By Andi Anderson
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will implement updated pesticide applicator certification and training rules beginning Jan. 1, 2026. To support these changes, the Iowa State University Pesticide Safety Education Program is revising key applicator training manuals and exams used across the state.
These updates will help both commercial and private pesticide applicators meet new requirements and prepare for certification changes.
Program specialist Betsy Danielson emphasized how major updates affect statewide exams. She explained, “When manuals have major revisions, certification exams administered by IDALS are also revised to include the updated information.” Updated manuals and study materials will be available through the ISU Extension Store, while additional information about licensing and requirements can be found on the IDALS website.
For commercial pesticide applicators, several important changes are scheduled. The Iowa Core Manual (CS445) with a blue cover will remain valid for all exams taken before Dec. 31, 2025. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, all exams will shift to a revised manual with a tan cover, expected to be available in mid-December.
Changes are also planned for the Certified Handlers Manual (IC500). Exams based on the current manual will continue through Dec. 31, 2025. However, from Jan. 1 through March 2026, no Certified Handler exams will be offered. During that period, applicants must pass the Iowa Core exam using the revised tan-covered manual. A newly revised Certified Handlers Manual (CS500) is expected in mid-March, with new exams tentatively starting on April 1, 2026.
A new exam category is also being introduced. Category 12, Soil Fumigation, will take effect Jan. 1, 2026, for applicators using gaseous pesticides in soil. Exams will be based on the National Soil Fumigation Manual, with availability details to be announced later.
For private pesticide applicators, an important insert outlining new rules will be added to the Private Applicator Manual (CS1) in mid-December 2025. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, all exams will include this updated content. Additionally, unproctored online exams allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic will end on Dec. 31, 2025. Beginning in 2026, proctored online exams will be available through Everblue.
These updates aim to ensure Iowa’s pesticide applicators are fully prepared for the upcoming rule changes and have access to accurate, up-to-date learning materials.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: Iowa, Sustainable Agriculture