Frequently Asked Questions

Update for the 2027 Year

As the renewal comes closer there is one change that you will need to be aware of.
You will be given a manual to use while taking the test. These will be given back to your proctor. You will NOT be allowed to use your own manual. You do still need to purchase a manual as it has your unique PAT number on the certificate.

PAT numbers are required by the state statue (ATCP 29).

Manual purchase options are detailed below.

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General Information

Private Applicator: person who applies restricted-use (pesticide label identifies) pesticides to produce an agricultural commodity AND pesticides are applied on property that they own or rent, or their employer owns or rents.

If an applicator does not meet BOTH parts of the definition, they are considered commercial applicators.

Commercial Applicator: An example are people who work at a lawn care company or if you are a County Highway employee.

Certification Validity: Certification is valid for 5 years.

Notifying Expiring Certified Applicators: The PAT Program notifies farmers with expiring certifications in early winter, but it’s the farmer’s responsibility to track their status.

Post card notifications will be sent until 2029. Starting in 2030, notification will be sent by email only.

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When is my expiration date?

Please check your card to identify when your certification expires. You can self-check your expiration date at: Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s website. If your name is not listed, then your certification has expired. If you are unable to check online, please contact either the UW PAT Program at 608-262-7588 or Jefferson County Extension Office at 920-674-7295 for help. 

Not sure if you are a Commercial or Private applicator? Go to the PAT  Certification page for more information.

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Learning the Material

Self-Study:

Self-study students purchase the manual, study independently, and test at a designated County Extension Office or Pearson Vue

Self-Paced Online Training:

Canvas course is available for purchase at PAT website:
https://patstore.wisc.edu/secure/collection/private/17

Course costs $10.

Course must be completed for the reduction in passing score. Must show proctor the course completion email. Online training takes approx. 3.5 hours. Stopping/starting throughout the training is allowed.

Extension-Hosted Zoom Training (organized and hosted by Regional Crops Educators):

Registration costs $10 and must be completed in advance through the
https://patstore.wisc.edu/secure/item?store=private&id=128

Students must bring their PAT certificate to the training.

Dates and locations will be posted online in late fall. Class is taught by PAT Program staff over Zoom.

In-person Training & Test:

A few in-person training opportunities will be hosted by the PAT Program.

Registration costs $10 and is available through the UW PAT Store:
https://patstore.wisc.edu/secure/collection/private/45

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How do I get certified?

To become certified in Wisconsin you will:
1. Purchase a Manual. This can be done online at the PAT Store or by calling the PAT Store at 608-262-7588. 
**Books are no longer available at County Extension offices.
2. Choose a Training Option.
A. For live training or zoom training with test, find a location near you click here.
B. For online self-guided General Farming training, click here
C. Self-study using only your book

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What do I need for the Test?

1. Your manual with your unique PAT number certificate. If you have the PDF version please provide the number to your proctor.
2. Your social security number
3. Pencil #2
4. Calculator (no phones are allowed) we will provide if you need one
5. Scratch paper (will be provided and collected at the end)

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Where to take the test

Jefferson County Extension – Check back later for dates
(Training location: Extension Office, 864 Collins Rd, Jefferson, WI 53549)
Rock County Extension – Check back later for dates
(Training location: Rock County IT Building, 3605 N County Road F, Janesville, WI 53545)
Walworth County Extension – Check back later for dates
(Training location: Extension Office (Room 214), 100 W Walworth St, Elkhorn, WI 53121)

Alternative County and State-wide training/testing calendars can be found here.

If you are not attending a live or zoom training session that includes testing, the Jefferson County Extension Office is offering testing by appointment, January through April, every Wednesday. You must call the office at 920-674-7295 to schedule your test appointment.

Other local County testing schedules from January through April:
Walworth County –  every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month (262-741-4963)
Rock County – every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month (608-757-5066)

Alternative County offices offering testing can be found here.