Utah Pest Control License: How to Get Certified and Start Working
Key takeaways:
If you’re looking to become a licensed pest control professional in Utah, here’s what you need to know to get certified and start working in the industry.
- Utah requires all professional pesticide applicators to be licensed. This protects public health and ensures that applicators follow regulations set by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF).
- There are three applicator classifications: Commercial, Non-Commercial, and Private. Choose your classification based on who you work for, the type of pesticides you use, and your work setting—then certify in the relevant pest control categories.
- Getting licensed involves several key steps: Pay your licensing fee, set up your profile in the testing portal, study required materials, book and pass your exams, and notify UDAF to receive your license. Temporary permits allow you to start working as soon as you pass your exams.
- Licenses must be renewed every three years and require continuing education or retesting. Failing to renew on time can result in fines or suspension from work, so keep an eye on renewal dates and CEU requirements.
- Starting your own pest control business requires both an individual and a business license. You’ll also need to register your business with the state and have systems in place for customer management and daily operations.
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If you want to apply pesticides professionally in Utah, you need a state-issued license from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF).
This guide covers every step to get your Utah pest control license, from choosing the right classification to passing your exams, understanding costs, and keeping your license current through renewal. You’ll also learn how to start a pest control business in Utah and what kind of income you can expect.
Jump to:
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Do you need a pesticide license in Utah?
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Types of pesticide licenses
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Utah pesticide license requirements
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How to get a pesticide license in Utah
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Utah pesticide applicator exam
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How to add pest control categories to your license
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Utah pest control license reciprocity
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Utah pest control license cost
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Utah pesticide license renewal and continuing education
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How long does it take to get a Utah pest control license
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How to become a pest control technician in Utah
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How to start a pest control business in Utah
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Utah pest control salary and job outlook
If you’re serious about getting your Utah pest control license, make sure you bookmark this page. This way, you can return to this guide if you have any questions or are ready to start your own pest control business.
Do you need a pesticide license in Utah?
Yes. Anyone applying pesticides or substances to repel pests in Utah must hold a valid pesticide license. The state regulates pest control to protect public health, the environment, and applicators themselves.
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) pesticide program issues and regulates all pesticide licenses in Utah. You can reach their main office at 801-982-2200.
State law requires you to carry your official license or permit at all times when applying pesticides. Working without it can bring fines and other penalties.
Types of pesticide licenses in Utah
Utah has three classifications of licensed pesticide applicators. The classification you need depends on who you work for, what products you use, and whether you’re applying pesticides for agricultural production or commercial services.
| Classification | Description |
| Commercial Applicator | For individuals who apply general- or restricted-use pesticides for payment. Must be affiliated with a commercial pesticide business. |
| Non-Commercial Applicator | For individuals or employees of companies or government entities who apply restricted-use pesticides but don’t qualify as commercial or private applicators. |
| Private Applicator | For individuals or companies that use or supervise restricted-use pesticides on property they own or rent for agricultural production. |
Pest control categories
Each pesticide applicator must also certify in one or more pest control categories. You choose categories based on the type of work you plan to do.
