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Pest Control
Total cost: $305
Governing Authority
Ohio Department of Agriculture (Pesticide & Fertilizer / Plant Health Section)
Official website →4
License Categories
Yes
Exam Required?
5 hrs
CE Hours
$305
Total Initial Fees
Not Required
Experience
Required
EPA Certification
Ohio offers 4 pest control license categories. Available: General Pest Control, Termite/WDO, Fumigation, Lawn and Ornamental. Choose the category that matches the services you plan to provide.
Pass the Ohio pest control licensing exam. Administered by State-administered. Format: Multiple choice, closed book. Passing score: 70%. Exam categories: General Pest Control, Termite/WDO, Fumigation, Lawn and Ornamental. Exam fee: $100-$200.
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 Ohio.
Submit your application to the Ohio Department of Agriculture (Pesticide & Fertilizer / Plant Health Section). Application fee: $35. Technician license fee: $35. Operator license fee: $35. Total initial fees: $305.
Ohio 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: $100.
Renew your license every 3 years. 5 CE hours required per renewal cycle. Renewal fee: $35.
Total Initial Licensing Fees
$305
Includes application, exam,
and license fees
Application Fee
$35
Exam Fee
$100-$200
Technician License
$35
Operator License
$35
Business License
$100
Renewal Fee
$35 annually
3 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
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
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
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Pest Control Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study guides for pest control operator and pesticide applicator licensing exams.
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No experience required
No formal experience requirement; must pass state exams
Experience Required
Supervision Details
Uncertified workers must be under direct supervision of certified applicator
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: $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 | $35 |
Exam Fee | $100-$200 |
Technician License Fee | $35 |
Operator License Fee | $35 |
Business License Fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee | $35 annually |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on categories and license type | $305 |
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
Renewal Period
5 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Categories
Renewal Fee
$35
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
Ohio - 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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Ohio 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.
Ohio's pest control market is split between northern areas with limited termite activity and southern areas where subterranean termites are a significant concern.
Ohio's Department of Agriculture handles pest control licensing.
The state has moderate pest pressure.
Termite activity is concentrated in southern Ohio.
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 Ohio
See how Ohio compares: Pest Control License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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How does Ohio 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 Ohio.
Moving to Ohio? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Pest Control license to Ohio →
Transfer your Pest Control license from Ohio to: Indiana → | Kentucky → | Michigan → | Pennsylvania → | West Virginia →
Ohio requires passing a state exam for pest control licensing. EPA certification is also required. All licensing is managed through the Ohio Department of Agriculture (Pesticide & Fertilizer / Plant Health Section).
Requirements vary by state and license category. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.