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How to become a licensed pest control operator in Oregon. State exam required. EPA certification required. Total initial fees: $200. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pest Control
4
License Categories
Yes
Exam Required?
8 hrs
CE Hours
$200
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 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
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
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
Exam Fee | Included |
Technician License Fee | $50 |
Operator License Fee | $50 |
Business License Fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on categories and license type | $200 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
8 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
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
Oregon - 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.
Oregon's wet climate creates significant moisture-related pest issues and wood-destroying organism concerns. The state emphasizes IPM and has strict environmental protections affecting pesticide use.
Oregon's Department of Agriculture has a dedicated Pesticides Division.
IPM is encouraged for all pest control and required in some settings.
The state has strict environmental regulations affecting pesticide use.
Oregon's damp climate creates significant wood-destroying organism concerns.
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 Oregon.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#31 of 51
Cost
#5 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
$42,910
25th percentile
Median
$42,930
-4% vs. national avg ($44,730)Experienced
$47,390
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,070 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: Oregon Department of Agriculture — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Oregon Department of Agriculture — Licensing Requirements
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Oregon requires passing a state exam for pest control licensing. EPA certification is also required. All licensing is managed through the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Requirements vary by state and license category. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.