Loading...
Loading...
Pest Control
Total cost: Approximately $145+ (exam fees ~$55 per exam x at least 2 exams = $110, plus $90 license fee; actual cost depends on number of category exams needed)
4
License Categories
Yes
Exam Required?
6 hrs
CE Hours
Approximately $145+ (exam fees ~$55 per exam x at least 2 exams = $110, plus $90 license fee; actual cost depends on number of category exams needed)
Total Initial Fees
Not Required
Experience
Required
EPA Certification
Nebraska offers 4 pest control license categories. Available: General Pest Control, Termite, Lawn and Ornamental, Right-of-Way. Choose the category that matches the services you plan to provide.
Pass the Nebraska pest control licensing exam. Administered by Must pass a General Standards (core) exam (category 00, 60 multiple choice questions) plus at least one category-specific exam tied to the pest type or application site. Categories include: 01 Ag Plant Pest Control, 01A Soil Fumigation, 02 Ag Animal Pest Control, 03 Forest Pest Control, 04 Ornamental and Turf, 05 Aquatic Pest Control, 05S Sewer Root Control, 06 Seed Treatment, 07 Right of Way, 08 Structural and Health-Related Pest Control, 08W Wood Destroying Organisms, 09 Public Health Pest Control, 10 Wood Preservation, 11 Fumigation, 12 Chemigation. Exams are administered at NDA walk-in testing sessions, at UNL initial certification training sessions, or via Pearson VUE computer-based testing (available for categories 00, 01, 04, 07, 08, 08W, 09, 11, and 12). Passing score: 70%. Exam fee: $55 per exam via Pearson VUE; exam fees described as ranging $50–$100 per test at other testing sites.. Format: Multiple choice, closed book. Passing score: 70%. Exam categories: General Pest Control, Termite, Lawn and Ornamental, Right-of-Way. 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 Not required by Nebraska law — Nebraska law does not require proof of insurance or proof of financial responsibility from pesticide applicator license applicants) as required by Nebraska.
Submit your application to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) - Pesticide Program. Application fee: $50. Technician license fee: $25. Operator license fee: $90 for a 3-year Commercial Applicator License; $0 (free) for Non-Commercial Applicator License. Total initial fees: Approximately $145+ (exam fees ~$55 per exam x at least 2 exams = $110, plus $90 license fee; actual cost depends on number of category exams needed).
Nebraska requires a separate business license for pest control companies. Requirements: Employ at least one certified operator as qualifying party, Obtain general liability insurance, Meet all state business registration requirements, Register with the state licensing authority. Business license fee: $150.
Renew your license every 3 years. April 15 of the third year after the license is obtained or renewed. 6 CE hours required per renewal cycle. Renewal fee: $50.
Total Initial Licensing Fees
Approximately $145+ (exam fees ~$55 per exam x at least 2 exams = $110, plus $90 license fee; actual cost depends on number of category exams needed)
Includes application, exam,
and license fees
Application Fee
$50
Exam Fee
$50
Technician License
$25
Operator License
$90 for a 3-year Commercial Applicator License; $0 (free) for Non-Commercial Applicator License
Business License
$150
Renewal Fee
$50
3 years. April 15 of the third year after the license is obtained or renewed
Additional costs: General liability insurance (min. Not required by Nebraska law — Nebraska law does not require proof of insurance or proof of financial responsibility from pesticide applicator license applicants) may also be required.
Exam required
Exam required
Exam required
Exam required
Entry-level certification allowing work under direct supervision of a licensed operator
Requirements
Full certification allowing independent pest control work and supervision of technicians
Requirements
License allowing operation of a pest control business
Requirements
Exam Requirements
VerifiedState Exam Required
Examination Requirement
Exam Categories
Exam Provider
Must pass a General Standards (core) exam (category 00, 60 multiple choice questions) plus at least one category-specific exam tied to the pest type or application site. Categories include: 01 Ag Plant Pest Control, 01A Soil Fumigation, 02 Ag Animal Pest Control, 03 Forest Pest Control, 04 Ornamental and Turf, 05 Aquatic Pest Control, 05S Sewer Root Control, 06 Seed Treatment, 07 Right of Way, 08 Structural and Health-Related Pest Control, 08W Wood Destroying Organisms, 09 Public Health Pest Control, 10 Wood Preservation, 11 Fumigation, 12 Chemigation. Exams are administered at NDA walk-in testing sessions, at UNL initial certification training sessions, or via Pearson VUE computer-based testing (available for categories 00, 01, 04, 07, 08, 08W, 09, 11, and 12). Passing score: 70%. Exam fee: $55 per exam via Pearson VUE; exam fees described as ranging $50–$100 per test at other testing sites.
Passing Score
70%
Exam Format
Multiple choice, closed book
Retake Policy
May retake after a waiting period, typically 30 days
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
None specified
Experience Required
Supervision Details
No prior experience requirement stated for commercial applicator certification; applicants must pass the required exams
Not Required
Training
Approved Programs
No formal training hours required; experience under licensed operator serves as training
Apprenticeship
Work under a licensed operator for 1 year under licensed operator
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: Not required by Nebraska law — Nebraska law does not require proof of insurance or proof of financial responsibility from pesticide applicator license applicants
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 | $90 for a 3-year Commercial Applicator License; $0 (free) for Non-Commercial Applicator License |
Business License Fee | $150 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees From batch research results | Approximately $145+ (exam fees ~$55 per exam x at least 2 exams = $110, plus $90 license fee; actual cost depends on number of category exams needed) |
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
Verified3 years. April 15 of the third year after the license is obtained or renewed
Renewal Period
6 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
Limited reciprocity with select states
Transfer Details
Nebraska - contact state agency for reciprocity information.
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 Nebraska with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
IPM not specifically mandated
Details
IPM is encouraged but not mandated by state regulation.
Additional certification required for RUP
Requirements
Must obtain EPA/state certification in specific categories to apply restricted-use pesticides. Additional exam may be required.
Nebraska offers reciprocity with several neighboring states and has moderate termite pressure concentrated in the southern part of the state.
Nebraska's Department of Agriculture handles pest control licensing.
The state offers reciprocity with some neighboring states.
Termite pressure is moderate, concentrated in southern Nebraska.
There is no interstate compact for pest control operators. EPA restricted-use pesticide certification is a separate federal requirement.
Nebraska does NOT issue business/company licenses for pest control firms (except for commercial agricultural pilots, whose licenses must be tied to a specific business license). Nebraska requires commercial applicator licensing for both restricted-use pesticide (RUP) applications AND general-use pesticide (GUP) structural or lawn care applications made for hire — broader than EPA's minimum requirements. Category 08W (Wood Destroying Organisms) is a separate sub-category under Structural and Health-Related Pest Control for protection of structures from wood-destroying organisms such as termites and carpenter ants (does not include fumigants). Non-commercial applicator licensees may apply restricted-use pesticides on an employer's agricultural commodities and property; they are not required to pay a license fee. NDA does not issue apprentice-level licenses.
Pest Control requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Nebraska
See how Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska.
Moving to Nebraska? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Pest Control license to Nebraska →
Transfer your Pest Control license from Nebraska to: Colorado → | Iowa → | Kansas → | Missouri → | South Dakota → | Wyoming →
Nebraska requires passing a state exam for pest control licensing. EPA certification is also required. All licensing is managed through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) - Pesticide Program.
Requirements vary by state and license category. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.