Illinois Pesticide Applicator License Exam Requirements
What Illinois's two General Standards exams are, who takes each, and what passes.
| Exam | Who takes it | Given by | Questions | Time | Pass | Fee | Sources checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Standards | Illinois commercial pesticide applicator and operator license candidates | IDOA, in person or online through ProctorU | 100 | 180 minutes | 70% | Free in person; about $12.60 per online attempt | |
| General Standards (structural) | Illinois structural pest control technician certification candidates | IDPH, at Department exam sites | Not published | Not published | 70% | Check with the agency |
Which exams does an Illinois commercial applicator take?
The General Standards exam plus at least one category exam. Operators, who work under a licensed applicator, take General Standards only (IDOA, Certification and Licensing).
What score passes IDOA's exams?
70% (8 Ill. Adm. Code 250.90). You must pass General Standards before you're allowed to take a category exam.
Who gives IDOA's exams?
The Illinois Department of Agriculture, free in person, or online through ProctorU for a proctoring fee (IDOA; Illinois Extension PSEP).
How long is IDOA's General Standards exam?
100 multiple-choice questions, closed book. Illinois Extension allows 3 hours online, and IDOA says in-person exams are similar.
Which Illinois exam does a structural pest control technician take?
IDPH's General Standards exam, not IDOA's. IDPH certifies structural pest control technicians, everyone applying takes its General Standards exam, and 70% passes; using restricted pesticides also takes a sub-category exam (77 Ill. Adm. Code 830.400, 830.410; IDPH Structural Pest Control).
Do I need to be certified to work for an Illinois pest control company?
Not to start. Non-certified technicians may work under a certified technician employed at the same location, who is responsible for their work, but every commercial location must employ at least one certified technician (225 ILCS 235/5; 77 Ill. Adm. Code 830.270).