Now that you have successfully passed your Qualified Supervisor or Certified Operator Exam(s), you're ready to license! Below are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on what the next steps are to obtain your Colorado pesticide applicator's license. If you have any questions regarding the licensing process you can pesticidesprogram@state.co.us.
Licensing FAQ
- How do I license as a Qualified Supervisor (QS) or Certified Operator (CO)?
After successfully completing the necessary exams, submit the application, citizenship verification form and fee. Application forms are available at each testing site or by following the links below.
Be sure to fill out all applicable fields on each form, answer the license application background questions and sign.
Qualified Supervisors must have the required field experience to obtain a QS license. If you have passed the QS General Exam and at least one QS Pest Management category, but have not obtained the required field experience, you will be licensed at the Certified Operator level until you have obtained the required experience. Once the required experience is obtained you can upgrade your CO license to a QS license.See below for additional information regarding reciprocal licenses, which are issued at the CO level.
- How do I document my education and experience?
Qualified supervisors must complete the portions of the application that detail your field experience. Field experience must have been obtained within five years of your application date. College education credits in a related field to your pest management category can be combined with field experience in order to qualify for licensing as a QS.
College education credits in a related field to your pest management category can be combined with field experience in order to qualify for licensing as a QS. If education is used in lieu of a portion of the required field experience, submit an official transcript from your educational institution along with the application. The requirements are detailed in the Rules And Regulations Pertaining To The Administration And Enforcement Of The Pesticide Applicators' Act, Agriculture: Part 8.02, Turf & Ornamental: Parts 9.02 and 9.03, and Structural: Parts 10.02 and 10.03.
CDA may verify the education and experience documented on your application at any time. It is a violation of C.R.S.; 35-10-117(2)(f) which states: “It is unlawful and a violation of this article for any person acting as a…qualified supervisor or certified operator…to make false or misleading representations or statements of fact in any application…”
There is no experience requirement for a certified operator.
- What is the licensure fee?
The license fee is $100 and your license is valid for three years. This fee is collected as part of the online application process. Questions, contact our office at (303) 869-9065.
- Do I have to link to my pesticide applicator business or entity?
Yes, all QS and CO licensees are required to notify the Commissioner within 15 days when they begin, end, or change employment with a licensed commercial, registered limited commercial or registered public applicator.All new licensees must complete and submit this form to the Department within 15 days of licensure.
Complete and return a Notification of Qualified Supervisor or Certified Operator (“linking form”) if you are employed by a licensed commercial applicator business or a registered limited commercial or public applicator, and are not already linked to your entity.
Because the linking form is required to be completed and signed by both the individual (QS/CO) applicator and the business/entity, it is often more convenient for the individual to complete and sign their side of the form, provide it to business/entity, and allow the business/entity to complete their side and submit the form to the Department. Be sure to confirm this is done – both the individual and the business/entity are required to satisfy this requirement.
It only takes one party to “de-link” an applicator from a licensed commercial applicator business or a registered limited commercial or public applicator. Either the applicator or the entity can submit this request to the Department on the same form used to link an applicator to an entity.- 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) 869-9065 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, required documentation 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.
- Where can I obtain information on continuing education credits (CECs)?
This information is available on our Continued Education Credits (CECs) page.
- 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.
License Renewal FAQ
- How long is my license good for? 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 QS or CO 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) 869-9065.
Applicators must submit a renewal application.
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.- 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.
- 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% ($10) is due in addition to the $100 license fee i.e., $110 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 $100 reinstatement fee is due in addition to the $100 license fee; i.e., $200 must be paid to reinstate.
Reciprocal License
- What is a reciprocal license?
An individual certified or licensed by another jurisdiction as a private or commercial pesticide applicator may become a licensed private or certified operator in Colorado without passing examinations, but only for the unexpired term of that certification or license. A reciprocal application must include proof of current certification or licensure, a letter of good standing, a citizenship verification form and the appropriate fee. The reciprocal application may be denied if incomplete or incorrect. A reciprocal license expires on the expiration date of the certification or license issued by the other jurisdiction.
- Can I obtain a reciprocal license based on my current out-of-state license?
If you have a pesticide applicator license issued by another jurisdiction a reciprocal license may be issued if the criteria below are met.
• Any person wishing to obtain a Colorado Reciprocal License must:
o Complete and submit the Colorado Reciprocal License Application, and;
o Provide a copy of the front and back of the current out-of-state license, and;
o Provide a completed citizenship/immigration status verification form, and;
o Pay the $150 license fee, and;
o Provide a “Letter of Good Standing” from the primary agency that issued your license. An out-of-state license must be in good standing with the agency the license was issued from. A letter of good standing shows proof of the current certification categories held and their equivalency to Colorado’s licensure categories, confirmation of any pending or past enforcement actions that may affect licensure in the issuing state and confirmation of the license expiration date.
Colorado will not issue a reciprocal license from another jurisdiction’s reciprocal license. A reciprocal license is issued at the Certified Operator level only.
A reciprocal license does not allow an individual to operate independently or as a commercial applicator in Colorado. If employed by a commercial applicator or registered limited commercial or public applicator, an individual with a reciprocal license must link themselves within 15 days to their employer’s business.- When does my reciprocal license expire?
A reciprocal license is issued for the remaining period of your out-of-state license. For example, if your out-of-state license expires in six months, so will your Colorado issued reciprocal license.
- When do I renew my reciprocal license?
Reciprocal licenses are not “renewed” and CEC credits do not apply to reciprocal licenses. A new Colorado Reciprocal License Application form must be submitted to maintain your reciprocal license. As a courtesy, the Department sends a notice to each reciprocal license holder a few months before expiration.
QS CO License Resources and Forms (Links)