Loading...
Loading...
Pest Control
Total cost: $375
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
District of Columbia offers 4 pest control license categories. Available: General Pest Control, Termite/WDO, Fumigation, Turf and Ornamental. Choose the category that matches the services you plan to provide.
Pass the District of Columbia pest control licensing exam. Administered by DOEE-administered; certification examinations are held six times per year. Format: Multiple choice, closed book. Passing score: 70%. Exam categories: Core Exam, Category-specific exams. Exam fee: $50.
Obtain EPA certification for applying restricted-use pesticides. Categories: Category 7 - Industrial/Institutional/Structural, Category 3 - Turf and Ornamental. Federal EPA certification is required for any applicator using restricted-use pesticides. State certification covers general-use pesticides.
Obtain general liability insurance (minimum $300,000) as required by District of Columbia.
Submit your application to the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). Application fee: $50. Technician license fee: $25. Operator license fee: $100. Total initial fees: $375.
District of Columbia requires a separate business license for pest control companies. Requirements: Obtain certified applicator credentials, Apply for Basic Business License (BBL), Obtain required insurance, Register with DOEE Pesticide Program. Business license fee: $200.
Renew your license every 2 years. 8 CE hours required per renewal cycle. Renewal fee: $50.
Total Initial Licensing Fees
$375
Includes application, exam,
and license fees
Application Fee
$50
Exam Fee
$50
Technician License
$25
Operator License
$100
Business License
$200
Renewal Fee
$50
2 years
Additional costs: General liability insurance (min. $300,000) may also be required.
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; certification examinations are held six times per year
Passing Score
70%
Exam Format
Multiple choice, closed book
Retake Policy
May retake at next scheduled exam session
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Browse study guides
Pest Control Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study guides for pest control operator and pesticide applicator licensing exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 administers exams six times per year; the Toxic Substance Division approves educational programs for re-certification
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
Not sure if you need a pest control license? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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 accepts reciprocity from MD, VA, DE, WVA, PA, NJ; applicant must include the state of certification and provide a copy of the current license.
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare District of Columbia with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Pest Control requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in District of Columbia
See how District of Columbia compares: Pest Control License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare pest control requirements across all states →
Pest Control licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure pest control is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does District of Columbia compare to other states for pest control? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your pest control license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in District of Columbia.
Moving to District of Columbia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Pest Control license to District of Columbia →
Transfer your Pest Control license from District of Columbia to: Maryland → | Virginia →
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.