| Pest Control Category | Description |
| Agriculture | For applying pesticides to agricultural crops and land, animals on agricultural land, and places those animals inhabit. |
| Forest | For applying pesticides in forests, forest nurseries, and forest seed-producing areas. |
| Ornamental and Turf | For applying pesticides to ornamental plants, trees, and turf, and to manage pests around sidewalks and driveways. |
| Seed Treatment | For applying pesticides to seeds. |
| Aquatic | For applying pesticides to standing or running water (excluding public health activities) and to sewers for root growth control. |
| Right-of-Way | For managing public areas like roads, power lines, pipelines, and railway paths. |
| Structural and Health-Related | For applying pesticides in public and private structures (homes, restaurants, schools, hospitals, warehouses) and adjacent areas to control household, fabric, stored-product, and vertebrate pests. |
| Public Health | For state or federal government staff (or those under their supervision) applying or overseeing restricted-use pesticides in public health initiatives. |
| Regulatory | For state or federal government staff (or those under their supervision) applying pesticides using mechanical ejectors or protective collars to manage regulated pests. |
| Demonstration, Consultation, and Research | For demonstrating correct restricted-use pesticide application to the public and conducting field research with restricted-use pesticides. |
| Aerial Application | For applying pesticides via aircraft (airplanes, drones, helicopters). |
| Vertebrate Animal | For applying pesticides to manage vertebrate pests. |
| Fumigation/Stored Commodities | For applying fumigants to soil, train cars, grain storage, manufactured product storage, flour mills, and similar areas. |
| Wood Preservation | For applying wood-preservative pesticides to fence posts, power poles, railroad ties, and similar wood items. |
| Wood-Destroying Organisms | For applying pesticides to control pests that damage or tunnel into wood, like termites, bees, wasps, or wood-decaying fungi. |
Utah pesticide license requirements
In Utah, you must be 18 years of age or older to obtain a pesticide license. Here are the additional requirements for each classification type:
| Classification | Requirements |
| Commercial Applicator | Pass the written Pesticide Applicator Core exam plus at least one category exam. Have at least two years of certification within the prior 10 years OR hold an associate degree or higher in a relevant field (horticulture, agricultural sciences, etc.). Cannot be affiliated with another pesticide applicator business. Must hold a commercial pesticide business license. |
| Non-Commercial Applicator | Pass the written Pesticide Applicator Core exam plus at least one category exam. |
| Private Applicator | Pass the written Private Pesticide Applicator Core exam plus at least one category exam. |
How to get a pesticide license in Utah
Getting your Utah pesticide license is straightforward once you understand the steps. Follow these instruction:
- Pay your licensing fee to UDAF online or by phone at 801-982-2200.
- Set up your profile in the pesticide testing portal. Start your registration in the Student Portal and select your license type and category exams.
- Get and study the required materials. You’ll need the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual and any category manuals for the exams you’re taking.
- Book your exam and pay the testing center.
- Take your exams remotely or in person at your chosen testing center.
- Notify UDAF after passing. Use the “Courses Completed” button in the Student Portal. If you don’t notify UDAF, you may not receive your license. Working without a license can result in fines.
Your license arrives within 30 days. After passing your category exams, you’re automatically emailed a 30-day temporary permit until your official license arrives. Carry both your license and permit with you while working.
Utah pesticide applicator exam
Everyone applying for a Utah pesticide license takes a Core exam. The specific exam depends on your license classification:
- Pesticide Applicator Core exam: For Commercial and Non-Commercial Applicators
- Private Pesticide Applicator Core exam: For Private Applicators
You also take one or more category exams based on the type of pest control work you plan to do. The passing score for every exam is 70%.
There’s no formal time limit, but plan on about three hours for testing. Allow more time if you’re taking multiple category exams.
| Exam Type | Number of Questions | Passing Score | Key Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pesticide Applicator Core | 100 | 70% | • Pesticide labels and functions • Safety protocols • Environmental impact • Pest identification • Pesticide selection • Equipment use • Application methods • Legal regulations |
| Private Pesticide Applicator Core | 50 | 70% | • Pesticide labels and functions • Safety protocols • Environmental impact • Pest identification • Pesticide selection • Equipment use • Application methods • Legal regulations • Supervisor responsibilities • Stewardship • Practical agricultural applications |
| Pest Control Category | 50 (100 for Ornamental and Turf) | 70% | Varies by category. Requires familiarity with the Conversion Chart and Calibration Formulas assignment in the Student Portal. Practice exams are available. |
How to add pest control categories to your license
After you get your initial license, you can add more pest control categories as your services grow. Here’s how:
- Visit the pesticide educational materials page and study the manuals for your new category.
- Call 801-982-2200 to pay the $25 category addition fee. Have your license number ready. You’ll receive an emailed receipt.
- Book your exam at a testing center and bring your receipt.
- Complete the form after passing your exam. If you don’t complete the form, your license won’t be updated.
- Wait about a month for your updated license to arrive.
Utah pest control license reciprocity
If you’re already licensed in another state, Utah offers reciprocity for license holders in good standing. This can speed up the process of getting certified in Utah.
Commercial and Non-Commercial Applicators: Follow the reciprocity application process, provide the required documentation, and get a valid pesticide business license.
Private Applicators: Follow the private applicator process on the UDAF website and provide the necessary documentation.
