Exams

The Demonstration & Research Category Exam is required to become a licensed Pesticide Applicator in the State of Illinois. Categories dictate the area(s) to which a company may legally apply pesticides. It is administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum passing score of 70% or greater. 

The Forest Category Exam is required to become a licensed Pesticide Applicator in the State of Illinois. Categories dictate the area(s) to which a company may legally apply pesticides. It is administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum passing score of 70% or greater. 

The General Standards Core Exam is required to become a licensed Pesticide Applicator or Operator in the State of Illinois. It is administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum passing score of 70% or greater.

Exam Time Limit: 3 hours

Exam Available: Oct. 1, 2024 - Aug. 31, 2025

Exam Fee: $12 per attempt proctor fee

To sign up for exams, please see Commercial Exam Enrollment. Questions about online exams? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

The Mosquito Category Exam is required to become a licensed Pesticide Applicator in the State of Illinois. Categories dictate the area(s) to which a company may legally apply pesticides. It is administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum passing score of 70% or greater. 

The Dealer Exam is required to become a licensed Pesticide Dealer with the ability to sell restricted use pesticides (RUPs) or general use pesticides for the production of an agricultural commodity in containers with capacities equal to or greater than 2-1/2 gallons or 10 pounds. The exam is administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum passing score of 70% or greater.

Exam Time Limit: 3 hours

Exam Available: Oct. 1, 2024 - Aug. 31, 2025

Exam Fee: $12 per attempt proctor fee

To sign up for exams, please see Commercial Exam Enrollment. Questions about online exams? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

The Plant Management Category Exam is required to become a licensed Pesticide Applicator in the State of Illinois. Categories dictate the area(s) to which a company may legally apply pesticides. It is administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum passing score of 70% or greater. 

The Seed Treatment Category Exam is required to become a licensed Pesticide Applicator in the State of Illinois. Categories dictate the area(s) to which a company may legally apply pesticides. It is administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum passing score of 70% or greater. 

The Turfgrass Category Exam is required to become a licensed Pesticide Applicator in the State of Illinois. Categories dictate the area(s) to which a company may legally apply pesticides. It is administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum passing score of 70% or greater.