Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed pest control operator in Indiana. State exam required. EPA certification required. Total initial fees: $180. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pest Control
4
License Categories
Yes
Exam Required?
5 hrs
CE Hours
$180
Total Initial Fees
Not Required
Experience
Required
EPA Certification
Exam required
Exam required
Exam required
Additional Training
VerifiedAdditional fumigation safety training required
Exam required
Entry-level registration for work under certified applicator supervision
Requirements
Certified to apply pesticides commercially for compensation
Requirements
License to operate a pest control business
Requirements
Exam Requirements
VerifiedState Exam Required
Examination Requirement
Exam Categories
Exam Provider
Purdue University; exams available free of charge at West Lafayette campus
Passing Score
70%
Exam Format
Multiple choice, closed book
Retake Policy
May retake; contact OISC for scheduling
No experience required
No formal experience requirement; must complete approved training and pass exams
Experience Required
Supervision Details
Registered technicians must work under certified applicator supervision
Required
Training
Approved Programs
Purdue Pesticide Programs multi-day training; exams free at Purdue West Lafayette campus
Apprenticeship
Registered technicians work under certified applicator supervision
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 | $45 |
Exam Fee | Free at Purdue; fees may apply elsewhere |
Technician License Fee | $45 |
Operator License Fee | $45 |
Business License Fee | $45 |
Renewal Fee | $45 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on categories and license type | $180 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified5 years (recertification); annual fee
Renewal Period
5 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Categories
Renewal Fee
$45
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
Indiana 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 OISC certification to apply restricted-use pesticides.
Indiana's pest control licensing is uniquely administered by the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) housed at Purdue University, not a state department. Exams are available free of charge at Purdue's campus. All annual fees are a uniform $45.
Indiana's pest control licensing is administered by OISC at Purdue University.
Exams are free at Purdue's West Lafayette campus.
All fees are $45 annually.
Certification must be renewed every 5 years.
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 Indiana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#10 of 51
Cost
#4 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
$37,200
25th percentile
Median
$47,130
+5% vs. national avg ($44,730)Experienced
$50,660
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,570 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: Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) at Purdue University — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) at Purdue University — 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.
Indiana requires passing a state exam for pest control licensing. EPA certification is also required. All licensing is managed through the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) at Purdue University.
Requirements vary by state and license category. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.