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How to become a licensed pest control operator in District of Columbia. State exam required. EPA certification required. Total initial fees: $375. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pest Control
Governing Authority
District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE)
Official website →4
License Categories
Yes
Exam Required?
8 hrs
CE Hours
$375
Total Initial Fees
Not Required
Experience
Required
EPA Certification
Exam required
Exam required
Exam required
Additional Training
VerifiedAdditional fumigation safety training required
Exam required
Licensed to apply pesticides commercially in the District
Requirements
Basic Business License required for pest control companies
Requirements
Exam Requirements
VerifiedState Exam Required
Examination Requirement
Exam Categories
Exam Provider
DOEE-administered; exams held 6 times per year
Passing Score
70%
Exam Format
Multiple choice, closed book
Retake Policy
May retake at next scheduled exam session
No experience required
No formal experience requirement; must pass exams
Experience Required
Supervision Details
Uncertified individuals must work under direct supervision of a certified applicator
Not Required
Training
Approved Programs
DOEE-approved training; exams held 6 times per year
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
Not Required
Surety Bond
Required
Business License
Yes
Separate from Individual
Requirements
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
Exam Fee | $50 |
Technician License Fee | $25 |
Operator License Fee | $100 |
Business License Fee | $200 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on categories and license type | $375 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Categories
Renewal Fee
$50
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
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Reciprocal agreements with neighboring states
Transfer Details
DC has reciprocity agreements with MD, VA, DE, WV, PA, and NJ. Must provide copy of current license from qualifying state.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
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 practices required
Details
DC has an IPM program; DOEE promotes IPM for pest management in the District.
Additional certification required for RUP
Requirements
Must obtain DOEE certification to apply restricted-use pesticides.
DC offers reciprocity with 6 neighboring states (MD, VA, DE, WV, PA, NJ), making it easier for regional operators. DOEE regulates pest control and promotes IPM. A Basic Business License (BBL) is required in addition to applicator certification.
DC has reciprocity with MD, VA, DE, WV, PA, and NJ.
Exams are held 6 times per year.
DOEE regulates pest control rather than agriculture.
Applicators must carry photo ID when applying pesticides.
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 District of Columbia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Cost
#39 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
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: District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) — Licensing Requirements
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District of Columbia requires passing a state exam for pest control licensing. EPA certification is also required. All licensing is managed through the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE).
Requirements vary by state and license category. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.