Utah pest control license cost
Your total upfront cost varies depending on your classification, how many exams you take, and whether you purchase study materials. Here are the current fees from the UDAF Fiscal Year 2027 Fee Schedule, updated July 1, 2026:
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Commercial Applicator certification/license | $100 (every three years) |
| Commercial pesticide business license | $125 (every three years) |
| Non-Commercial Applicator certification | $40 (every three years) |
| Adding a category | $25 per occurrence |
| Late fee | $25 |
| Print license/certificate | $20 |
| Duplicate certificate | $15 |
| Remote-proctored exam fee | $28.50 (paid to testing center) |
Note: UDAF updates its fee schedule every July 1, so confirm current amounts on the UDAF Fee Schedule before you apply. The Private Applicator fee isn’t listed separately on the schedule, so check there or call 801-982-2200 for the current private applicator fee.
In-person testing fees vary by testing center. Contact your chosen center for exact pricing.
Utah pesticide license renewal and continuing education
All three Utah pesticide license types expire every three years on December 31:
- Licenses issued January 1 through October 30 expire on December 31 two years later.
- Licenses issued November 1 through December 31 expire on December 31 three years later.
You can renew your license by retesting or by earning continuing education units (CEUs) during your license period. Renewal information and continuing education options are available on the UDAF website.
CEU requirements by license type
| License Type | Total Credits Required | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Applicator | 24 | 2 Law, 6 Safety, 10 Pesticide Use, 6 any combination |
| Non-Commercial Applicator | 24 | 2 Law, 6 Safety, 10 Pesticide Use, 6 any combination |
| Private Applicator | 6 | 1 Law, 1 Safety, 1 Pesticide Use, 3 any combination |
What happens if your license expires?
Stop all work immediately. Applying pesticides without proper certification is illegal in Utah.
A UDAF inspector can issue a citation of up to $500. More serious offenses can bring fines up to $5,000, probation, and license suspension.
How long does it take to get a Utah pest control license
Most applicants can start working within one to two months.
Here’s a realistic timeline:
- Exam prep: Allow a few weeks to study the Core manual and category manuals. The time you need depends on your background and how many categories you’re pursuing.
- Exams: You can schedule and complete your exams in a single day.
- License processing: After you notify UDAF that you passed, your physical license arrives within about 30 days. You’ll receive a 30-day temporary permit by email after passing your category exams, so you can start working right away.
How to become a pest control technician in Utah
The most common path into pest control is getting hired by a licensed pest control company. Most companies train new technicians on the job and may cover your exam and course costs.
A high school diploma is typically the minimum requirement. Once hired, you’ll certify under your employer’s business license as either a non-commercial or commercial applicator, depending on your role and what products you apply.
As you gain experience, you can add more pest control categories to expand your skills. Many technicians eventually work toward starting their own business.
How to start a pest control business in Utah
Starting a pest control business in Utah requires both individual certification and a commercial pesticide business license. These are separate from each other:
- Commercial Applicator certification: $100 every three years. This certifies you as an individual applicator.
- Commercial pesticide business license: $125 every three years. This licenses your business to operate. You’ll need to show proof of financial responsibility, such as liability insurance, to get this license.
Beyond licensing, you’ll need to register your business with the state. The Utah Business Portal guides you through evaluating your business concept, drafting a business plan, choosing a business structure, and finding funding. Register your business entity through the Utah Division of Corporations.
There are also practical considerations for running your day-to-day operations. You’ll need a system for quoting jobs, scheduling appointments, sending invoices, collecting payments, and communicating with customers. Pest control software like Jobber can handle all of that in one place, so you spend less time on paperwork and more time in the field.
Utah pest control salary and job outlook
Pest control technicians in Utah earn an average of about $21.73 per hour, according to Indeed.
Pay can vary considerably depending on your location, experience, employer, and responsibilities. For example, pest control technicians in Salt Lake City earn an average of about $23.14 per hour.
Nationally, employment for pest control workers is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Your earning potential may increase as you gain experience, develop specialized skills, or move into supervisory, sales, or management roles. Starting your own pest control business can also create additional earning potential as you build a customer base.
Originally published December 2023. Last updated August 11th, 2026.