Pest Control Applicator / Texas
2026 data Texas board official source

Texas Pest Control Applicator License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Applies pesticides to eliminate pests from homes and businesses.

What the Texas data shows for Pest Control Applicators

Becoming a licensed pest control applicator in Texas means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 21 training hours, a passing score on State Pesticide Applicator Exam, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Texas regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "On-the-Job Training".

Budget $117 to get started, plus $104 at each renewal on a 3-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 15 hours of continuing education are due every 3-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Not typically reciprocal — state-specific.

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Education / Training Hours
On-the-Job Training
21 hours
Exam Requirement
State Pesticide Applicator Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$117
Renewal Fee
$104
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 Texas licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Texas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Pest Control Applicator in Texas? ▼
Texas requires 21 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Pesticide Applicator Exam), and an initial fee of $117. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Pest Control Applicator in Texas? ▼
Certification as a pest control applicator in Texas means clearing the state's checklist: 21 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Texas licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Pest Control Applicator license to Texas from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for pest control applicators nationally works like this: Not typically reciprocal — state-specific. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Texas. Verify the specifics with the Texas licensing board.
Does Texas require a background check for Pest Control Applicator licensing? ▼
Yes, Texas requires a criminal background check as part of the pest control applicator licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Pest Control Applicator in Texas? ▼
Texas ties continued pest control applicator licensure to 15 continuing-education hours, due every 3 years, alongside a $104 renewal fee.

Related Guides

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

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