Private Applicator Certification Program - Chapter 4 - Private Applicator Certification

Oct 4, 2026

This chapter explains California DPR’s Private Applicator Certification Program, including how “private applicator” and “certified private applicator” are defined under referenced codes. It outlines who may possess, use, or supervise restricted pesticides and restricted materials, when valid certificates are required, and what makes supervision by a certified applicator “adequate.” It also details supervision levels for noncertified applicators, including label-driven direct supervision for highly toxic products.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

About the Private Applicator Certification Program

Private applicator, defined

Certified private applicator, defined

Who may possess, use, or supervise the use of a restricted material

Supervision of uncertified applicators

Introduction About the Private Applicator Certification Program Private applicator, defined Chapter 4 Private Applicator Certification | This chapter describes DPR’s Private Applicator Certification Program.
􀁸 DPR licensing and certification of commercial pesticide applicators are discussed in Compendium Volume 1, General Administration of the Pesticide Use Enforcement Program.
􀁸 This chapter does not address commercial pesticide applicators such as those certified by the California Department of Consumer Affairs (Structural Pest Control Board) and the California Department of Public Health (Vector-Borne Disease Section) . | | --- | | The “Private Applicator Certification Program” was initially established in 1977 as a component of California's State Plan for Certification of Pesticide Applicators (commercial and private) who supervised or used restricted use pesticides. It resulted from amendments to FIFRA in 1972.
In 1996, the Food and Agricultural Code was amended (added FAC sections 14090-14099.5 to Division 6), separating the private applicator certification program from the restricted materials permitting process and establishing continuing education requirements for renewal. The program was designed to meet the U.S. EPA requirements for a private applicator certification program. | | Private applicator is defined as:
􀁸 An individual 1 who uses or supervises the use of a pesticide for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity as defined by Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations, section 171 .2(a)(5) (July 1, 2013)2 on property owned, leased, or rented by him/her or his/her employer; or
􀁸 A householder who uses or supervises the use of a pesticide outside the confines of a residential dwelling for the purpose of controlling ornamental, plant, or turf pests on residential property owned, leased, or rented by that householder.
(Reference: 3 CCR section 6000) | Continued on next page 1 “Individual” can be the operator of the property, the operator’s authorized representative (with written authorization), or the operator’s employee. 2 Due to a nonsubstantive change to the definition of private applicator, it is necessary to date the federal regulation code [40 CFR 171.2(a)(5)] referenced in the definition, since this is an incorporation by reference. 4-1 (Rev. 12-14) Certified private applicator, defined Who may possess, use, or supervise the use of a restricted material Supervision ofuncertified applicators | Certified private applicator is defined as:
􀁸 A private applicator holding a valid private applicator certificate issued by the commissioner (or the director in any county where there is no commissioner) .
(Reference: 3 CCR section 6000) | | --- | | Certified private applicators and certified commercial applicators may possess, use, or supervise the use of pesticides classified as “restricted use pesticides” by the U.S. EPA or designated as “restricted materials” by DPR, without additional supervision. These individuals shall only work with uses covered by their certificate.
It is unlawful for a private applicator to possess, use, or supervise the use of a restricted material in accordance with FAC section 14015 unless that person has a valid private applicator certificate.
(Reference: FAC section 14090)
Noncertified applicators may use restricted materials provided they are adequately supervised by a certified applicator. | | Whenever a noncertified applicator handles restricted use pesticides or restricted materials, they must be adequately supervised by a certified applicator. The level of supervision required is either specified on the restricted use pesticide label or in regulation.
For the most highly toxic pesticides, the label will define direct supervision to require the certified applicator to be physically present when the pesticide is handled by a noncertified applicator.
Federally restricted use pesticides are clearly identified by a

FAQs

How is a “private applicator” defined in this program?

A private applicator is an individual who uses or supervises pesticide use to produce an agricultural commodity on owned/leased/rented property, or a householder controlling ornamental, plant, or turf pests outside a residential dwelling. The definition is tied to specific federal regulatory and reference sections.

What does it mean to be a “certified private applicator”?

A certified private applicator holds a valid certificate issued by the commissioner (or the director where no commissioner exists), as referenced in the cited CCR section.

How must noncertified applicators be supervised when handling restricted pesticides or materials?

Noncertified applicators must be adequately supervised by a certified applicator. The required supervision level is specified on the pesticide label or in regulation, and the most highly toxic products require direct supervision with the certified applicator physically present and meeting applicable standards.

Oct 4, 2026

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