The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is offering both in-person and online exams this season.

IDOA is offering in-person testing for all pesticide exams. Seating may be limited.  Pre-Registration is required for all in-person exams.  Bring photo ID.  No exams will be allowed without proper identification.

For a complete listing of testing locations or to register for an exam, please visit:

In-Person Testing Page  (Click Link)

(Please do not use internet explorer for your browser while booking a session.  Please use google chrome, microsoft edge, firefox or other similar browser.  Internet explorer is no longer being supported and may lead to technical difficulties)

Online testing is now OPEN.  

IDOA is offering online pesticide exams utilizing an exam proctoring service.  Exam length and time allotment for online tests are similar to that of in-person testing. Individuals will need to register for each exam through the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) website, schedule each exam with the proctoring service, and pay a small fee directly to the online proctoring company due at time of signup. Online proctoring allows for compliance with federal certification and licensing requirements.

For more information or to register for an online exam, please visit: Online Registration.

The University of Illinois' Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) is offering BOTH in-person and online training this season.  The following resources are available to individuals preparing for pesticide exams.

In-person training workshops are available for general standards, private applicator, field crop, turfgrass, rights-of-way, mosquito, and ornamental.  Testing (free of charge) will be offered following each training workshop.  

Preregistration and prepayment are required. For a listing of workshops or to register for a workshop please visit: Workshop Registration  or call (800) 644-2123 (Option 2). 

Upcoming Commercial Workshops:
Champaign - Dec. 15-16
Mt. Vernon - Jan.7-8, 2026
Springfield - Jan. 12-13

Upcoming Private Workshops:
Champaign - Dec. 11
Effingham - Dec. 18
Carterville - Jan. 6, 2026
Rock Island - Jan. 20

Online courses are available for general standards, private applicator, and most traditional training categories. The courses are designed to be completed on your own schedule and at your own pace. Each course will guide you through lessons instructed by PSEP specialists, and keep you engaged with plenty of exam-prep questions along the way. Access to each training course is available for a 30 calendar day window upon purchase.  You may review the training course contents as many times as you'd like during your access window.  For more information or to register for online training please visit: Online Training

Training Manuals are available for general standards, private applicator, and each category of licensure. Fill-in-the-blank-style workbooks are also available to help guide you through the manual and prepare you for the associated exam. For more information about obtaining training materials please visit:  Study Materials OR visit your local U of I Extension office that may have some training manuals in stock.

The costs associated with all 3-year licenses have changed.
    Commercial Applicator - $300
    Commercial Operator - $240
    Commercial not for hire Applicator - $180
    Commercial not for hire Operator - $150
    Private Applicator - $90
    Dealer - $360