2026 Renewal Window Opens for Tennessee Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) will open the 2026 commercial pesticide applicator certification renewal period on Feb. 23, 2026.

Commercial pesticide applicators must maintain active certification to legally apply pesticides and operate their businesses in Tennessee. Certification renewal is entirely based on earning the required number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during the current three-year cycle. The CEU accrual deadline is June 30, 2026.

After June 30, no additional CEUs may be earned for the current cycle. No extension of the CEU deadline will be granted.

Training providers must submit attendance rosters to TDA by July 30, 2026, for courses to count toward renewal.

TDA’s automated licensing system will evaluate renewal eligibility weekly throughout the renewal period. Applicators who meet all CEU and licensing requirements will move to “good to go” status and receive renewed certification cards at the applicator’s address on file.

Applicators who do not meet renewal requirements will be notified and may face a lapse in certification. Individuals who fail to earn the required CEUs must retest to regain certification.

Applicators should verify their CEU totals now and are encouraged not to wait until June to complete requirements. Applicators can review their CEU totals and training history through the Commercial Pesticide Applicators CEU portal at Pesticide Applicators – Commercial (including CEUs). The site also provides information on required CEUs by certification category, approved training opportunities and instructions for correcting training record discrepancies.

New applicants who test and obtain commercial pesticide certification between Feb. 23 and June 30, 2026, will not be required to earn prorated CEUs for the remainder of this cycle. Instead, newly certified applicators will receive certification valid through June 30, 2029.

Key Dates for Commercial Pesticide Applicators Renewal Process
• Renewal Begins: Feb. 23, 2026
• CEU Accrual Deadline: June 30, 2026
• Roster Submission Deadline: July 30, 2026

For additional assistance, contact the TDA Pesticide Section at Pesticides.CEU@tn.gov or (615) 837-5148.

PHOTO: USDA image by Keith Weller of weed control in soybeans