Who needs fertilizer certification?
Fertilizer certification is required if you apply fertilizer (other than manure) to more than 50 acres of agricultural production grown primarily for sale. If you have the co-op or other custom applicator make your fertilizer applications, you do not need the certification.
How to get fertilizer certification
- Attend a fertilizer certification training class offered by Ohio State University Extension -- Click here for training opportunities
- Complete and sign a fertilizer certification form at the end of the training class.
OR
- Pass the fertilizer exam offered by the ODA: Sign up to take exam here
- Study materials are free. Download the fertilizer exam study guide here.
If you have a pesticide license, you're done. If not, you will pay $30 for the fertilizer applicator certification. The invoice for the certification fee will be sent to you by the Ohio Department of Agriculture after you complete the fertilizer certification training class. You will need to recertify every three years.
To Recertify:
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Attend a 1-hour recertification training offered by Ohio State University Extension when your renewal is due. Find a recertification training class here!
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Complete and sign a fertilizer recertification form at the end of the training class.
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You will need to re-certify every three years to maintain your certificate