

A: The course can be found under Pesticides Schools and Upcoming CEUs .

Q: Where can I recertify as a private applicator?

A: Recertification can be done through your local Office Locations, Departments, and Centers | UT Extension or online through Knowledge and Training Excellence.