No worries — we have you covered. Nebraska Extension has developed the FAQs you need to understand and meet Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) pesticide certification requirements. Please find below the most commonly asked questions regarding pesticide certification in Nebraska.

Before getting started, it is important to note that you must comply with both federal and state regulations regarding use and application of spray drones. For detailed information on federal requirements, refer to the Federal Aviation Administration’s guidance, “Dispensing Chemicals and Agricultural Products (Part 137) with UAS.”

For a summary of both federal and Nebraska spray drone requirements, read “Drones and Nebraska Pesticide Act” on CropWatch. Additional pesticide certification questions may be submitted to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Pesticide Program.

For state regulations, this FAQ sheet specifically addresses Nebraska requirements for applying pesticides with a drone.  

1. Do I need pesticide certification to apply pesticides using a drone in Nebraska?

It depends on the type of pesticide you are using and for whom you are applying it.

If you are applying a General Use Pesticide, certification is not required in most cases. Refer to Question 6 for special use cases, where a general use pesticide may require certification.

If you are applying a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP), you must be certified. This means you will need either a Nebraska non-commercial or commercial pesticide applicator license. 

2. What is the difference between General Use Pesticides and Restricted Use Pesticides?

General Use Pesticides are products that can be purchased and used by the general public without special certification.

Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) have been classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as products that could cause unreasonable adverse effects to the environment and injury to applicators or bystanders without additional regulatory controls. RUPs may be purchased and applied only by certified applicators or individuals working under their direct supervision, unless otherwise noted on the product label. For additional information on RUPs, visit EPA’s “Restricted Use Products Report.”

3. Do I need a Nebraska pesticide license to apply fertilizer, biologicals, or cover crop seed with my drone?

No. 

Fertilizers, biologicals and seeds are not considered pesticides, so Nebraska pesticide certification is not required when applying those materials.

4. I am applying RUPs only on my own farm and not offering services to others. May I use a Nebraska private pesticide license?

No. 

When applying RUPs with a drone, a private pesticide license does not apply. You will need either a non-commercial or commercial Nebraska pesticide applicator license.

5. I only apply RUPs on my own farm, and I am not offering it as a service. Which license do I need?

If you are applying RUPs only on property under your control and not for hire, you will need a non-commercial applicator license. A non-commercial applicator is someone who applies RUPs under the direct control of their employer on a not-for-hire basis. There is no fee for the non-commercial license, but certification exams are still required.

6. When would I need a Nebraska commercial applicator license?

A commercial applicator license is required when you apply RUPs to the land of another for hire. It is also required if you make structural or lawn care pesticide applications for hire, regardless of whether the pesticide is general use or restricted use. Applications made on behalf of a political subdivision, such as mosquito control programs, may also require licensing.

7. How do I receive a Nebraska non-commercial or commercial pesticide applicator license? Do I have to take a test?

Yes. 

Drone applicators must pass at least two exams with a score of 70% or higher. These include the General Standards (00) exam and the Category 12 Aerial Pest Control exam.

8. I am using a drone to apply pesticides to crops and other plants. Do I need to take both the Category 01 (Agricultural Pest Control – Plant) and Category 12 exams?

No. 

You only take the Category 12 exam. When you pass Category 12, you will receive certification for both Category 12 and Category 01. Both categories will be indicated on your license.

9. I have a ground-based sprayer. Do I need to take Category 01 exam in addition to Category 12?

No. 

If you pass Category 12, it also covers Category 01 (Agricultural Pest Control – Plant). You do not need to take Category 01 separately, and Category 12 will cover both aerial (including spray drone) application and ground-based sprayer use.

10. Where can I get training materials or attend in-person initial training for Nebraska non-commercial or commercial applicator certification?

Nebraska Extension offers in-person initial training sessions designed to review material prior to testing. These sessions serve as a review, so applicants should study ahead of time. Information on training sessions can be found on the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) website. 

Study materials are available in both printed manual and digital flipbook format through the PSEP marketplace.

11. I noticed that Category 12 is not included in the in-person initial training sessions. Why?

That is correct. Category 12 is not included in the in-person initial training sessions. You will need to order the Category 12 Aerial Pest Control manual and study independently. However, Category 12 includes material related to Category 01 (Agricultural Pest Control – Plant). For that reason, attending Category 01 in-person training may help partially prepare you for the Category 12 exam.

12. What can I expect on the day of initial training?

In the morning session, participants review General Standards (00) material, typically through video instruction. After the review, you may take the General Standards 00 exam.

In the afternoon, participants attend Category 01 training, which can help prepare you for the Category 12 exam. If you feel prepared, you may choose to take the Category 12 exam after the afternoon session.

13. Where do I take the exams?

There are three options. You may test during an in-person initial training session. You may also participate in walk-in testing offered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture throughout the year. A third option is testing through Pearson VUE, which has locations in Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings, Lincoln, McCook, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha and Scottsbluff.

14. I cannot attend in-person training. Is there an online option?

Yes. 

A self-paced online course is available through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Like the in-person sessions, the online course does not include Category 12 training. Applicants must study Category 12 material independently.

15. After taking the test, how long does it take to receive my license?

If you pass the required exams, processing typically takes three to four weeks. Commercial applicators will receive an invoice for the license fee. There is no fee for non-commercial licenses.

16. Do I need to complete recertification?

Yes. 

Certification must be renewed every three years. Recertification training sessions are available through Nebraska Extension. 

Currently, Nebraska Extension does not offer recertification training specifically for Category 12. Most applicants meet this requirement by retaking the Category 12 exam. Another option for recertification, which does include Category 12, is to attend the Nebraska Aviation Trade Association annual convention.