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South Carolina Pest Control License: How to Become a Certified Pest Control Applicator in SC

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Andrew Robichaud
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Originally published in April 2023. Last updated on November 29, 2024.

If you’re looking to jump into a thriving industry and secure your financial future, getting your pest control license in South Carolina is a great place to start. 

The demand for pest control workers in South Carolina is very high. The U.S. Department of Labor projects an increase in the workforce by 16% over the next 7 years, compared to 7% across the country. That’s an additional 370 job openings every year.

The average pest control applicator in South Carolina also makes $43,470 per year, and as you gain experience in your craft, your wage will climb too. The most experienced pest control workers can as much as $60,430.

In this pest control guide, we’ll go over all the information you need to get your pest control license in South Carolina:

If you’re serious about getting your South Carolina pest control license, make sure you bookmark this page. This way, you can return to this guide when you have questions or when you’re ready to start your own pest control business.

Do you need a pesticide license in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina requires all restricted-use and state-limited-use pesticide applicators to be licensed. 

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and Clemson University work together to regulate and administer pest control licenses in the state.

You must have a pest control applicator license to perform the following work:

  • Apply restricted-use pesticides or other regulated pesticide categories to your own property or someone else’s
  • Apply pesticides to a state, county, federal, or local municipal property
  • Operate a pest control business

Types of pesticide licenses in South Carolina

To get your pest control license and start working, you need to follow all requirements listed by the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).

Pest control licenses vary in requirements, so use this information to learn all the necessary requirements for your license type:

License TypesDescription
Commercial ApplicatorLicense holders may apply restricted-use pesticides, or any pesticide in categories 3, 5, 7a, 7b, or 8 to another person’s property as part of their job or for compensation.
Non-commercial ApplicatorLicense holders employed by a Government agency (state, county, federal, or local municipality may apply restricted-use pesticides, or any pesticide in categories 3, 5, 7a, 7b, or 8.
Private ApplicatorLicense holders may use, or supervise the use of, pesticides for the purpose of raising an agricultural commodity.
BusinessLicense holders may operate a business that will perform any activity in Category 7a.
Pesticide DealerLicense holders may distribute restricted-use pesticides.

In South Carolina, there are two categories of pesticides: restricted use and general use. 

Only certified applicators can use and purchase restricted-use pesticides. General-use pesticides are available to anyone without certification.

The restricted-use category is further broken down into five different subcategories: Categories 3, 5, 7a, 7b, and 8.

CategoryDescription
Category 3Products that control weeds in noncrop situations such as pastures or right-of-ways.
Category 5Products that control pests on crops or agricultural sites.
Category 7aProducts such as herbicides that are used to control aquatic vegetation.
Category 7bProducts such as insecticides and fungicides that are used in the production of food crops, ornamental plants, or turfgrass.
Category 8Products used for public health purposes such as mosquito and fly control in residential areas.

South Carolina pesticide license requirements

To get your pest control license and start working, you need to follow all requirements listed by the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).

Pest control licenses vary in requirements, so use this information to learn all the necessary requirements for your license type:

License TypesRequirements
Commercial Applicator• Write and pass the online core and category exams with a score of 70% or higher.
• Submit the license application form.
Non-Commercial Applicator• Write and pass the online core and category exams with a score of 70% or higher.
• Submitted the license application form.
Private ApplicatorComplete the private applicator training through the Clemson Cooperative Extension offices.
• Write and pass the online private applicator exam with a score of 70% or higher.

OR

• Possess a Commercial, Non-Commercial Applicator, or dealer license. 
• Submit the license application form.
Business• Become a Designated Certified Applicator (DCA) by completing a four-year college degree in the natural sciences or at least two years of verifiable experience in pest control.  
• Possess a Commercial, or Non-Commercial Applicator license. 
• Submit the license application form.
Pesticide Dealer• Acquire a Commercial or Non-Commercial Applicator License. 
• Write and pass the online South Carolina certification exam with a score of 70% or higher.
• Submitted the license application form.

How do I get a pesticide license in South Carolina?

There are five types of pest control licenses in South Carolina; the steps for obtaining each license type are outlined below.

Note: once you’ve completed and passed the necessary exam for your license, all required applications will be sent to you via email or mail. 

Commercial Applicator license: 

  • Write and pass the South Carolina certification exams and pay the exam fees. 
  • Complete and submit the commercial pesticide license application. 
  • Complete the required Evidence of Financial Responsibility Form
  • Pay the licensing fee. 

