Register For In-Person Pesticide Applicator Training Clinics, Testing Offered Statewide

MICHELLE WIESBROOK AND JENNA BRAASCH

URBANA, ILLINOIS

Lead with experience, safety, awareness, and knowledge to help ensure safer pesticide application with training from the University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program. Sign up for an in-person training and testing clinic offered across Illinois from December through April.

Those interested in attending an in-person training clinic should register early, as seating is limited, with some locations expected to fill up quickly. Check the statewide 2025-2026 training schedule for options.

“Located around the state, each in-person clinic offers classroom-style training and testing,” says Michelle Wiesbrook, Extension specialist, weed science with PSEP.

The training clinics run for three and a half hours, followed by testing. The pricing is $45 for General Standards or Private Applicator and $25 for each category, including Field Crops, Rights of Way, Mosquito, Turfgrass, and Ornamentals. One and two-day clinics are available. Check training dates and times for types before registering to ensure selections are not occurring at the same time. 

Registration and payment are required prior to attending a clinic and can be completed at the link above or by calling 800-644-2123.

Online training modules are also available, with testing offered both in-person and online. Details, including FAQ, cost, and registration, can be found on the PSEP website. 

Training manuals and workbooks are available for self-study. Several publications were recently updated, and others are currently in process. Check to see if you have the most up-to-date versions by visiting PSEP Study. Official publications should be purchased only from the official Illinois Extension Distribution Services webstore, by calling 217-333-2007, or with assistance from a local Extension office. 

Those new to the process or looking for more information about purchasing publications, attending a clinic, or the licensing process should visit the Illinois Pesticide Review Newsletter.

For questions or if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in this program, contact Jonathan Jackson, PSEP program assistant, at jjack74@illinois.edu or 217-244-2827. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.   ∆

MICHELLE WIESBROOK AND JENNA BRAASCH

URBANA, ILLINOIS