Academy · Licensing · MA
Massachusetts pest control licence requirements
How do you get a pest control licence in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts applicator licences are issued by Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) — Pesticide Program. 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
- Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) — Pesticide Program
- Exam structure
- Two tiers. Applicator (Core) Licence: 125-question core exam, 2 hours, pass 70% (87 of 125) — for anyone doing general-use pesticide work for hire. Commercial Certification (needed for restricted-use pesticides for hire): core licence first, then a 125-question certification exam per category, 2½ hours, pass 75% (94 of 125); two years of relevant experience required by regulation. All exams are online, webcam-proctored through Everblue Training. Exam registration via EEA ePLACE: $75 core / $125 commercial certification, plus $28 per exam paid to Everblue.
- Application fee
- $150
- Cycle length
- 36 months
- Agreements
- Confirm with MDAR Pesticide Program (PestExamLicense@mass.gov).
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 |
|---|---|
| 36 | Shade Trees & Ornamentals |
| 37 | Turf |
| 40 | Rights-of-Way |
| 41 | General Pest Control |
| 42 | Fumigation |
| 43 | Termite & Structural Pest Control |
| 44 | Vertebrate Pest Control |
| 46 | General Public Health |
| 47 | Mosquito & Biting Fly Control |
| 50 | Food Processing |
| 52 | Wood Preservative |