Which Certificate Do I Need?
Back to Maintenance Gardener Pest Control Certification
If I apply pesticides occasionally for my maintenance gardening work, do I still need to be certified?
![Maintenance gardener applying general use pesticides - Photo source: Michael L. Poe, courtesy UC Statewide IPM Program Maintenance gardener applying general use pesticides](/images/license/mg_cert_1.jpg)
Yes. If you are occasionally applying pesticides as part of a maintenance gardening business, you must have a Qualified Applicator Certificate in category Q (QAC-Q). The QAC-Q allows for the incidental use of general use pesticides. People with only the Maintenance Gardener QAC-Q are not authorized to purchase, use, or supervise the application of restricted materials.
How do I get certified for the QAC-Q?
![Application Form - Photo source: ©iStock.com/RBFried Application Form](/images/license/mg_cert_3.jpg)
It's easy! Just submit the Qualified Applicator Certificate application, appropriate fees (ranging from $80 to $120), and pass the required examination.
What's next, after I pass the QAC-Q exam?
![Stamped mail - Photo source: ©iStock.com/duckycards Stamped mail](/images/license/mg_cert_4.jpg)
DPR will notify you by mail with your exam results. If you pass, you will be sent your QAC-Q card. Once you are certified, you still cannot use pesticides until the maintenance gardener business you own or work for has been licensed by DPR.
What if I need to apply restricted materials?
![Maintenance gardener applying a restricted pesticide with a sprayer Maintenance gardener applying a restricted pesticide with a sprayer](/images/license/mg_cert_2.jpg)
The Landscape Maintenance Qualified Applicator Certificate in category B allows you to apply or supervise the application of restricted and general use pesticides.
For more information, please contact:
Licensing and Certification Program
Phone: (916) 445-4038
E-mail: LicenseMail@cdpr.ca.gov