Academy · CEU requirements · MD
Maryland pest control CEU requirements
How many CEUs does Maryland require for pest control licence renewal?
It depends which licence you hold — Maryland sets a different obligation for each tier, and they are not even measured the same way. Certified pest control applicator owe recertification training every year (1 july – 30 june), in each category held; Registered employee owe complete an mda-approved employer training program within 30 days of hire, then register; Pesticide business licence owe annual, 1 july – 30 june; $150 plus proof of liability insurance. There is no single pooled number, which is the most common reason somebody arrives at renewal short.
Key factIssuing agency: Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) — Pesticide Regulation Section
Reviewed by LTK editorial team
- Requirement
- Set per licence tier — see the table below
- Cycle length
- 12 months
- Deadline
- The training year and the certificate both run 1 July – 30 June, with renewal applications due 30 June (online at egov.maryland.gov/mda/pesticides). Renewal forms go out in April to those whose training is on record. A certificate not renewed within a year means retaking the exams.
- Accepted formats
- MDA-approved recertification meetings, in or out of Maryland, Out-of-state or unsubmitted meetings: the applicator submits the agenda and proof of attendance for MDA approval
- Agency
- Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) — Pesticide Regulation Section
- Application fee
- $75
- Exam structure
- Eligibility first: 18+, plus one year of practical experience as a registered employee in the category, or a biological-science degree, or an MDA-approved initial certification course. Apply at least a month ahead. MDA gives the commercial exams every other month in Annapolis, Salisbury and Frederick: multiple-choice, closed book, the Core plus at least one category exam, 70% to pass. Unlimited retakes at $10 per exam retaken.
What each licence tier owes
| Licence tier | Requirement | Detail that catches people out |
|---|---|---|
| Certified pest control applicator | Recertification training EVERY YEAR (1 July – 30 June), in each category held | MDA counts CREDITS, and 1 credit is half an hour — so "8 credits" is 4 hours, not 8. Holding more than one category means recertification for each. Applies to reciprocity holders too. No training and no proof on file means retaking the exams by 30 June to renew. |
| Registered employee | Complete an MDA-approved employer training program within 30 days of hire, then register | $30 registration, renewed annually (1 July – 30 June). Until trained, may only apply pesticides with a certified applicator or registered employee physically present. |
| Pesticide business licence | Annual, 1 July – 30 June; $150 plus proof of liability insurance | Must designate at least one certified applicator in each category of service offered. |
The training year and the certificate both run 1 July – 30 June, with renewal applications due 30 June (online at egov.maryland.gov/mda/pesticides). Renewal forms go out in April to those whose training is on record. A certificate not renewed within a year means retaking the exams.
Sources
- https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/SiteAssets/Pages/licensing_and_certification/Pesticide%20Applicator%20Certification%20and%20Business%20Licensing%20Requirements_Rev_07_06_2026%20%281%29%20%281%29.pdf
- https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/maryland/COMAR-15-05-01-08
- https://mda.prod.maryland.gov/plants-pests/pesticide-regulation/pesticide-business-licensing-certification
- https://mda.prod.maryland.gov/plants-pests/pesticide-regulation/pesticide-business-licensing-certification/pest-control-categories
Common questions
- How many CEUs does Maryland require for pest control licence renewal?
- Certified pest control applicator: Recertification training EVERY YEAR (1 July – 30 June), in each category held. Registered employee: Complete an MDA-approved employer training program within 30 days of hire, then register. Pesticide business licence: Annual, 1 July – 30 June; $150 plus proof of liability insurance.
- Who issues pest control licences in Maryland?
- Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) — Pesticide Regulation Section
- Do online courses count toward Maryland CEU requirements?
- Accepted formats: MDA-approved recertification meetings, in or out of Maryland, Out-of-state or unsubmitted meetings: the applicator submits the agenda and proof of attendance for MDA approval.
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