Here at Rutgers University, we get a lot of questions regarding the New Jersey pesticide applicator licensing program. Below are some quick answers to the most common questions.
1. How do I get my pesticide applicator license in New Jersey?
You must first complete a CORE training class and then pass the CORE exam. You can take the CORE class here at Rutgers, but you’ll need to go to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection for the exam.
Here is a link to the dates and locations for the CORE class at Rutgers. Bilingual classes (English and Spanish) are available.
Here is a link to other dates and locations for the NJ CORE class. Please verify the dates, locations and topics with the NJDEP before attending.
Here is a link to the Rutgers PACER website where you can sign up for exams.
2. What is the CORE class about?
The CORE class is mainly about safety.
3. What do I do after I complete the CORE class and pass the exam?
After fulfilling the CORE requirement, an applicator can obtain category licenses. Everything that gets sprayed falls into a category, and you need to get a license for each category. For example, if you want to spray ornamental plants, you need a category 3A license. If you want to spray turf, you need a category 3B license.
4. How do I get a category license?
You must have 40 hours of On the Job Training (OTJ) under someone who has the required category license. Once you have the 40 hours you can apply for the category exam. If you pass the exam, you have your license.
NOTE: For certain categories (3A, 3B, 7A and 7B), it is currently possible to substitute additional class time for the 40 hours, provided the 40 hours is not available to you.
For more complete information about categories, including a list of all available categories, visit this page at the NJDEP.
5. Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
For questions regarding the CORE class, you can contact Rutgers University at (848) 932-7317.
For all other questions, you need to contact the NJDEP at this link.
6. After I have my license, how do I keep it?
You will need to take classes that award continuing education credits. If you don’t obtain the credits, you will need to retake the exam. Different categories have different requirements. For example, you need 8 continuing education credits for CORE every 5 years. You need 16 3A credits every five years, etc.
4. Where do I find these classes?
You can find them at various places throughout the states. Many landscaping shows include classes that award these credits.
We also have them here at Rutgers. This link will show you a list of categories. Click on a category to see a list of classes at Rutgers that supplies those particular credits.
I am interested in obtaining a herbicide/pesticide license in N.J. a believe it is the 6B. I am a business owner of lawn care business
6B is for plants along a highway. You might want that license – or you might want 3A (ornamental plants) or 3B (turf). Check with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. They are in charge of pesticide licenses and the various categories.
I work for Wayne township board of Ed they are a green township. What do I need as far as licenses to maintain sport fields,lawns,weed control and poison ivy etc
If you want to spray pesticides and herbicides, you need a pesticide license in category 3A (ornamental plants) and 3B (turf). For more information, check with the NJDEP – they are the ones who regulate pesticides licenses. If you want to apply fertilizer, the state requires a state certification (go to profact.rutgers.edu)
I have my core cirtification and I would like to get my 3b license
How do I obtain the information for classes so I can take the exam
Hello Giovanni:
Once you have passed your CORE exam, you need to take the 3B category class. Rutgers does not offer this class – you need to go through the NJDEP. Here is a link to the page on the DEP website that lists the classes and who to contact: https://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/pcp/bpo-courses.htm
I want to get my license for fertilizing lawns. I already took the core class and I have my certificate. I just don’t know what my next step is, if you can please guide me it would be great.
I am licensed in CORE, 7A, 7B and 13 in NJ. May I legally spray i chemicals in PA.