Why Certification?
The purpose of certification is to ensure a sound level of competence by all commercial pesticide applicators. Professional applicators must be knowledgeable about:
- safety precautions
- proper use and handling of pesticides
- current legislation governing pesticide use
- managing pest problems through an integrated pest management approach
- environmental protection
Exterminator
If you apply pesticides commercially and you are not a Technician or Trainee, you need an exterminator licence from the Ministry of Environment (MOE) which authorizes you to apply pesticides according to your licence. All new exterminators are required to pass a certification exam under the new curriculum, prior to obtaining the pesticide licence from MOE.
To become a licenced exterminator:
- Ontario Pesticide Training and Certification ( OPT& C) will provide you with the educational material and schedule an exam for a total cost of $165. Click here to obtain a copy of the Application for a Pesticide Certification
- When you have successfully completed certification through OPT & C you must apply to MOE for an exterminator’s licence. Click here to obtain a copy of the Application for a Pesticides Exterminator Licence.
Operator
If you are charging for your spraying services, you must have an MOE Operator’s Licence or be working for someone who holds one. For more information on your Operator’s Licence, please contact the MOE Approvals Branch at 1-800-461-6290. Click here to obtain a copy of the Application for a Pesticides Operators (Business) Licence.
Technician
Unlicensed assistants working without onsite direct supervision will have to successfully complete a training program to become technicians. Technicians can apply pesticides with specific restrictions of duties under the supervision of a licenced exterminator, who must visit once a week to observe the application. Unlicensed assistants who do not train to become technicians must be directly supervised by licensed exterminators at all times.