Requirements for Certified Commercial Applicators in Structural Pest Control

PURPOSE: This rule sets forth the qualifications required for those persons who wish to be certified as commercial applicators or public operators in the category of structural pest control. This category is described in 2 CSR 70-25.100(5)(G). The rule sets forth training and experience requirements for those individuals to be certified in this category. (1) Applicants for certified commercial applicator licenses in structural pest control shall meet at least one (1) of the following requirements: (A) Applicants shall have a minimum of an associate’s degree in agriculture, biology, chemistry, or entomology, or twenty (20) credit hours in agriculture, biology, chemistry, or entomology, from an accredited college or university. Evidence of this education shall be in the form of a copy of the degree or official transcript; (B) Applicants shall have at least one (1) year of experience applying pesticides in accordance with the Missouri Pesticide Use Act (the Act). Experience gained as an inspector or salesperson will not qualify in place of experience gained in applying pesticides. This experience shall be— 1. Gained within the three (3) years prior to the date of application; 2. As an applicator in accordance with the laws of any state or protectorate of the United States in the subcategory of structural pest control that relates to the area of expertise in which the applicant will use pesticides; and 3. Evidenced in a statement containing the name, address, and telephone number of the employer, name and license number of the certified commercial applicator(s), certified noncommercial applicator(s), or certified public operator(s) providing direct supervision, and dates of employment; or (C) Applicants shall have a combination of education and pesticide application experience as follows: 1. Successful completion of a department-approved correspondence course in pest control within three (3) years prior to application for licensure or addition of categories to an existing license; 2. At least six (6) months experience in accordance with the Act within the three (3) years prior to the date of application, as an applicator in accordance with the laws of any state or protectorate of the United States in the subcategory of structural pest control that relates to the area of expertise in which the applicant will use pesticides; and 3. Evidence of the approved correspondence course and pesticide application experience shall include— A. A copy of the certificate from the approved correspondence course; and B. A statement containing the name, address, and telephone number of the employer, name and license number of the certified commercial applicator(s), certified noncommercial applicator(s), or certified public operator(s) providing direct supervision, and dates of employment. AUTHORITY: section 281.025, RSMo Supp. 2024.* Original rule filed May 12, 1976, effective Oct. 21, 1976. Amended: Filed July 8, 1977, effective Oct. 14, 1977. Amended: Filed Aug. 14, 1989, effective Jan. 1, 1990. Amended: Filed May 15, 2024, effective Jan. 1, 2025. *Original authority: 281.025, RSMo 1974, amended 1977, 1988, 1993, 1995, 2021.