To get pesticide applicator certification in Nova Scotia, you need to pass the examinations required for your certification class and submit an application.

Exam availability and scheduling

The Pesticide Certification Program is receiving a high volume of applications. Processing is taking longer than usual and exam availability is limited.

New online exam bookings are not available. Online exam appointments already booked for 2027 will continue as scheduled.

If you need certification to work in Nova Scotia:

• you'll be scheduled for an in-person exam
• include a letter from your Nova Scotia employer with your application
• the letter must confirm your employment and include your employer's Nova Scotia address and contact information

Exam bookings can't be expedited, and earlier exam dates aren't available outside the regular scheduling process.

Examinations you need to take

The examinations you need to pass depend on your certification class:

• commercial and domestic vendors need to pass 1 examination
• applicants for other certification classes need to pass the core examination and the examination for their class

You need a grade of at least 75% on each required examination.

Learn more about pesticide certification exams.

Apply for certification

Complete and submit the pesticide applicator certification application form.
If you need certification to work in Nova Scotia, remember to include the required letter from your Nova Scotia employer.

Application for Pesticide Applicator Certification (PDF)

After you apply

The program reviews your application to make sure you've met the certification requirements.

If your application is approved, you'll receive your certificate by email.

Due to the current volume of applications, processing may take longer than usual.

Renew your certification

Pesticide applicator certification is valid for 5 years.

You can renew your certification by:

• passing an approved examination
• completing eligible courses or events and earning the required continuing education point credits

Certification from outside Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia may recognize pesticide applicator certification from another province, territory or jurisdiction if it is equivalent to the Canadian national standard.

For more information, review the Pesticide Certification Reciprocity Application Process (PDF).

Certification standard

Nova Scotia's pesticide applicator certification requirements are based on the national standard for Pesticide Education, Training and Certification in Canada. Pesticide applicator certification is not a recognized skilled trade or apprenticeship qualification in Nova Scotia.