Description

PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH YOUR REGISTRATION.

*NEW IN 2026!* The online exam is now proctored using a system called Honorlock. 

Proctoring means that when you begin your exam, the Honorlock software will use your computer webcam and microphone to take a recording of your session to ensure the exam is taken by the applicator without assistance from other individuals.

This change is to maintain the security and integrity of the certification process and ensures that all exams are taken under the same fair conditions under the new EPA certification rules that took effect in 2024.

→ To determine if the online exam is the right option for you, please review the video guide on Honorlock and the comprehensive online exam guide. 

If you aren't comfortable with technology, you may choose to:

• Take the mail-in (re)certification exam. Mail-in exams are available at most local Extension offices (extension.umn.edu/local). Please call ahead for office hours and test material availability.

• Attend a workshop only if you are recertifying. Please note that workshops are only available in January and February.

Fee: $120, $100 for UMN plus an additional $20 Honorlock non-refundable fee. 

The fee includes three attempts to pass the exam in one calendar year. If you initially register to recertify through the online exam and decide to change your registration to the self paced course, or workshop, you will not be credited Honorlock’s $20 fee.

Online exam requirements

• The exam requires a computer or laptop, working webcam, microphone, and speakers.
• No ipads, tablets, and cell phones - these are NOT supported by Honorlock.
• You must use Google Chrome
  • Download the Google Chrome web browser.
  • The exam will not work with any other internet browser
• Honorlock will guide you through a set up to add their software as a Chrome extension at the start of your exam.

Proctoring Rules and Requirements

1. You must have a copy of government issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport)
2. No one other than the verified test taker may access the computer at any time during the exam. 
3. Allowed:
   1. 19th Edition Study Manual (online or printed copy) 
   2.  Calculator (built in Honorlock or your own calculator)
   3. Restroom breaks, headphones, hats

Honorlock Support

• All troubleshooting must be handled directly through Honorlock Support. Reach them by emailing support@honorlock.com or by starting a chat session—either from within your exam or by visiting honorlock.com/support.

Honorlock does not provide phone support. Due to the nature of the Honorlock software, UMN staff cannot provide assistance.

• Watch Videos and Access Reference Materials!

Step-By-Step Registration Video Registration Instructions and guest account management

Step-By-Step Registration Reference Guide View/print/download the 2026 Step-By-Step Registration Guide (be patient while guide loads)

Guest Account Password Reset Video If you already have a University of Minnesota guest account due to a past registration, you must change your password prior to registering to reactivate your guest account. This will prevent login challenges during registration. 

19th Edition Study Manual Access the online PDF study manual. You can also get a printed copy of the manual at your local county Extension office, or order a manual from our website. 

• Creating a guest account because you're new to the University? USE YOUR OWN EMAIL ADDRESS to which you have immediate access! Failure to do so could result in someone else's name on your certification card. Duplicate and shared emails in guest accounts cannot be used.

• Have your certification number and credit card information ready. New applicators who have never been certified in the past, enter "00000" (5 zeros).

• PRIVATE PESTICIDE APPLICATOR CERTIFICATION NUMBERS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE TO OTHERS, including family members. Even if your certification is expired, you must still use the same previous assigned number. Can't find your certification number? Find it online at z.umn.edu/PPATcertlookup (uncheck "Unexpired Licenses Only" box if your certification is expired).

• You may not transfer payment from the online exam to the mail-in exam, or vice versa. Once you have chosen your exam method, you are committed to follow through with that method. Please choose carefully.

• You may not enter responses from a paper mail-in exam to this online version.

• There is a $100 non-refundable fee for the online and mail-in exam. Any cancellations of exam registrations, including chargebacks, will be subject to a $30 administration fee.

• Links to the exam and instructions can be found by clicking on the "Receipt Notes" in the receipts screen at the end of your registration and also in your University of Minnesota Confirmation email. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not see the email in your inbox.

• You have 3 attempts to earn a score of at least 80% on this exam to (re)certify for your private pesticide applicator's certification. After you achieve a passing score of 40 points or more, you can view and print your temporary certificate.

• Do not re-attempt the exam to improve the passing score, as this can cause errors in the system and you may not be (re)certified. Allow up to 60 days to receive your new private pesticide applicator certification card from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

If you have any questions before you register for the exam, please contact us.