Skip to main content

Illinois · Pesticide Applicators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Illinois Pesticide Applicator License

Illinois pesticide applicators must complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), Bureau of Environmental Programs.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), Bureau of Environmental Programs rule on October 6, 2026.

CE hours
15 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Illinois pesticide applicators holding a license in one of these classes: Commercial / commercial not-for-hire applicator and operator (IDOA), Private applicator (farmer) (IDOA), Pesticide dealer (IDOA), Certified structural pest control technician (IDPH). Requirements are set by Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), Bureau of Environmental Programs. Hours differ by class — 15 hours for Commercial / commercial not-for-hire applicator and operator (IDOA), Private applicator (farmer) (IDOA), Pesticide dealer (IDOA); 9 hours for Certified structural pest control technician (IDPH).

When to renew

Illinois pesticide applicators licenses renew every 3 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal.

The continuing education Illinois requires

Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), Bureau of Environmental Programs requires 15 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The board does not mandate specific topics beyond the approved-course requirement.

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Illinois sets pesticide applicators requirements by license class (Commercial / commercial not-for-hire applicator and operator (IDOA), Private applicator (farmer) (IDOA), Pesticide dealer (IDOA), Certified structural pest control technician (IDPH)). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

  2. 2

    Complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), Bureau of Environmental Programs requires 15 hours every 3 years. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Illinois pesticide applicators course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Illinois, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

  5. 5

    Renew with Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), Bureau of Environmental Programs

    Submit your renewal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), Bureau of Environmental Programs

Illinois pesticide applicator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Illinois pesticide applicators need?
Illinois pesticide applicators must complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), Bureau of Environmental Programs.
Which license types have different CE requirements in Illinois?
Requirements differ by license class in Illinois: 15 hours for Commercial / commercial not-for-hire applicator and operator (IDOA), Private applicator (farmer) (IDOA), Pesticide dealer (IDOA); 9 hours for Certified structural pest control technician (IDPH).
Can Illinois pesticide applicators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Illinois requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources