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Colorado Pest Control License Renewal: Deadlines, Fees and CE

Colorado has 3 Pest control license classes. Most renew every 3 years. Renewal fees are about $100 to $350, depending on the class. Fees change, so check the official site for the exact amount. Continuing education is 9 hours. The details for each class are below.

Full rule details
Verified dataLast checked Oct 17, 2026, next review due July 2027

Informational: verify with the issuing board.

Remind me before it expiresHow reminders work

Certified Operator (CO)

CO · State license · Colorado Department of Agriculture - Plant Industry (Pesticide Applicators)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 303-869-9065 (QS/CO); 303-869-9066 (commercial business)

We did not find online renewal for this license, so the link may open the board site.

Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing education
9 hours
Show CE rulesTo renew without exam, credits must be earned before the license expires (8 CCR 1203-2, Rule 4.01): 2 credits in state, federal and local laws and regulations; 1 credit each in pesticides and their families, applicator safety, public safety, environmental protection and use of pesticides; plus 1 credit per licensed pest management category, or 2 credits each for residential/commercial pest control (Cat. 304), turf and ornamental categories. That is 9 credits for a Cat. 304-only licensee. Courses must be approved in advance by the Commissioner. Alternatively, pass the general and category exams again.
Deadline rule
License valid 3 years; exact expiration date shown on license; CDA generally mails renewal application a few months before expiry (licensee is responsible to renew). CECs must be earned before expiration.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
No grace period for CECs; late renewal allowed up to 30 days (with fee) only if required CECs were earned before expiration.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $100
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Renewal not postmarked by the expiration date: a penalty of 10 percent of the renewal fee is added (about $10 on the about $100 fee, about $110 total); no license is renewed until the total is paid (C.R.S. 35-10-116(4)). Not received within 30 days after expiration: the license is not renewed and reinstatement (or a new license) is needed (C.R.S. 35-10-116(5)).
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)A license not renewed by its expiration date may be reinstated within 180 days after expiration by applying, paying the reinstatement fee set by the Commissioner (an extra about $100, about $200 total per the CDA licensing page) and proving all renewal requirements, including CE credits, were met as of the expiration date (C.R.S. 35-10-116(6); 8 CCR 1203-2, Rule 2.47). After 180 days a new license is required.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Not required
Reciprocity
CDA does not reciprocate at QS level. Reciprocal license issued at Certified Operator level only ($150, letter of good standing, valid only for the unexpired term of the other state's license, not renewable).
Notes

Structural pest control category 304 (Residential/Commercial Pest Control); 303 fumigation and wood-destroying organisms are separate categories. Individual must link to a licensed commercial applicator business within 15 days of hire. No experience requirement; works under a QS-linked business. Phone (303) 869-9065.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (4)

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Commercial Pesticide Applicator Business License

Commercial Applicator · State license · Colorado Department of Agriculture - Plant Industry (Pesticide Applicators)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 303-869-9065 (QS/CO); 303-869-9066 (commercial business)

We did not find online renewal for this license, so the link may open the board site.

Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Calendar-year license; expires December 31 each year (no proration). CDA generally mails renewal application each November; business is responsible for renewing.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
Late renewal (with the 10 percent penalty) is accepted only if the application and fee are received on or before the 30th day after expiration (C.R.S. 35-10-107(3)).

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $350
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Renewal not received by the expiration date: a penalty of 10 percent of the renewal fee (about $35 on the about $350 fee) is added; no license is renewed until the total is paid (C.R.S. 35-10-107(2)). Each additional business (DBA) name is about $100 per year.
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)If the renewal application and fee are not received within 30 days after expiration, the business license is not renewed and the business must apply for a new license (C.R.S. 35-10-107(3)). Applying pesticides without a license or without the required insurance in force violates the Act.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Proof of liability insurance, minimum $400,000. Incorporated applicants submit a Certificate of Good Standing from Colorado Secretary of State.
Reciprocity
Not published, check with the board
Notes

Commercial applicator email [email protected], phone (303) 869-9066. Business must notify CDA within 15 days of linking/de-linking QS or CO employees.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (3)

Qualified Supervisor (QS)

QS · State license · Colorado Department of Agriculture - Plant Industry (Pesticide Applicators)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 303-869-9065 (QS/CO); 303-869-9066 (commercial business)

We did not find online renewal for this license, so the link may open the board site.

Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing education
9 hours
Show CE rulesTo renew without exam, credits must be earned before the license expires (8 CCR 1203-2, Rule 4.01): 2 credits in state, federal and local laws and regulations; 1 credit each in pesticides and their families, applicator safety, public safety, environmental protection and use of pesticides; plus 1 credit per licensed pest management category, or 2 credits each for residential/commercial pest control (Cat. 304), turf and ornamental categories. That is 9 credits for a Cat. 304-only licensee. Courses must be approved in advance by the Commissioner. Alternatively, pass the general and category exams again.
Deadline rule
License valid 3 years; exact expiration date shown on license; CDA generally mails renewal application a few months before expiry (licensee is responsible to renew). CECs must be earned before expiration.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
No grace period for CECs; late renewal allowed up to 30 days (with fee) only if required CECs were earned before expiration.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $100
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)Renewal not postmarked by the expiration date: a penalty of 10 percent of the renewal fee is added (about $10 on the about $100 fee, about $110 total); no license is renewed until the total is paid (C.R.S. 35-10-116(4)). Not received within 30 days after expiration: the license is not renewed and reinstatement (or a new license) is needed (C.R.S. 35-10-116(5)).
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)A license not renewed by its expiration date may be reinstated within 180 days after expiration by applying, paying the reinstatement fee set by the Commissioner (an extra about $100, about $200 total per the CDA licensing page) and proving all renewal requirements, including CE credits, were met as of the expiration date (C.R.S. 35-10-116(6); 8 CCR 1203-2, Rule 2.47). After 180 days a new license is required.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Not required
Reciprocity
CDA does not reciprocate at QS level. Reciprocal license issued at Certified Operator level only ($150, letter of good standing, valid only for the unexpired term of the other state's license, not renewable).
Notes

Structural pest control category 304 (Residential/Commercial Pest Control); 303 fumigation and wood-destroying organisms are separate categories. Individual must link to a licensed commercial applicator business within 15 days of hire. QS requires documented field experience (Parts 10.02/10.03 of rules). Phone (303) 869-9065.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (4)

The hours, required topics, approved providers and reporting rules for each license are on the Colorado Pest control continuing education page.

