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How to become a licensed pest control operator in New York. State exam required. EPA certification required. Experience: 1-3 years depending on pathway; options include 1 year as technician with 12 hours training, 2 years as technician, or 3 years as apprentice. Total initial fees: $1,300. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pest Control
6
License Categories
Yes
Exam Required?
12 hrs
CE Hours
$1,300
Total Initial Fees
1-3 years depending on pathway; options include 1 year as technician with 12 hours training, 2 years as technician, or 3 years as apprentice
Experience
Required
EPA Certification
Exam required
Exam required
Exam required
Additional Training
VerifiedAdditional fumigation safety training 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
State-administered
Passing Score
75%
Exam Format
Multiple choice, closed book
Retake Policy
May retake after a waiting period, typically 30 days
Experience required
1-3 years depending on pathway; options include 1 year as technician with 12 hours training, 2 years as technician, or 3 years as apprentice
Experience Required
Supervision Details
Uncertified workers must be under direct supervision of certified applicator
Required
Training
30 hrs
Training Hours
Approved Programs
State-approved training programs
Apprenticeship
Work under a licensed operator for 2 years under licensed operator or 1 year with qualifying education
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: $500,000
Not Required
Surety Bond
Required
Business License
Yes
Separate from Individual
Requirements
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $450 |
Exam Fee | Included |
Technician License Fee | $100 |
Operator License Fee | $450 |
Business License Fee | $300 |
Renewal Fee | $200 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on categories and license type | $1,300 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Categories
Renewal Fee
$200
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
New York - contact state agency for reciprocity information.
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
IPM practices are required or strongly encouraged, particularly for schools and government facilities.
Additional certification required for RUP
Requirements
Must obtain EPA/state certification in specific categories to apply restricted-use pesticides. Additional exam may be required.
New York has a dual-regulation system: the state DEC sets statewide standards, but NYC adds its own layer of requirements through NYC DEP. A higher-than-average 75% passing score is required.
New York regulates pest control through DEC rather than the agriculture department.
30 hours of training is required.
IPM is mandated for schools and encouraged broadly.
NYC has additional requirements through the NYC DEP.
A 75% passing score is required, higher than many states.
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 New York.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#6 of 51
Cost
#51 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
$46,000
25th percentile
Median
$48,470
+8% vs. national avg ($44,730)Experienced
$61,330
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,870 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: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) — Licensing Requirements
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New York requires passing a state exam for pest control licensing. EPA certification is also required. All licensing is managed through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Requirements vary by state and license category. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.