Serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky

Pesticide Training & Recertification

Training Courses - Transferring from MTPlants to Accela

We are Currently transitioning to Accela.
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Training by Year
2025 2026
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When we have fully transitioned to Accela the tiles below will be updated. 

Pesticide Training & Recertification

The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) approves all trainings for pesticide applicators and dealers regardless of location and license type. Generally, over 400 trainings are approved for Continuing Education Credits (CEs) each year. Some are sponsored by MDA, many are sponsored by industry, professional organizations, online training institutions, universities, and more.


calendar with date circled and Exam

Testing for Montana Pesticide Applicators

The Montana Department of Agriculture offers free pesticide applicator examinations proctored at our seven field offices around the state. Applicators are encouraged to work with staff at their local MDA Field Office to arrange a testing time.

core manual cover

MDA Self-paced Initial Core Training

After registering, allow at least one day for the link to send. If you register on a Friday or holiday, the link will be sent the following business day. No refunds.


Online Registration

For more information contact: 406.444.3732

This training is for Montana pesticide applicators and dealers. Initial Core Training is on pesticide safety and regulations and requirements for every certified applicator. This course is meant to provide training for  initial certification. Recertification credits will not be available for attendance at this training.  **Valid email is required for online training .  

Course Fee:   $50 (includes National Core manual and initial core packet)

NOTE Core training is the foundational test for all licenses. Applicators also require successful testing in at least one category specific classification. For a list of classifications go to  Pesticide-License-Program

shaking hands

MDA In Person Initial Core Training

IN-PERSON INITIAL CORE PESTICIDE TRAINING – SPRING 2026

Overview: The Montana Department of Agriculture is hosting a three-day training course designed for those interested in becoming a commercial, non-commercial,  government or special utility applicator and/or a pesticide dealer. The training is designed to prepare participants for the National Core Exam, provide hands-on-exercises, discuss licensing requirements, and learn about available resources. It is intended to provide training for initial certification only.*

The National Core Exam will be proctored on the 3 rd day of the training. Testing is optional, but highly recommended. Reviewing the core manual and passing the subsequent exam with at least an 80% score will allow individuals to obtain their dealers license and is the first step to obtaining a commercial, non-commercial, or government, or special utility applicator license. To obtain an applicator license, individuals must also pass at least one category specific exam relating to the sites in which they will be working. If you are interested in taking a category specific exam at the conclusion of the Core Training, please contact Beth ahead of time. **

Cost: The training cost is $75 and includes the core manual. Upon registration, the core manual and an agenda will be mailed to participants.

Times: Training at each location will begin at 8AM daily and end at 5PM the first two days and around noon on the 3 rd day.

*Recertification credits will NOT be available for attendance at these trainings.
**For a list of category classifications use these links:
Commercial Applicators or Government Applicators

For more information, please call Beth at 406-444-3732

Online Registration

Dates and Locations:
March 4 – 6, 2026 – Belgrade
Venue:  Holiday Inn Express
Address:  309 West Madison Avenue, Belgrade, MT  59714
Phone:  (406) 388-7100

March 18 – 20, 2026 – Billings
Venue:  Hampton Inn Billings
Address:  5110 Southgate Drive, Billings, MT  59101
Phone:  (406) 248-4949

April 1 – 3, 2026 – Missoula
Venue:  Best Western Plus Grant Creek Inn
Address:  5280 Grant Creek Road, Missoula, MT  59808
Phone:  (406) 543-0700

April 15 – 17, 2026 – Great Falls
Venue:  Great Falls College MSU
Address:  2100 16 th Avenue South, Great Falls, MT  59405
Phone:  (406) 771-4300

Stephen Vantassel presenting

MDA Recertification Training - In person

Please check back in August of 2026 for our In Person Fall Certification Training offerings.
webinar blocks

MDA Recertification Webinar Series

No webinars are currently scheduled.

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MDA Self-paced Online Recertification Courses

Note: The cost for each self-paced online recertification course is $20.  After registering, allow at least one day for the link to send. If you register on a Friday or holiday, the link will be sent the following business day. No refunds.

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62-Private Livestock Protection Collar (1)
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37-Right of Way Pest Control (1)
38-Public Health Pest Control (1)
39-Demonstration & Research Pest Control (1)
40-Ind Inst Struct & Health Related (1)
41-Wood Treatment (1)
42-Livestock Protection Collar (1)
43-Sodium Cyanide (M-44) (1)
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62-Private Livestock Protection Collar (1)
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Shaunie training

EPA - Approved Training Modules

Initial category preparatory courses are available at the Certified Training Institute and are intended to help prepare for category exams. Right-of-Way/Regulatory Weed, Ornamental and Turf, Mosquito Control, Wood-Destroying Pest, and General Structural Pest available.

Right-of-Way/Regulatory Weed
Ornamental and Turf
Mosquito Control
Wood-Destroying Pest
General Structural Pest

dad and 2 children on horse back

Worker Protection Standards

The WPS protects employees on farms, forests, nurseries and greenhouses from occupational exposure to agricultural pesticides and covers two types of employees.

What type of Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Training must you Provide?

EPA - Ag Worker Protection Standard

Contacts