South Carolina Pest Control License: How to Get Certified for Pest Control in SC

Do you need a pesticide license in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina requires all restricted-use and state-limited-use pesticide applicators to be licensed. 

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and Clemson University work together to regulate and administer pest control licenses in the state.

You must have a pest control applicator license to perform the following work:

• Apply restricted-use pesticides or other regulated pesticide categories to your own property or someone else’s
• Apply pesticides to a state, county, federal, or local municipal property
• Operate a pest control business

Types of pesticide licenses in South Carolina

The type of license you need depends on the type of work you plan to do. South Carolina has different types of pest control applicator licenses, so make sure you know which one is right for you.

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) separates pest control licenses into the following types:

In South Carolina, there are two categories of pesticides: restricted use and general use. 

Only certified applicators can use and purchase restricted-use pesticides. General-use pesticides are available to anyone without certification.

The restricted-use category is further broken down into five different subcategories: Categories 3, 5, 7a, 7b, and 8.

South Carolina pesticide license requirements

To get your pest control license and start working, you need to follow all requirements listed by the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).

Pest control licenses vary in requirements, so use this information to learn all the necessary requirements for your license type:

How do I get a pesticide license in South Carolina?

There are five types of pest control licenses in South Carolina; the steps for obtaining each license type are outlined below.

Note: once you’ve completed and passed the necessary exam for your license, all required applications will be sent to you via email or mail. 

Commercial Applicator license: 

1. Write and pass the South Carolina certification exams and pay the exam fees. 
2. Complete and submit the commercial pesticide license application. 
3. Complete the required Evidence of Financial Responsibility Form. 
4. Pay the licensing fee. 

Non-Commercial Applicator license: 

1. Write and pass the South Carolina certification exams and pay the exam fees. 
2. Complete and submit the commercial pesticide license application. 
3. Complete the required Evidence of Financial Responsibility Form. 
4. Pay the licensing fee. 

Private Applicator license:

1. Must already have a Commercial or Non-commercial license. 
2. Complete the South Carolina private applicator training.
3. Write and pass the South Carolina private applicator exam. 
4. Complete and submit the application form and pay the fee. 

Business license:

1. Must already have a Designated Certified Applicator (DCA) license. A Designated Certified Applicator (DCA) license in South Carolina is a type of certification that allows an individual to purchase and apply restricted-use pesticides. 
2. Must already have a Commercial applicator’s license. 
3. Complete and submit the Pesticide Business License Application form.
4. Complete and submit the ​​DCA Verifiable Experience form. 
5. Complete and submit the Evidence of Financial Responsibility Form. 
6. Pay the licensing fee.  

Pesticides Dealer license:

1. Must already have a Commercial or Non-commercial license. 
2. Complete the South Carolina private applicator training.
3. Write and pass the South Carolina private applicator exam. 
4. Complete and submit the application form and pay the fee. 

All forms and documents can be submitted online here or mailed to the following address: 

Regulatory Services

511 Westinghouse Road

Pendleton, SC 29670

South Carolina pesticide license exam

All pest control applicators in South Carolina are required to write and pass the South Carolina certification exams with at least 70% or higher. 

The core exam and category exams are offered by the South Carolina Metro Institute. The exams vary in price, so make sure you are prepared. Candidates can find more information about the exams here and study guides here.

To register for the certification exams, go to Register for Online Exams. Select SC, then Register for a new Metro Customer Account.

Does South Carolina reciprocate pesticide licenses?

South Carolina offers reciprocal pest control applicator licenses that allow pest control workers from other states to apply directly for the corresponding license. Your primary out-of-state license must remain valid to obtain your South Carolina reciprocal license.

South Carolina offers reciprocal licensing with 13 states: 

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Florida
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia

Find out more about how to get your reciprocal pest control license in South Carolina.

How much is a pesticide license in South Carolina?

The cost to become a pest control applicator in South Carolina depends on the type of licenses you need.  Depending on the license type you’re applying for, you can expect to pay between $175 and $250. 

Here’s how the main costs break down:

South Carolina pesticide license renewal

South Carolina requires that all pest control license holders have an up-to-date license status. 

All South Carolina pest control applicator and business licenses are renewed annually in-person, except for the private pesticide applicator license, which is renewed every five years. 

To renew your designated license, you must pay the fee and attend continuing education courses. 

Licenses expire on December 31 of each calendar year. 

You can check the status of your SC pest control license(s) on the following pages:

• Commercial Applicator license status 
• Non-commercial Applicator license status
• Private Applicator license status

What happens if my pesticide license expires? 

Any work performed with an expired license will be in violation of the South Carolina Pesticide Control Act and will be subject to enforcement action. 

If an individual is found to be using a pesticide without a valid license, they may be subject to fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Additionally, the DPR may suspend, or even revoke, their license if they fail to renew it on time or violate any state laws while using pesticides. 

If an applicator license is not renewed by April 1 of the calendar year following its expiration, the license holder may be required to take another examination. 

However, if the license renewal is not filed before January 1 annually, a penalty of twenty-five percent of the original fee must be paid.

Requirements for business owners

Getting your South Carolina pest control license is a great first step towards a strong financial future. And if you’re looking to take it to the next level, you can start your own pest control business. 

Starting your own pest control business can be done with these straightforward steps:

• Define your pest control services
• Get pest control licensing and training
• License and register your business
• Get pest control business insurance
• Open a business bank account

Now, you’re ready to start your pest control career in South Carolina! If you need to, refer back here for more information about pest control licenses or business support.