Pesticide, Fertilizer Exams Offered
Published: Friday, November 21, 2025
Important news for folks in the Plain Community who need to get their pesticide and fertilizer licenses! The Indiana State Chemist Office knows that not everyone can sit down in front of a computer for a test. That's why they're offering a welcome throwback: a special, paper-based exam session right here in Amish and Mennonite Country.
Mark your calendars for Jan 7, Registration starts are 8:30 a.m. at Sunnyside Park, 68546 Clinton St., in New Paris. There will be a training session at 9 am to briefly review the Indiana pesticide and fertilizer rule highlights. The exam starts promptly at 11 am. No one arriving late will be admitted.
This paper exam option isn't for just anyone who wants to avoid a screen. You need to meet a few clear rules:
• You must be 18 years or older.
• You must have a religious objection to computer-based testing.
• You must have limited ability to travel.
• You've got to bring valid identification.
There are two crucial tests you can take on Jan. 7:
• Core Pesticide Exam. Also known as the pesticide exam, it is needed if you want to purchase and use Restricted Use Pesticides on the land you own or rent. It's a must-have for serious crop production.
• Category 14 Manure Applicators Exam. This rule applies to anyone who uses or distributes fertilizer material (commercial fertilizer or manure) for the purposes of producing an agricultural crop. An exemption is made for those who apply less than 10 yards or 4,000 gallons of fertilizer or manure in a year.
Here are steps you need to follow before January 7:
1. Get the Study Manuals: Don't try to wing it! Call 765/494-6794 to order your materials with a credit card. The Core Pesticide Manual (PPP-C) and the Category 14 Fertilizer Manual (PPP-14) are $40 each. Buy the manual you want, and study them. I suggest you order these books by Dec. 1, which gives the Postal Service time to send you the books, and gives you time to study.
2. Preregister—Call either the LaGrange County Extension office at 260/499-6334 or the Noble County Extension office at 260/636-2111 by Jan. 5. Make sure we know which test(s) you intend to take.
3. Study the materials in the book.
4. Arrive early with your ID and checkbook or cash. The doors will open at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $55 per exam. If you're taking both, that's $110.
When you walk in, you need to prove your identity. The State Chemist's office is serious about this. You'll need one of these options: a valid Indiana ID card with a photo; a valid Indiana photo-exempt ID card; or a combination of three documents: your birth certificate, your Social Security card and a piece of mail where the name matches the other two documents.
If you don't have that religious objection, and need an exam, you still need to buy the study manuals the same way (call 765/494-6794). Once you're ready, you can schedule your exam appointment online at indiana.metrosignup.com or by calling 877/533-2900. They use various Ivy Tech locations—like the ones in Elkhart, South Bend and Fort Wayne—so you should have good options nearby.
Return to Top of Page