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Michigan · Pesticide Applicators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Michigan Pesticide Applicator License

Michigan pesticide applicators must complete 16 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), Pesticide & Plant Pest Management Division.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), Pesticide & Plant Pest Management Division rule on October 6, 2026.

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

Who has to renew

This guide covers Michigan pesticide applicators holding a license in one of these classes: Commercial applicator (certified), Registered applicator (technician tier), Private agricultural applicator (farmer). Requirements are set by Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), Pesticide & Plant Pest Management Division.

When to renew

Michigan 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 Michigan requires

Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), Pesticide & Plant Pest Management Division requires 16 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

    Michigan sets pesticide applicators requirements by license class (Commercial applicator (certified), Registered applicator (technician tier), Private agricultural applicator (farmer)). 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 16 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), Pesticide & Plant Pest Management Division requires 16 hours every 3 years. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), Pesticide & Plant Pest Management Division

    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 Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), Pesticide & Plant Pest Management Division

Michigan pesticide applicator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Michigan pesticide applicators need?
Michigan pesticide applicators must complete 16 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), Pesticide & Plant Pest Management Division.
Which license classes does the Michigan pesticide applicators CE requirement apply to?
The 16 hours requirement applies to: Commercial applicator (certified), Registered applicator (technician tier), Private agricultural applicator (farmer).
Can Michigan pesticide applicators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Michigan requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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