40 CFR Part 171 · Restricted Use Pesticides
The license behind
the restricted label
Restricted use pesticides require certification to use or supervise. The framework is federal, your state runs it, and every fact on this site is verified against the regulation that defines it.
- Types
- 2
- Federal categories
- 16
- Minimum age
- 18
- Expires
- 5 yrs
- Renew by
- Exam or CE
Certification runs through state plans approved by EPA; your state lead agency operates the program, and land-grant extension services publish the study manuals in most states.
Two certifications, one system
Private applicator
Who: Producing agricultural commodities on land you or your employer own or rent.
Requires: Written competency demonstration per the state plan; minimum age 18.
Commercial applicator
Who: Everyone else using or supervising restricted use pesticides, from lawn care firms to fumigators.
Requires: Passing score on a written examination (authorities may add performance testing); minimum age 18; certification in one or more categories.
The label is the law
Nothing on this site is use guidance. The label on each product is the controlling legal document, and your state lead agency is the authority on certification.
The working kit (the label decides what you actually need)
Field King backpack sprayerThe standard 4-gallon application tool
3M 6300 half facepieceRespiratory protection, when the label calls for it
Heavy-duty nitrile glovesChemical-resistant hand protectionPPE requirements come from each product label, which is the controlling legal document. These are common categories, not use guidance. The full kit page.
The certification map
One printable page: private vs commercial, every federal category, and the five-year clock with the exam-or-CE choice. Free.
No spam. One useful sheet and occasional notes.