Introduction
In order to apply or sell pesticides, an applicator must become certified by passing an exam. The type of certification required depends on the area in which the application will be made. For those unsure in which category to become certified, contact the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) at 225.925.3787 to confirm the correct exam to take. Once an applicator knows which exam to take, he or she may purchase study manuals to prepare for the exam. When an applicator is ready to take an exam, he or she may contact the LDAF at 225.925.3787 to schedule and exam.
Category 1: Agricultural Pest Control
Description: Spraying agricultural lands, grass lands and non-crop agricultural land
Study Guides Needed
Category 2A: Forest Pest Control (General Forestry)
Description: Spraying to control pests in the regeneration, management and production of forest stands
Study Guides Needed
Category 2B: Forest Pest Control (Forest Tree Seed, Orchards and Nurseries)
Description: Spraying to control pests and undesirable plants in production of forest tree seed, seedlings and cuttings
Study Guides Needed
Category 2C: Forest Pest Control (Wood Processing)
Description: Spraying pesticides in the manufacturing process of wood products
Study Guides Needed
Category 3: Ornamental and Turf
Description: Spraying to control pests in the maintenance and production of ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers and turf (working for lawn companies, nurseries, etc.)
Study Guides Needed
Category 4: Seed Treatment
Description: Using or supervising the use of restricted pesticides on seeds
Study Guides Needed
Category 5: Aquatic
Description: Commercial application or supervision of the use of restricted-use pesticides applied purposefully to standing or running water; spraying commercially around large bodies of waters, ponds, lakes, etc.
Study Guides Needed
Category 5B: Antifouling Paint - TBT
Description: Commercial application using or supervising the use of any restricted-use pesticide containing (TBT) in paints to be applied to vessel hulls and other marine structures to inhibit the growth of aquatic organisms such as barnacles and algae.
Study Guides Needed
Category 6: Right-of-Way and Industrial
Description: Spraying in maintenance of public roads, electric power lines, pipelines, railway rights-of-way or similar areas
Study Guides Needed
Category 7B: Industrial, Institutional, Structural & Health-Related Pest Control (In, On or Around Institutions, Motels, Hotels, Hospitals and Government Housing)
Description: Spraying around apartments, hotels, motels, hospitals
Study Guides Needed
Category 7C-1: Institutional, Industrial, Structural and Health-Related Pest Control (General Pest Control)
Description: Spraying around food in warehouses, grains, flour mills, food processing plants, commercial grain elevators
Study Guides Needed
Category 7C-2: Institutional, Industrial, Structural and Health-Related Pest Control (Vertebrate Control)
Description: Spraying around food in warehouses, grains, flour mills, food processing plants, commercial grain elevators
Study Guides Needed
Category 7C-3: Institutional, Industrial, Structural and Health-Related Pest Control (Stored Grain Pest Control)
Description: Spraying around food in warehouses, grains, flour mills, food processing plants, commercial grain elevators
Study Guides Needed
Category 7D: Industrial, Institutional, Structural and Health-Related Pest Control (In and Around Schools)
Description: Spraying in and around schools
Study Guides Needed
Category 8A: Public Health Pest Control (Mosquito Control Applicator)
Description: Spraying for mosquito control
Study Manuals Needed
Category 8B: Public Health Pest Control (Rodent Control)
Description:
Study Manuals Needed
- Public Health Pest Control
- Industrial, Institutional, Structural & Health Related Pest Control Subcategory 7b: In, On or Around Institutions, Motels, Hotels, Hospitals, Government Subsidized and Administered Housing, Multiplex Housing and Like Places as the Owner or in the Employ of the Owner (pub # 2958)
- Industrial, Institutional, Structural & Health Related Pest Control Subcategory 7D: Pest Control In and Around Schools (pub # 2601)
Category 8C: Public Health Pest Control (Community Public Health Pest Control)
Description:
Study Manuals Needed
- Public Health Pest Control
Category 8D: Public Health Pest Control (Mosquito Control Program Supervisor)
Description:
Study Manuals Needed
Category 8E: Public Health Pest Control (Antimicrobial Pest Control)
Description: This publication covers pesticide use to control microorganisms in various settings (e.g. swimming pools, hospitals, poultry houses, etc.). It covers the various groups of microorganisms including: bacteria, fungi, algae, slime molds and viruses.
