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Private Applicators

Information for Agricultural Producers

Do I need a Private Applicator license?

Farmers and ranchers who use pesticides in their agricultural production can be Private Applicators. You must have a license before you can purchase or use Restricted Use pesticides.

How do I get a Private Applicator license?

You must pass a written exam (70% or better) and pay the $15 license fee. You can take the exam at any regularly-scheduled NMDA testing session (you must call ahead to reserve a spot). If you cannot make one of these sessions you can contact one of NMDA's Pesticide Compliance inspectors and make an appointment.

Your exam will be graded in Las Cruces, and if you pass you'll receive your license in the mail. If you fail you will be notified and can re-take the exam at the next session.

Only persons who are producing agricultural commodities in New Mexico are eligible for a Private Applicator license.

Preparing for the Private Applicator exam

The exam covers several aspects of agricultural pesticide use:

How to use pesticides safely and effectively
Reading and understanding labels
Identification, biology, and control of agricultural insects, weeds, and diseases
NM Pesticide Control Act & Rules as they apply to Private Applicators
Federal laws (Worker Protection Standard and Pesticide Recordkeeping)

Materials that can help you prepare include the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Manual; the Ag Pest & Weed Control Manual; WPS Handler Training videos; and the Pesticide Recordkeeping video. You can also refer to NMDA's Private Applicator Exam Study Guide.

Materials are available on the internet, at the County Agent's office, or from NMDA.

Renewing your Private Applicator license

Private Applicator licenses are good for five years. Before the expiration date you'll receive a renewal notice in the mail. If you have attended workshops and courses where you earned at least 5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), you can renew simply by documenting your attendance, signing the renewal form, and mailing it and the fee to NMDA. If you have not earned enough CEUs you must take the exam again.

Private Applicators can earn some of their CEUs by completing these online courses:

Farm*A*Syst - This program from NMSU is a self-assessment tool to help you determine risks to groundwater. Modules on handling. storing and using pesticides can be completed for 1 CEU each licensing period.
USDA Pesticide Recordkeeping - Your county agent has a CD covering the federal recordkeeping requirements for farmers who use restricted-use pesticides. It can be used for 1 CEU per licensing period.
EPA Worker Protection Standard Handler Training - Your county agent has this CD also; again, good for 1 CEU per licensing period.
Spray Drift Management - a course offered through Western Farm Press. Also good for 1 CEU per licensing period.