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How to become a licensed pest control operator in Arkansas. State exam required. EPA certification required. Experience: 1 year experience or 2 years college with entomology coursework. Total initial fees: $250. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pest Control
4
License Categories
Yes
Exam Required?
4 hrs
CE Hours
$250
Total Initial Fees
1 year experience or 2 years college with entomology coursework
Experience
Required
EPA Certification
Exam required
Additional Training
Verified40 hours on-the-job training under qualified trainer
Exam required
Additional Training
Verified40 hours on-the-job training under qualified trainer
Exam required
Additional Training
VerifiedAdditional fumigation safety training required
Exam required
Entry-level allowing work under supervision of a licensed commercial applicator
Requirements
Licensed to independently perform pest control and supervise technicians
Requirements
License to operate a pest control business
Requirements
Exam Requirements
VerifiedState Exam Required
Examination Requirement
Exam Categories
Exam Provider
State-administered through Arkansas Department of Agriculture
Passing Score
70%
Exam Format
Multiple choice, closed book
Retake Policy
May retake after waiting period
Experience required
1 year experience or 2 years college with entomology coursework
Experience Required
Supervision Details
Registered agents must work under direct supervision of a commercial applicator
Required
Training
40 hrs
Training Hours
Approved Programs
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension; 40 hours on-the-job training under qualified trainer
Apprenticeship
40 hours verifiable on-the-job training under direct supervision of qualified trainer with at least 1 year experience
EPA certification required
EPA Categories
Details
Federal EPA certification is required for any applicator using restricted-use pesticides. State certification covers general-use pesticides.
Required
GL Insurance
Min: $300,000
Required
Surety Bond
Amount: Required for termite/WDO work
Required
Business License
Yes
Separate from Individual
Requirements
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
Exam Fee | $25 |
Technician License Fee | $25 |
Operator License Fee | $50 |
Business License Fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee | $100 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on categories and license type | $250 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year (July 1 - June 30)
Renewal Period
4 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Categories
Renewal Fee
$100
Regulatory Board
Pest control licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering integrated pest management, pesticide safety, environmental regulations, and applicable state/federal law updates.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
Arkansas does not offer formal reciprocity for out-of-state licenses.
Pest control license reciprocity varies by state. Some states accept credentials from other states with equivalent requirements, while others require applicants to pass the state exam regardless of prior certification.
IPM not specifically mandated
Details
IPM is encouraged but not mandated.
Additional certification required for RUP
Requirements
Must obtain state certification to apply restricted-use pesticides. Core and category exams required.
Arkansas requires 40 hours of verifiable on-the-job training under a qualified trainer before taking exams. License holder (business) fees scale based on the number of registered agents: $100 for 0-30, $250 for 31-60, $500 for 61+.
Arkansas requires 40 hours of verifiable on-the-job training.
License holder fees scale with number of registered agents.
Licenses run on state fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).
The State Plant Board oversees pest control regulation.
There is no interstate compact for pest control operators. EPA restricted-use pesticide certification is a separate federal requirement.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arkansas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#44 of 51
Cost
#9 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pest Control Workers (SOC 37-2021)
Entry Level
$34,490
25th percentile
Median
$37,240
-17% vs. national avg ($44,730)Experienced
$45,110
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,200 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Pest Control Workers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+5.9%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+5,700
over 10 years
Annual Openings
10,100
per year (avg.)
95,600 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–20 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Arkansas Department of Agriculture - State Plant Board — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Arkansas Department of Agriculture - State Plant Board — Licensing Requirements
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Arkansas requires passing a state exam for pest control licensing. EPA certification is also required. All licensing is managed through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture - State Plant Board.
Requirements vary by state and license category. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.