Academy · CEU requirements · SD
South Dakota pest control CEU requirements
How many CEUs does South Dakota require for pest control licence renewal?
It depends which licence you hold — South Dakota sets a different obligation for each tier, and they are not even measured the same way. Commercial applicator owe recertify every two years: re-test at 70%, complete the online course, or attend in-person recertification training; Private applicator owe free certification valid three years; renew by pat zoom meeting, online course, or proctored exam. There is no single pooled number, which is the most common reason somebody arrives at renewal short.
Key factIssuing agency: South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) — Division of Agriculture & Environmental Services
Reviewed by LTK editorial team
- Requirement
- Set per licence tier — see the table below
- Cycle length
- 24 months
- Deadline
- Commercial certification and licence are valid two years and must be recertified and renewed by the last day of February in the year of expiration.
- Accepted formats
- In-person commercial recertification classes, Online commercial recertification course (offered annually), DANR-approved out-of-state events, Re-examination
- Agency
- South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) — Division of Agriculture & Environmental Services
- Application fee
- $35
- Exam structure
- Every tester takes category G — General (core) plus each category exam for the work they will do. Proctored, in person at SDSU Extension Regional Centers and participating county offices, usually on computer; up to four hours per exam, 30 to 70 questions, with the exam references supplied in the room. Passing score 70 percent (ARSD 12:56:05:02). Category 8 covers rodents and birds in or around structures but NOT fumigation — that needs category 14.
What each licence tier owes
| Licence tier | Requirement | Detail that catches people out |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial applicator | Recertify every two years: re-test at 70%, complete the online course, or attend in-person recertification training | No credit-hour count — attendance at a department-directed certification course satisfies it (ARSD 12:56:05:01). The licence is valid only while the certification categories are current, even if the licence fee is paid. |
| Private applicator | Free certification valid three years; renew by PAT Zoom meeting, online course, or proctored exam | — |
Commercial certification and licence are valid two years and must be recertified and renewed by the last day of February in the year of expiration.
Sources
- https://danr.sd.gov/Agriculture/Inspection/Pesticide/ApplicatorsDealers/default.aspx
- https://danr.sd.gov/Agriculture/Inspection/Pesticide/ApplicatorsDealers/docs/Explanation%20of%20Commercial%20Pesticide%20CERTIFICATION%20Category%20Classifications%20UPDATED%2009_01_2024.pdf
- https://danr.sd.gov/Agriculture/Inspection/Pesticide/ApplicatorsDealers/docs/Applyforreciprocityv2opt.pdf
- https://sdlegislature.gov/Rules/Administrative/12:56:04
- https://sdlegislature.gov/Rules/Administrative/12:56:05
- https://extension.sdstate.edu/commercial-pesticide-applicator-training
- https://extension.sdstate.edu/south-dakota-commercial-pesticide-applicator-certification-testing
Common questions
- How many CEUs does South Dakota require for pest control licence renewal?
- Commercial applicator: Recertify every two years: re-test at 70%, complete the online course, or attend in-person recertification training. Private applicator: Free certification valid three years; renew by PAT Zoom meeting, online course, or proctored exam.
- Who issues pest control licences in South Dakota?
- South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) — Division of Agriculture & Environmental Services
- Do online courses count toward South Dakota CEU requirements?
- Accepted formats: In-person commercial recertification classes, Online commercial recertification course (offered annually), DANR-approved out-of-state events, Re-examination.
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