Pesticide Applicator Training:
The La Crosse County Extension office offers private pesticide applicator certifications for county residents wishing to obtain a pesticides applicators license. Private pesticide applicators are those individuals who use or direct the use of pesticides on an agricultural commodity AND the applications occur on land owned or rented by you or your employer.
In 2026, Wisconsin private applicators can become certified for General Farming the following ways:
1.Required: You must purchase the base training fee with manual (book). This is $43.00. https://patstore.wisc.edu/secure/browse_cat.asp?category_id=30
2. Required: You must take and pass the certification test (General Farming, Fruit Crops or Greenhouse & Nursery).
3. Training: . Self-study (schedule test, 70% pass grade), or In-person training (same day test, 50% pass grade).
Option 1: Self-Study:
You must purchase the training manual for $43 from patstore.wisc.eduPATstore.wisc.edu
After purchasing the manual, study on your own. When you are ready, call our office to schedule a 2-hour exam session at 608-785-9593. Exams can be taken during office hours but must begin between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. Specific dates and times are dependent on staff availability. This option requires a score of 70% or higher to become licensed.
Option 2: In-Person Trainings:
Registration for In Person Trainings are $10
You must purchase the training manual for $43 from patstore.wisc.eduPATstore.wisc.edu
Testing will occur immediately following the training.
50% pass grade
Find In-Person trainings here: https://go.wisc.edu/greo5e
April 14th, 2026 – Clark County
Clark County Courthouse, Rm 101; 517 Court Street, Neillsville, WI 54456, Rm 101
Parking: Contact the County for Details.
County Contact: Val Wood, vawood@wisc.edu, 715-743-5122
Time: Training starts at 8:30 am. Please come early to check in. Training will finish around 12:00 and the test will be given after training. The session will end around 3:30 pm.
February 26th, 2026 – Eau Claire County
Eau Claire County Extension Office, 227 1st St W A, Altoona, WI 54720
Parking: Contact the County for Details.
County Contact: Kristi Peterson, kristi.peterson@wisc.edu, 715-839-4712
Time: Training starts at 8:30 am. Please come early to check in. Training will finish around 12:00 and the test will be given after training. The session will end around 3:30 pm.
February 26th, 2026 – Vernon County
Vernon County Building, 1320 Bad Axe Ct, Viroqua, WI 54665
Parking: Contact the County for Details.
County Contact: Miranda Wontor, mwontor@wisc.edu, 608-637-5267
Time: Training starts at 8:30 am. Please come early to check in. Training will finish around 12:00 and the test will be given after training. The session will end around 3:30 pm.
April 14th, 2026 – Jackson County
Jackson County Extension Office, 227 S 11th St, Black River Falls, WI 54615
Parking: Contact the County for Details.
County Contact: Cathy Hart, 715-284-4257, chart22@wisc.edu
Time: Training starts at 8:30 am. Please come early to check in. Training will finish around 12:00 and the test will be given after training. The session will end around 3:30 pm.
March 17th, 2026 – Trempealeau County
Trempealeau County Courthouse, Tremplo room; 18600 Hobson St, Whitehall, WI 54773
Parking: Contact the County for Details.
County Contact: Ericka Anderson, ericka.anderson@wisc.edu
Time: Training starts at 8:30 am. Please come early to check in. Training will finish around 12:00 and the test will be given after training. The session will end around 3:30 pm.
No matter how you plan to prepare for testing, you must purchase a new General Farming manual before you test at PATstore.wisc.edu.
Call 608-785-9593 for more information.
