There are four types of pesticide licenses or certifications issued by the Department of Agricultural Resources for the use of pesticides in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

Commercial Applicator License: If you have never had a pesticide license before, or if you did it was more than 5 years ago, and if you plan to use general use pesticides on the property of another for hire or as part of your current job duties on the property of your employer or leased by your employer. This is the type of licensing required for an individual to apply general use pesticides, or any restricted use pesticide under the direct supervision of a certified applicator, for hire or compensation for any purpose on any property other than as provided by the definition of "private applicator certification".

Commercial Applicator Certification: If you have have held an applicator (core) license or certification for two (2) or more years either in Massachusetts or another state during the past five (5) years, and you plan to use restricted use pesticides (RUP's) on the property of another for hire. Commercial certification is for pesticide applicators who use or supervise the use of any pesticide which is classified as restricted use for hire or compensation for any purpose or on any property other than as provided by the definition of "private applicator certification".

Private Applicator Certification: If you are a grower or farmer and you plan to use restricted use pesticides (RUP's) on your own property or that of your employer or rented by your employer for the purpose of raising agricultural commodities. Agricultural commodities can include, but are not limited to, products like cranberries, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, greenhouse plants, sod, nursery stock, blueberries, apples, etc. Private certification for private applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted use or state limited use pesticides for the purpose of producing any agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by him or his employer or without compensation other than trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities on the land of another person.

Dealer License: Licensing for an individual to sell either federal or state classified restricted use or state limited use pesticides to indiviuals possesing a valid commercial or private certification. A dealer license is not required for individuals that are only selling general use pesticides.