Academy · Licensing · MD
Maryland pest control licence requirements
How do you get a pest control licence in Maryland?
Maryland applicator licences are issued by Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) — Pesticide Regulation Section. Requirements are set per category rather than as a single general licence, so the exam you sit and the hours you carry depend on which categories you intend to work. Details below are published only once verified against the agency.
Reviewed by LTK editorial team
- Issuing agency
- Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) — Pesticide Regulation Section
- 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.
- Application fee
- $75
- Cycle length
- 12 months
- Agreements
- One-time certification for NON-RESIDENTS based on exam-earned certification in their state of residence: submit the home-state certificate and driver’s licence. Maryland residents cannot use reciprocity. After that, Maryland’s annual recertification applies in full.
Reciprocity is the most commonly misunderstood part of moving states. We publish only agreements confirmed by the agency, never inferred ones.
Licence categories
| Code | Category |
|---|---|
| 3A | Ornamental plants and shade trees-exterior |
| 3B | Ornamental plants-interior |
| 3C | Turf and lawn pest control |
| 7A | General pest control |
| 7B | Wood destroying insects |
| 7C | Wildlife control |
| 7D | Rodent control |
| 7E | Fumigation |
| 8 | Public Health |
| 12 | Consultant |
