Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed pest control operator in Georgia. State exam required. EPA certification required. Experience: Experience required; varies by category. Total initial fees: $325. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pest Control
4
License Categories
Yes
Exam Required?
25 hrs
CE Hours
$325
Total Initial Fees
Experience required; varies by category
Experience
Required
EPA Certification
Exam required
Exam required
Exam required
Additional Training
VerifiedAdditional fumigation safety training required
Exam required
Entry-level allowing pest control work under certified operator supervision
Requirements
Full certification for independent structural pest control work and supervision
Requirements
Business license for pest control companies
Requirements
Exam Requirements
VerifiedState Exam Required
Examination Requirement
Exam Categories
Exam Provider
State-administered by Georgia Department of Agriculture; $45 per category exam
Passing Score
70%
Exam Format
Multiple choice, closed book
Retake Policy
May retake after waiting period
Experience required
Experience required; varies by category
Experience Required
Supervision Details
Registered technicians must work under certified operator supervision
Not Required
Training
Approved Programs
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension provides training materials
Apprenticeship
Work under certified operator to gain 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 WDO work
Required
Business License
Yes
Separate from Individual
Requirements
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $100 |
Exam Fee | $45 per category |
Technician License Fee | $25 |
Operator License Fee | $100 |
Business License Fee | $55 |
Renewal Fee | $55 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on categories and license type | $325 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified5 years (recertification)
Renewal Period
25 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Categories
Renewal Fee
$55
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
Georgia does not offer formal reciprocity.
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.
Georgia has a 5-year recertification cycle requiring 25 CE credits per category (HPC, WDO). Computer-based training credits are capped at 10 per category, encouraging in-person continuing education.
Georgia uses a 5-year recertification cycle with 25 CE credits per category.
Exam fees are $45 per category.
Contractor license is $55 annually.
Computer-based training credits are limited to 10 per category.
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 Georgia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#28 of 51
Cost
#16 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
$36,220
25th percentile
Median
$43,610
-3% vs. national avg ($44,730)Experienced
$55,480
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
5,720 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: Georgia Department of Agriculture — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Georgia Department of Agriculture — Licensing Requirements
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.
Exam prep tips, certification categories, EPA requirements, CE details, and renewal info — delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Georgia requires passing a state exam for pest control licensing. EPA certification is also required. All licensing is managed through the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Requirements vary by state and license category. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.