Reciprocal Commercial Applicator Licenses

Apply for a Reciprocal Commercial Pesticide Applicator License by emailing complete application package to pestcertcourses@dep.nj.gov. A complete package includes:

1. A completed Reciprocal License Application Form VPA-017

2. A copy of your current Pesticide Applicator license from your state of primary certification, showing all categories and the expiration date of the license. A reciprocal license from another state is not acceptable.

3. Your completed Answer Sheet  for the Commercial Applicator Reciprocal Exam. The Pesticide Applicator Reciprocal Exams are based on the New Jersey Pesticide Control Regulations. The NJ Certification Exam is an official document and must be completed solely by the applicant.

Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a letter from The Department indicating whether you passed or failed the exam.

• If you pass the exam, you will be able to access your licensing invoice online at Annual Payments 1 to 2 weeks after approval. A copy of the invoice will also be mailed to your home address. Your license is not valid until this invoice is paid. The Commercial Applicator License fee is $80.00 and can be paid online or via post.
• If you fail the exam and want to reapply, email another completed package to pestcertcourses@dep.nj.gov.

State law requires that all “Pesticide Applicator Businesses” doing business in New Jersey be licensed with this Program. Pesticide Applicator Business information can be found on the Pesticide Applicator Business page. The business must have a valid Commercial Pesticide Applicator on staff to apply.

*** A COMPLETE RECIPROCAL COMMERCIAL PESTICIDE APPLICATOR PACKAGE INCLUDES *** 1. Completed Reciprocal License Application VPA-017. (Check all requested categories) 2. A copy of your current and valid Pesticide Applicator license showing all categories and the license expiration date from your state of primary certification. 3. Your completed Reciprocal Exam Answer Sheet All documents should be submitted as a PDF attachments and emailed to: pestcertcourses@dep.nj.gov

Call (609) 984-6568 for more information on Reciprocity in NJ.

Part 2. Reciprocal Private Applicator License

Apply for a Reciprocal Private Reciprocal Pesticide Applicator License by emailing complete application package to pestcertcourses@dep.nj.gov. A complete package includes:

1. A completed Reciprocal License Application Form VPA-017

2. A copy of your current Pesticide Applicator license from your state of primary certification, showing all categories and the expiration date of the license. A reciprocal license from another state is not acceptable.

3. Your completed Answer Sheet  for the Private Applicator Reciprocal Exam. The Pesticide Applicator Reciprocal Exams are based on the New Jersey Pesticide Control Regulations. The NJ Certification Exam is an official document and must be completed solely by the applicant.

Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a letter from The Department indicating whether you passed or failed the exam.

• If you pass the exam, you will be able to access your licensing invoice online 1 to 2 weeks after approval at Annual Payments. A copy of the invoice will also be mailed to your home address. Private Applicator invoices are $0.00, but must be processed for you to receive a license. Licensing invoices for Private Applicators must be processed online. Your license is not valid until this invoice is processed.
• If you fail the exam and want to reapply, email another completed package to pestcertcourses@dep.nj.gov.

*** A COMPLETE RECIPROCAL PRIVATE PESTICIDE APPLICATOR PACKAGE INCLUDES *** 1. Completed Reciprocal License Application VPA-017. (Check all requested categories) 2. A copy of your current and valid Pesticide Applicator license showing all categories and the license expiration date from your state of primary certification. 3. Your completed Reciprocal Exam Answer Sheet All documents should be submitted as a PDF attachments and emailed to: pestcertcourses@dep.nj.gov

Call (609) 984-6568 for more information on Reciprocity in NJ.

Part 3. Recertification of Reciprocal Pesticide Applicators

Your reciprocal certification is valid for a minimum of five years. Your recertification period ends on October 31st, five years after the date you received your initial certification in New Jersey. For example, if you received reciprocity on May 15, 2005, your recertification period will end on October 31, 2010. The year was calculated by adding five years to October 31, 2005.

You will receive an update of your recertification status once a year with your license renewal in August or September. This Recertification Update Form will tell you the expiration date for each area you are certified in, how many units you have accumulated, and how many you will need to maintain your certification.

You will not receive recertification paperwork in your fifth year unless you are eligible for renewal. There are three ways to recertify:

1. The easiest way is to maintain certification in your primary licensing state. In the fifth year of your New Jersey recertification period, send a copy of your most current license from that state, with the Reciprocal License Application Form VPA-017 to pestcertcourses@dep.nj.gov. Check the box near the bottom of the first page to indicate you are recertifying. If you are using this option, your primary out-of-state license must remain valid to maintain reciprocity.
2. Take the New Jersey certification exam during the fifth year of your recertification period.
3. Complete the New Jersey continuing education requirements. This is done by accumulating units of recertification credit over the five-year period by attending New Jersey-approved courses, seminars, and meetings. A certified applicator must accumulate 8 units of Core credit and 16 units of Category credit (for each category of certification) within the five years. Each unit of credit equals 30 minutes of instruction time. Visit our 5-Year Recertification page for information and links.

Your specific information can be found on the Online Reports portal: Commercial Pesticide Applicator – Specific Information.

If you have any questions please email pestcertcourses@dep.nj.gov or call (609) 984-6568.

Apply for a Reciprocal Certified Dealer License by emailing complete application package to pestcertcourses@dep.nj.gov. A complete package includes:

1. A completed Reciprocal License Application Form VPA-017
2. A copy of your current Pesticide Dealer license from your state of primary certification, showing the expiration date of the license. A reciprocal license from another state is not acceptable.
3. Your completed Answer Sheet for the Dealer Reciprocal Exam. The Reciprocal Pesticide Dealer Exam is based on the New Jersey Pesticide Control Regulations. The NJ Certification Exam is an official document and must be completed solely by the applicant.

Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a letter from The Department indicating whether you passed or failed the exam.

• If you pass the exam, you will be able to access your licensing invoice online 1 to 2 weeks after approval at Annual Payments. A copy of the invoice will also be mailed to your home address. Your license is not valid until this invoice is processed. The annual fee for a Certified Dealer license is $75.00.
• If you fail the exam and want to reapply, send another completed package to us.

State law requires that all “Pesticide Dealer Businesses” doing business in New Jersey, be licensed with this Program. Pesticide Dealer Business information can be found on the Pesticide Dealer Business page.

Note: Your primary out-of-state license must remain valid to keep your NJ reciprocal license. Call (609) 984-6568 for more information on Reciprocity in NJ.