Non-Commercial Applicator license: 

Private Applicator license:

  • Must already have a Commercial or Non-commercial license. 
  • Complete the South Carolina private applicator training.
  • Write and pass the South Carolina private applicator exam. 
  • Complete and submit the application form and pay the fee. 

Business license:

Pesticides Dealer license:

  • Must already have a Commercial or Non-commercial license. 
  • Complete the South Carolina private applicator training.
  • Write and pass the South Carolina private applicator exam. 
  • Complete and submit the application form and pay the fee. 

All forms and documents can be submitted online or mailed to the following address: 

Regulatory Services

511 Westinghouse Road

Pendleton, SC 29670

South Carolina pesticide license exam

All pest control applicators in South Carolina are required to write and pass the South Carolina Pesticide Applicator exams with a score of 70% or higher. 

The core exam and category exams are offered by the South Carolina Metro Institute. The exams vary in price, so make sure you are prepared. Candidates can find more information about the exams here and study guides here.

To register for the certification exams, go to Register for Online Exams. Select SC, then Register for a new Metro Customer Account.

Does my South Carolina pest control license work in any other states?

South Carolina offers reciprocal pest control applicator licenses that allow pest control workers from other states to apply directly for the corresponding license. Your primary out-of-state license must remain valid to obtain your South Carolina reciprocal license.

South Carolina offers reciprocal licensing with 13 states under the following conditions:

StateCategories
AlabamaAll Categories
Arkansas1A, 1B, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
FloridaAll Categories except 7A and 7B
GeorgiaAll Categories except 7A and 7B
IndianaAll Categories
KentuckyAll Categories
LouisianaAll Categories
MarylandAll Categories
MississippiNon-Commercial, Private (Commercial – Core only)
New JerseyAll Categories
North CarolinaAll Categories except 11 (Must have both P and W Phase to obtain a reciprocal license in 7A)
TennesseeAll Categories
VirginiaAll Categories (Must have both 7A & 7B to obtain reciprocal license in 7A)(Must have both 3A & 3B to obtain reciprocal license in Cat 3)

Applicants must also submit the following forms to be eligible for a reciprocal license:

Find out more about how to get your reciprocal pest control license in South Carolina.

How much is a pesticide license in South Carolina?

The cost to become a pest control applicator in South Carolina depends on the type of licenses you need. Depending on the license type you’re applying for, you can expect to pay between $175 and $250. 

Here’s how the main costs break down:

Exam CostApplication FeeReciprocity Fee
Commercial ApplicatorSouth Carolina certification exam: $75
Category exams: $50
$50$50
Non-Commercial ApplicatorSouth Carolina certification exam: $75
Category exams: $50
$50$50
Private ApplicatorSouth Carolina certification exam: $75
Category exams: $50
Prorated portion of the (Non-) Commercial fee.$50
BusinessN/ABusiness license: $150
DCA license: $50
$50
Pesticide DealerSouth Carolina certification exam: $75$50$50

South Carolina pesticide license renewal

South Carolina requires that all pest control license holders have an up-to-date license status. 

All South Carolina pest control applicator and business licenses are renewed annually in-person, except for the private pesticide applicator license, which is renewed every five years. 

To renew your designated license, you must pay the fee and attend continuing education courses

Licenses expire on December 31 of each calendar year. 

You can check the status of your SC pest control license(s) on the following pages:

What happens if my pesticide license expires? 

Any work performed with an expired license will be in violation of the South Carolina Pesticide Control Act and will be subject to enforcement action. 

If an individual is found to be using a pesticide without a valid license, they may be subject to fines of up to $1,000 and jail time of up to 90 days. Additionally, the DPR may suspend or even revoke their license if they fail to renew it on time or violate any state laws while using pesticides. 

If an applicator license is not renewed by April 1 of the calendar year following its expiration, the license holder may be required to take another examination. 

However, if the license renewal is not filed before January 1 annually, a penalty of twenty-five percent of the original fee must be paid.

Requirements for business owners

Getting your South Carolina pest control license is a great first step toward a strong financial future. And if you’re looking to take it to the next level, you can start your own pest control business

Starting your own pest control business can be done with these straightforward steps:

  • Define your pest control services
  • Get pest control licensing and training
  • License and register your business
  • Get pest control business insurance
  • Open a business bank account

Now, you’re ready to start your pest control career in South Carolina! If you need to, refer back here for more information about pest control licenses or business support.

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