How to renew

  1. 1Check your Certified Operator (CO) deadline: License valid 3 years; exact expiration date shown on license; CDA generally mails renewal application a few months before expiry (licensee is responsible to renew). CECs must be earned before expiration.
  2. 2Complete 9 continuing education hours before renewing. To renew without exam, credits must be earned before the license expires (8 CCR 1203-2, Rule 4.01): 2 credits in state, federal and local laws and regulations; 1 credit each in pesticides and their families, applicator safety, public safety, environmental protection and use of pesticides; plus 1 credit per licensed pest management category, or 2 credits each for residential/commercial pest control (Cat. 304), turf and ornamental categories. That is 9 credits for a Cat. 304-only licensee. Courses must be approved in advance by the Commissioner. Alternatively, pass the general and category exams again.
  3. 3Renewal information: https://ag.colorado.gov/qualified-supervisor-and-certified-operator-licensing-information
  4. 4Pay the renewal fee on the official site. Expect about $100, but fees change.
  5. 5If you miss the deadline: Renewal not postmarked by the expiration date: a penalty of 10 percent of the renewal fee is added (about $10 on the about $100 fee, about $110 total); no license is renewed until the total is paid (C.R.S. 35-10-116(4)). Not received within 30 days after expiration: the license is not renewed and reinstatement (or a new license) is needed (C.R.S. 35-10-116(5)).
  6. 6Check your Commercial Pesticide Applicator Business License deadline: Calendar-year license; expires December 31 each year (no proration). CDA generally mails renewal application each November; business is responsible for renewing.
  7. 7Confirm your insurance meet the board requirements and are not expiring.
  8. 8Renewal information: https://ag.colorado.gov/commercial-applicators
  9. 9Pay the renewal fee on the official site. Expect about $350, but fees change.
  10. 10If you miss the deadline: Renewal not received by the expiration date: a penalty of 10 percent of the renewal fee (about $35 on the about $350 fee) is added; no license is renewed until the total is paid (C.R.S. 35-10-107(2)). Each additional business (DBA) name is about $100 per year.
  11. 11Check your Qualified Supervisor (QS) deadline: License valid 3 years; exact expiration date shown on license; CDA generally mails renewal application a few months before expiry (licensee is responsible to renew). CECs must be earned before expiration.

Colorado Pest control renewal questions

Answers come from the records above. Informational: verify with the issuing board.

When does a Colorado pest control license expire?

Certified Operator (CO): renews every 3 years. License valid 3 years; exact expiration date shown on license; CDA generally mails renewal application a few months before expiry (licensee is responsible to renew). CECs must be earned before expiration. Commercial Pesticide Applicator Business License: renews every year. Calendar-year license; expires December 31 each year (no proration). CDA generally mails renewal application each November; business is responsible for renewing. Qualified Supervisor (QS): renews every 3 years. License valid 3 years; exact expiration date shown on license; CDA generally mails renewal application a few months before expiry (licensee is responsible to renew). CECs must be earned before expiration. Check with Colorado Department of Agriculture - Plant Industry (Pesticide Applicators) before you rely on it.

How many CE hours does a Colorado pest control license need?

Certified Operator (CO): 9 hours per renewal. Commercial Pesticide Applicator Business License: no CE required. Qualified Supervisor (QS): 9 hours per renewal. Check with Colorado Department of Agriculture - Plant Industry (Pesticide Applicators) before you rely on it.

Is there a grace period for a Colorado pest control license?

No grace period for CECs; late renewal allowed up to 30 days (with fee) only if required CECs were earned before expiration. Check with Colorado Department of Agriculture - Plant Industry (Pesticide Applicators) before you rely on it.

How much does it cost to renew a Colorado pest control license?

Certified Operator (CO): About $100. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

What happens if a Colorado pest control license expires?

Renewal not postmarked by the expiration date: a penalty of 10 percent of the renewal fee is added (about $10 on the about $100 fee, about $110 total); no license is renewed until the total is paid (C.R.S. 35-10-116(4)). Not received within 30 days after expiration: the license is not renewed and reinstatement (or a new license) is needed (C.R.S. 35-10-116(5)). Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Does Colorado accept pest control licenses from other states?

CDA does not reciprocate at QS level. Reciprocal license issued at Certified Operator level only ($150, letter of good standing, valid only for the unexpired term of the other state's license, not renewable). Check with Colorado Department of Agriculture - Plant Industry (Pesticide Applicators) before you rely on it.

Sources

Spot something out of date?

Informational only. Check it with the issuing board. Licensing rules, deadlines and CE requirements change, fee amounts are approximate, and this page can be out of date. It is not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with any state board. Read the disclaimer.

This information is here to help you plan, not to replace the board. Fee amounts are approximate and may be out of date. Deadlines and continuing education rules change too, sometimes without much notice. Always confirm with your licensing board and its official site before you rely on a date or an amount. This is not legal advice.

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