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Pest Control
Total cost: $35 (applicator license fee only; no separate initial application fee found in official sources)
Governing Authority
South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR)
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
3
License Categories
Yes
Exam Required?
6 hrs
CE Hours
$35 (applicator license fee only; no separate initial application fee found in official sources)
Total Initial Fees
Not Required
Experience
Required
EPA Certification
South Dakota offers 3 pest control license categories. Available: General Pest Control, Lawn and Ornamental, Right-of-Way. Choose the category that matches the services you plan to provide.
Pass the South Dakota pest control licensing exam. Administered by Every applicant must pass the commercial Category G – General (core) certification exam PLUS any additional commercial certification category exams that pertain to the type of pesticide applications they will be making. Exams are proctored and administered by appointment at SDSU Extension testing locations. Passing score: 70%.. Format: Multiple choice, closed book. Passing score: 70%. Exam categories: General Pest Control, 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 specified in official sources found) as required by South Dakota.
Submit your application to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). Application fee: $50. Technician license fee: $25. Operator license fee: $35 for a commercial pesticide applicator license (covers 2-year license period). Total initial fees: $35 (applicator license fee only; no separate initial application fee found in official sources).
South Dakota 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 Every 2 years. Must be recertified and renewed by the last day of February in the year of expiration. 6 CE hours required per renewal cycle. Renewal fee: $50.
Total Initial Licensing Fees
$35 (applicator license fee only; no separate initial application fee found in official sources)
Includes application, exam,
and license fees
Application Fee
$50
Exam Fee
$50
Technician License
$25
Operator License
$35 for a commercial pesticide applicator license (covers 2-year license period)
Business License
$150
Renewal Fee
$50
Every 2 years. Must be recertified and renewed by the last day of February in the year of expiration
Additional costs: General liability insurance (min. Not specified in official sources found) may also be 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
Every applicant must pass the commercial Category G – General (core) certification exam PLUS any additional commercial certification category exams that pertain to the type of pesticide applications they will be making. Exams are proctored and administered by appointment at SDSU Extension testing locations. Passing score: 70%.
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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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
None specified
Experience Required
Supervision Details
No experience or education substitution requirements were found in official sources. Certification is obtained by passing the required proctored exam(s).
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 specified in official sources found
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 | $35 for a commercial pesticide applicator license (covers 2-year license period) |
Business License Fee | $150 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees From batch research results | $35 (applicator license fee only; no separate initial application fee found in official sources) |
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
VerifiedEvery 2 years. Must be recertified and renewed by the last day of February in the year of expiration
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
South Dakota - 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 South Dakota 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.
South Dakota's cold climate and small population result in one of the smallest pest control markets in the nation. The state offers reciprocity and has very low fees.
South Dakota has a small pest control industry.
Cold climate limits termite activity.
The state offers reciprocity with some neighboring states.
Fees are among the lowest in the nation.
There is no interstate compact for pest control operators. EPA restricted-use pesticide certification is a separate federal requirement.
1) South Dakota does not have a separate entry-level technician or operator credential found in official sources — the individual credential is the Commercial Pesticide Applicator license, which requires passing certification exams first. 2) Starting January 1, 2026, private pesticide applicators performing high-risk activities (fumigants, M-44 predator-control devices, aerial applications) must obtain special endorsements by passing a written exam specific to each activity. 3) All aerial applicators, including drone operators, must hold a valid FAA license in addition to state certification. 4) SDSU Extension administers testing and recertification training in partnership with DANR. 5) Private applicator certification (agricultural producers) is free and valid for 3 years; it is a separate credential from the commercial applicator license.
Pest Control requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in South Dakota
See how South Dakota compares: Pest Control License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Calculate the return on investment for your pest control license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Dakota.
Moving to South Dakota? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Pest Control license to South Dakota →
Transfer your Pest Control license from South Dakota to: Iowa → | Minnesota → | Montana → | Nebraska → | North Dakota → | Wyoming →
South Dakota requires passing a state exam for pest control licensing. EPA certification is also required. All licensing is managed through the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).
Requirements vary by state and license category. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.