Alabama Pesticide Licensing and Certification

About 5 of every 50 questions on a Alabama General Standards practice exam come from this topic.

Sources checked November 10, 2026

What to know

In Alabama, ADAI rule 80-1-13-.06 splits permits into Private and Commercial Applicator Permits; commercial types are custom (full-time employee of a licensed custom applicator), custodial (salaried, treating the employer's property), governmental (permanent public employee), resident (non-crop use on property the applicator owns or leases) and pesticide consultant. Private applicators grow agricultural commodities, generally must be 18, and train and test through county Extension offices; emergency permits don't renew. Commercial applicants pass a written exam by the Examining Board covering labeling, safety, environment, pests, pesticides, equipment, application and state and federal law. Scores last 12 months; after a failure the wait is at least 10 days unless waived. Commercial permits renew every three years with 30 points (approved training, or a reexamination worth all 30), up to a year after expiration but never later, and negligence costs up to 15 points a year. Label-inconsistent use can block renewal. Custom application for pay to crops, rights-of-way or woodlands needs an annual license ending December 31, a bond or liability insurance (not required to cover the crop treated) and a certified supervisor. Home lawns, termites, farmers' own land and agencies' own staff are outside it; government contractors are not. Nonresidents need the same license, dealers post licenses and keep an examined employee, and unlicensed custom work risks six months in jail.

Where it comes from

• Code of Ala. § 2-27-10
• Code of Ala. §§ 2-27-50, 2-27-52, 2-27-53
• Code of Ala. §§ 2-27-55, 2-27-56, 2-27-62
• Ala. Admin. Code r. 80-1-13-.02, -.05, -.06
• Ala. Admin. Code r. 80-1-13-.08 to -.11

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