Pest Control Applicator / Massachusetts
2026 data Massachusetts board official source

Massachusetts Pest Control Applicator License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Applies pesticides to eliminate pests from homes and businesses.

What the Massachusetts data shows for Pest Control Applicators

Massachusetts's path to pest control applicator licensure runs through 25 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on State Pesticide Applicator Exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Massachusetts folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "On-the-Job Training".

Upfront cost is $136, with renewal running $120 on a 3-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 15 hours of continuing education per 3-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

For pest control applicators, the reciprocity picture is: Not typically reciprocal — state-specific.

Licensing Ease Score

B-
Licensing Ease Score
67/100
Pest Control Applicator · Massachusetts

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training B
25 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$136
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B-
$40/yr
$120 every 3 years
Continuing Education B
5.0 hrs/yr
15 hours every 3 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Education / Training Hours
On-the-Job Training
25 hours
Exam Requirement
State Pesticide Applicator Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$136
Renewal Fee
$120
Renewal Cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing Education
15 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Pest Control Applicator All Massachusetts licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Massachusetts licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Pest Control Applicator in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts's requirements cover 25 hours of education or training, the State Pesticide Applicator Exam exam, and an initial fee of $136. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Pest Control Applicator in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts licenses pest control applicators who complete its requirements (25 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Massachusetts licensing board.
Can I transfer my Pest Control Applicator license to Massachusetts from another state? ▼
Pest Control Applicator licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Not typically reciprocal — state-specific. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Massachusetts licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Massachusetts require a background check for Pest Control Applicator licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for pest control applicator licensing in Massachusetts. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Pest Control Applicator in Massachusetts? ▼
Licensed pest control applicators in Massachusetts must complete 15 hours of continuing education every 3 years. The renewal fee is $120.

Related Guides

What to do with this pest control applicator license

Pest Control Applicator in Massachusetts, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a pest control applicator-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Massachusetts's pest control applicator requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Pest Control Applicator in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state pest control applicator license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Massachusetts's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Massachusetts overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Massachusetts licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.