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Nebraska Pesticide Applicator Testing Sites

As of June 30, 2020, NDA will begin offering appointment only testing sessions. Please contact our offices for available dates and to reserve a time.

As of July 1, 2020 a number of Pearson VUE testing sites have reopened for testing services. A list of locations in Nebraska can be found here, appointments are then schedule through Pearson VUE.

ALL Private Applicator in-person training dates have been cancelled; training is still being offered online at www.pested.unl.edu or you may opt out of training by passing the PRIVATE APPLICATOR EXAM available at our in-person testing session.

For a resident of Nebraska to obtain a new commercial or non-commercial pesticide applicator license, a person needs to do the following:

  • Pass a General Standards (core) exam (60 multiple choice questions, 70% passing)
  • Pass at least one category exam, tied to the sites or pests you will be controlling
  • Complete a license request form
  • Pay the appropriate license fee ($90 for a commercial license)

For PRIVATE applicator online training click here.
For information about Pearson VUE testing click here.

There are no fees associated with taking Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) exams. To prepare for these exams, a person should obtain study manuals through the University of Nebraska Extension at http://pested.unl.edu. A listing and description of categories can be found at: Categories of Commercial and Noncommercial Pesticide Applicators.

UNL Extension also offers Initial Certification training sessions where videos with a review of training highlights may be viewed prior to taking NDA exams. Please note that exams are based off the content of written manuals and NebGuides, not videos.

Once all exams are successfully completed, a billing statement for the license will be issued. An applicator is not considered licensed until all necessary exams are completed and the license fee has been collected and processed.

Licenses expire April 15 of the third year after it is obtained or renewed. Renewal of licenses may be accomplished by:

  • Attending an approved continuing education course which includes updates to both General Standards (core) information and category-specific information.
  • Complete a license request form
  • Pay the appropriate license fee

NDA Walk-in "Testing Only" Sessions

All walk-in test only sessions are currently suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions. NDA will post test only sites and dates as soon as those restrictions are removed and applicator certification testing can resume.