MU Extension’s Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PPAT) provides the required education for individuals seeking Private Applicator or “Provisional” Private Applicator certification under Category 20 – General Agricultural Pest Control (CORE). Certification is administered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) and authorizes producers to purchase and apply Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) for the purpose of producing agricultural commodities on property they own or rent, or on land owned or rented by their employer.
Individuals 18 years of age or older may complete this training to become Certified Private Applicators. A “Provisional” Private Applicator certification is required for individuals 16 or 17 years old who are immediate family members of a Certified Private Applicator and who will be using RUPs on property owned or rented by that family member.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and MDA require this training to ensure that applicators demonstrate competency in pesticide regulations, safe handling, and proper application practices. Completion of this program is necessary to receive or renew Missouri Private Pesticide Applicator certification.
This training event does not include Category 21 – Soil Fumigation Pest Control. It does include Category 22 – Non-Soil Fumigation Pest Control, and Category 23 – Aerial Pest Control. Applicators needing certification in Category 21 will need to work with the MU Extension Specialist providing the Category 20–CORE instruction to schedule a Category 21 training. Those needing only the Category 20 Certification may leave the training event once the Category 20 Core Training session of the event is completed. There is no additional fee for the Category 21-23 Certifications. The fee is only assessed for the Category 20 portion of the training.
Cost: $75
Contact: Nick Wesslak
Email: r.n.wesslak@missouri.edu
Phone: 573-470-3435
Date: March 19, 2026 from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM