By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri Extension will offer a series of recertification and retraining programs for Certified Commercial, Noncommercial, and Public Pesticide Applicators, along with Licensed Pesticide Technicians, from January 8 through February 26, 2026.
Sessions will be held in person at multiple Missouri locations throughout January, with virtual training opportunities available in February to provide flexibility for participants across the state.
These sessions come as the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) introduces significant regulatory updates affecting all applicators and technicians. Under the new rules, individuals must now complete recertification or retraining in the CORE module and every category listed on their license. The previous option to renew certification by completing only the most frequently used category is no longer permitted.
Applicators choosing to renew through examination will also see changes. They are now required to pass both the CORE exam and each category exam associated with their license. These updates apply to anyone whose recertification or retraining deadline occurs in 2026 or 2027. Participants are encouraged to check their license expiration date to ensure they meet the correct requirements.
The program does not apply to Noncertified RUP Applicators (NRUPs). NRUPs must complete an MDA-approved NRUP training program, valid for one year, or pass the CORE exam, which is valid for three years.
Additional details and official guidance are available on the MDA’s Rule Changes page, and a brochure outlining the applicator categories offered through MU Extension can be downloaded for reference.
Photo Credit: pixabay-franck-barske
Categories: Missouri, Education, Government & Policy