Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Revises Pesticide Training Materials Ahead of 2026 Iowa Rule Changes

By Elizabeth Danielson

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will implement updated pesticide applicator certification and training rules beginning Jan. 1, 2026. In preparation for the new rules, the Iowa State University Pesticide Safety Education Program is revising several applicator manuals and exams to ensure compliance and provide accurate resources for commercial and private pesticide applicators.

“When manuals have major revisions, certification exams administered by IDALS are also revised to include the updated information,” said Betsy Danielson, PSEP program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. Updated study materials and training manuals will be available through the ISU Extension Store. Additional information about Iowa’s applicator licensing, certification and training requirements is available on the IDALS website.

Commercial pesticide applicators

Iowa Core Manual (CS445)

• If testing occurs before Dec. 31, 2025, exams will be based on the Iowa Core Manual (CS445), available in both print and PDF formats, with a blue cover.
• New exams based on the revised manual will be used at all IDALS test sites beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The manual will be available mid-December and will have a tan cover.