Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator License Exam Requirements
What Massachusetts's core pesticide exam is, who takes it, and what passes.
| Exam | Who takes it | Given by | Questions | Time | Pass | Fee | Sources checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applicator License (Core) | Massachusetts pesticide applicator license and commercial certification candidates | MDAR, online with a webcam-proctored exam through Everblue | 125 | 120 minutes | 87 of 125 (70%) | $75 exam registration plus a $28 online exam fee |
Who takes the Massachusetts core exam?
Anyone who will do pesticide work with general use pesticides for hire needs the Applicator License, which comes from the Applicator (Core) License exam. Commercial certification candidates must pass the core exam first, and also need two years of relevant experience (MDAR exam bulletin; 333 CMR 10.06, 10.08).
What score passes?
87 of the 125 questions (70%) on the core exam. Commercial and private certification exams take 94 of 125 (75%) (MDAR exam bulletin).
How long is the exam?
125 multiple-choice questions with two hours allowed, closed book (MDAR exam bulletin; 333 CMR 10.08).
Who gives the exam, and how?
MDAR, online only. You register and pay in EEA ePLACE, then pay Everblue and take the exam at home with a webcam and microphone; MDAR offers no in-person exams. The core exam registration is $75, plus a $28 online exam fee (MDAR exam bulletin and FAQ; MDAR fees page).
What if I fail?
After failing the same exam twice you wait three months before applying again, and after three failures you wait one year. Applicants must be 18 or older on the exam date (333 CMR 10.08).
Does this cover structural pest control?
Yes. Termite and structural pest control is a subcategory of the same MDAR system (333 CMR 10.03), and every applicator license candidate takes the same core exam.