Kansas Pesticide Licensing and Certification

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

Sources checked November 10, 2026

What to know

KDA, under the secretary of agriculture, runs the Kansas pesticide law. Anyone applying pesticides to another's property for pay needs a pesticide business license, which expires each calendar year and requires a certified commercial applicator in each category plus a surety bond or liability insurance; subcontracting gives no exemption, but treating premises one owns, leases or operates, and veterinarians or physicians in practice, are exempt. Government agencies register and need no financial responsibility. Lapsed coverage brings suspension without a hearing, and a missing certified applicator can cost a category. Restricted use pesticide users need a commercial certificate unless exempt, must be 18 and must score 75 percent on each exam, including a general core exam on state and federal laws and supervision; failed exams may be retaken for another fee. Certificates expire at the end of the second calendar year after issue and renew for three years by exam or training, with 30 days after expiration for training renewals; other states' certificate holders may skip the exam. Private applicators must be 18, cannot apply aerially or fumigate, and renew on their birthday in the fifth year. Technician registrations run by calendar year; businesses report new technicians within 30 days, keep training records three years and resubmit materials every five years. Denials follow notice and an opportunity for a hearing, appeals go under the Kansas judicial review act, and dealer registrations expire June 30.

Where it comes from

• K.S.A. 2-2438a, 2-2440, 2-2448, 2-2450
• K.S.A. 2-2441a, 2-2443a, 2-2444a
• K.S.A. 2-2445a, 2-2446
• K.S.A. 2-2440a, 2-2440b, 2-2440c
• K.S.A. 2-2449, 2-2452, 2-2469
• K.A.R. 4-13-3, 4-13-12, 4-13-13

Try a practice question