UPCOMING PESTICIDE CLASSES IN CLEVELAND COUNTY
A list of the classes are below. If you need to check on your credits you may do that here License Search and if you have a question call N.C. Cooperative Extension at 704-482-4365 or by emailing Morgan Walker (mlwalke6@ncsu.edu).
- Why do Pesticides often fail? (Turf Fungicides)
June 8, 2026
3:30-4:30 PM | Credits offered: D,L,N,X
- Herbicide Resistance & Pasture Management
July 22, 2026
6:00-8:00 PM | Credits offered: D,N,O,X
USEFUL RESOURCES!
- Pesticide Schools - To become certified as a Private Applicator, you will need to pass a closed-book exam based on the “N.C. Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual.”
- Course Calendar - This is to maintain your pesticide license. Private Applicators need to earn 2-X credits and 2-V credits by their recertification date, which happens every 3 years.
- Exam Calendar - If your pesticide license lapses or you are a first-time license holder who prefers not to attend a pesticide school, this is the exam-only option.
- License Search to check your credits
Pesticide Exam Information
Exams will be administered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) on day two of the pesticide school starting at 1 p.m. Online Pesticide Exams are also available. For exam-related questions, please contact the NCDA&CS at 919-733-3556 or visit their webpage.
Do You Need a Pesticide License or Certificate?
This flowchart will help you determine how to comply with these laws in North Carolina. Flowchart-For-A-License
Mandatory Update Required!
Following the U.S. EPA's update to pesticide applicator certification rules, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) has released a mandatory training video. The 1-hour video, titled “NCDA&CS Required Pesticide Certification & Training Standards Update,” is required viewing to maintain your certification and serves as a practical alternative to retesting.
Who is affected by this requirement?
If you are a private or commercial applicator who obtained your certification (passed the Core Exam) prior to July 1, 2025, you are required to complete this update.
What actions are required?
To remain compliant, you must:
- View the 1-hour video 2. Submit the online verification form once you have finished.
How to Access the Training
The video and verification form (currently available in English only) can be found on the NCDA&CS website here: NCDA&CS C&T Rules and Training
Deadlines for completion:
This mandatory training must be completed by your standard recertification credit deadline in the year your current certification expires. Failure to complete the training by these dates will require you to retake the certifying exam(s), even if all other recertification credit requirements have been satisfied.
Specific deadlines are determined by your certification type:
Deadline for Commercial Applicators: June 30th of the year your certification expires
Deadline for Private Applicators: September 30th of the year your certification expires
Note: If your certification is set to expire in 2026, it is vital that you complete the video and form by June 30th (commercial applicators) or September 30th (private applicators).
