Now that you have successfully passed your Private Pesticide Applicator Exam, you're ready to license! Below are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on what the next steps are to obtain your Colorado Private Pesticide Applicator's license. If you have any questions regarding the licensing process you can contact privateapplicator@state.co.us.
Licensing FAQ
- How do I license as a private applicator?
After successfully completing the private applicator exam you'll need to submit the Private Applicator License Application, a copy of your driver's license, a passport ready photo ( contrasting background, headshot only ), and the $75 fee.
Application forms were provided with the test packet you received or they can be downloaded by following the link below.
If you have taken your private applicator exam on-line through Metro Institute, you may apply online for a new private pesticide applicator license.
Be sure to fill out all applicable fields on each form, answer the license application background questions, note the agricultural commodity you produce and sign the application.(Failure to sign your application will result in CDA being unable to process your application and all materials will be returned to you.)
- What is the licensure fee?
The Private Applicator License fee is $75 and the license is valid for three years. This fee is collected as part of the online application process or, if you are taking the exam by mail there are instructions in the packet.
Questions, contact our office at (303) 869-9064.
- What if I don't have a Colorado driver's license?
A government issued photo ID may be used e.g. an out of state driver's license.
- How long does it take to process my application?
Processing normally takes up to five business days after receipt by CDA, although an expedited process is available for urgent business needs. Before mailing, contact our office at (303) 869-9064 to request expedited handling.
- Is my license a card?
Yes, CDA issues a credit card style card that lists the licensure categories an applicator is certified in. Upon acceptance of your application and all necessary fees are paid, a license card will be issued to you.
- Will my photograph be on my license card?
Although not mandatory at this time, generally, your photograph will be on your license. Photos are taken at testing locations, at the CDA office and by CDA employees at annual continuing education credit workshops.
Renewal FAQ
- How long in my license good for?
A private applicator license is good for three years and expires on your birthday.
- How do I renew my license?
It is the applicator's responsibility to be aware of when their license expires and when they need to renew their Private Applicator License. As a courtesy, CDA generally mails a renewal application to the applicator a few months before expiration, but if this is not received, contact the Department at (303) 869-9064.
Continuing education credits (CECs) are required to renew. CECs must be obtained before your license expires. If you fail to obtain the required CECs in your licensure category, you must retest to renew your license. There is no grace period for obtaining CECs.
- Where can I obtain information on continuing education credits (CECS)?
This information is available on our continued credits education Web Page.
- Can I renew late?
Late renewal is allowed if all of the following conditions have been met:
If the required number of Continued Education Credits (CECs) have been obtained prior to license expiration.
- If all required CECs have not been obtained, then re-testing is required.
- Up to 30 days past your expiration date a late renewal is allowed with the normal renewal application form, although a late fee of 10% ($7.50) is due in addition to the $75 license fee; i.e., $82.50 must be paid to renew.
- To renew more than 30 days and up to six months from your expiration date a reinstatement request form must be submitted, an additional $20 reinstatement fee is due in addition to the $75 license fee; i.e., $95 must be paid to reinstate.
General FAQ
- Can I use a private applicator license for anything other than the production of an agricultural commodity?
No.
A private applicator license is only intended to be used to apply or supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity.
Under CRS 35-10-103(11.5), a Private Applicator is defined as: "...any person who uses or supervises the use of a pesticide for purposes of producing any agricultural commodity on property owned or leased by the applicator or the applicator's employer or, if the pesticide is applied without compensation other than trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities, on the property of another person."
If a person wants to make pesticide applications for hire or apply restricted use pesticides for purposes other than producing an agricultural commodity, they must license as a commercial applicator and/or hold the appropriate Qualified Supervisor license.
- What is an agricultural commodity?
An "agricultural commodity" is defined in regulation as "...any plant, or part thereof, or animal, or animal product, produced by a person (including farmers, ranchers, vineyardists, plant propagators, Christmas tree growers, aquaculturists, orchardists, foresters, or other comparable persons) primarily for sale, consumption, propagation, or other use by man or animals.
- Is Cannabis considered to be an agricultural commodity?
Yes.
Under the Colorado Food and Drug Act (CFDA), "food" is defined to mean "articles used for food or drink for man or other animals...and articles used for components of any such article." C.R.S.§ 25-5-402(21). Cannabis, which is grown and used as a component in many forms of edible food products, thus qualifies as a raw agricultural commodity under the CFDA. Although not all cannabis is used in edibles ("food" under the CFDA) cannabis can be used for any purpose after harvest, including food use, thus warranting treatment of all cannabis crops as a food for pesticide regulation purposes.
- Do I have to maintain my current address and contact information with the Department?
Yes, you must notify the Department of any address/contact information changes within 15 days of such change.
- What if I lose my license card?
A replacement card may be obtained upon submission of a license card replacement application along with a $10 fee.
Private Application License Resources and Forms (Links)