Study Guides Needed
Category 8F: Public Health Pest Control (Root Control in Sewers)
Description:
Study Manuals Needed
Category 10: Demonstration & Research
Description: Individuals who conduct research and/or demonstrate to the public the proper use and techniques of application of pesticides with restricted use.
LDAF currently offers Demonstration & Research exams in the following categories;
- 10-1 Agricultural Pest Control
- 10-3 Ornamental & Turf Pest control
- 10-7C3 Stored Grain Pest Control
- 10-8A Mosquito Control
Study Guides Needed
Category 11: Aerial Application of Pesticides
Description: Spraying pesticides via an aerial medium
Study Manuals Needed
General Standards
Description: General pesticide and application information
Study Manuals Needed
Private Applicator
Description: Spraying for personal use (e.g. Master Gardeners)
Study Manuals Needed
Commercial Applicator
Commercial applicators typically apply pesticides for hire. The category for which a commercial applicator must be certified depends on the area in which the application will be made. There are multiple types of certifications for commercial applicators. For more information on each category, see the sections below.
Study Manuals
Before taking an exam, there are manuals available to applicators for exam preparation. There are several ways to order manuals including:
- Picking one up in person on the LSU Campus at 268 Knapp Hall.
- Purchasing online at the LSU AgCenter Store. Manuals are $8 to $15 plus tax and shipping.
- Calling 225.578.5920 if the manual you are looking for is not on the website.
- For Core Manuals only: Picking one up in person during normal business hours Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) at most parish offices of the LSU AgCenter. Call to see if it is available for pickup or for assistance in ordering. Click here to locate your nearest AgCenter office.
Study Manuals Available for Purchase
Certification
Category |
Manual |
Pub # |
Cost |
| . |
National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual (AKA General Standards) |
2959 |
$15 |
| 1, 10 |
Agricultural Pest Control |
1918 |
$8 |
| 2A |
Forest Pest Control (General Forestry) |
1909 |
Free |
| 2A |
Pest & Pest Management on Southern Forests |
. |
Free |
| 2B |
Forest Pest Control (Forest, Tree, Seed Orchards and Nurseries) |
1945 |
$8 |
| 2C |
Forest Pest Control (Wood Processing) |
2316 |
$8 |
| 3 |
Ornamental and Turf Pest Control |
1933 |
$8 |
| 4 |
Seed Treatment |
. |
Free |
| 5 |
Training Manual for Aquatic Herbicide Applicators |
2506 |
$8 |
| 5B |
TBT Anti-Fouling Paint |
. |
$8 |
| 6 |
Roadside Right-of-Way Vegetation Management |
2508 |
$12 |
| 7B, 8B |
Industrial, Institutional, Structural & Health-Related Pest Control Subcategory 7b: In, On or Around Institutions, Motels, Hotels, Hospitals, Government Subsidized and Administered Housing, Multiplex Housing and Like Places as the Owner or in the Employ of the Owner |
2958 |
$8 |
| 7C |
Institutional, Industrial, Structural & Health-Related Pest Control |
2294 |
$8 |
| 7D, 8B |
Industrial, Institutional, Structural & Health-Related Pest Control Subcategory 7D: Pest Control In and Around Schools |
2601 |
$8 |
| 8A, 8D |
Mosquito Control Training Manual* |
. |
$15 |
| 8B, 8C |
Public Health Pest Control |
. |
. |
| 8E |
Microbial Pest Control |
. |
Free |
| 11 |
Aerial Applicator's Manual |
3193 |
$15 |
*To order mosquito book, contact the Louisiana Mosquito Control Association at 985.543.0454.
