The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) at Clemson University is transitioning to a new South Carolina Pesticide Applicator Core Exam, based on the National Pesticide Applicator Core Exam. The implementation date for the SC Core Exam (new) is July 15, 2026.
This transition aligns with South Carolina’s pesticide applicator certification program with nationally recognized competency standards while continuing DPR’s commitment to ensuring the safe, effective, and environmentally responsible use of pesticides throughout the state.
Why the Change?
The National Core Exam was developed to establish a consistent foundation of pesticide safety and stewardship knowledge across participating states. Adopting the National Core Exam will help ensure that SC applicators are evaluated using nationally recognized standards covering the fundamental principles of pesticide use, safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.
The updated exam emphasizes key knowledge areas including:
- Application
- Calibration
- Equipment
- Label Comprehension
- Pesticides
- Pests
- Regulatory Requirements
- Safety
- Storage and Disposal
- Toxicity
- Environmental Protection
What is NOT Changing?
While the SC Core Exam is being updated, several important aspects of South Carolina’s pesticide applicator certification program will remain unchanged.
- The cost of the SC Core exam will not change.
- Current pesticide applicator licenses and certifications remain valid.
- Existing certified and licensed applicators will not be required to retake the SC Core Exam as a result of this transition.
- South Carolina’s licensing requirements and category-specific certification requirements remain in effect.
- DPR will continue to administer pesticide applicator exams, certification, and licensing programs for the State of South Carolina.
The transition to the updated SC Core Exam primarily affects individuals seeking initial pesticide applicator certification after implementation of the new examination.
Transition Timeline
The Implementation Date for the SC Core Exam (new) is July 15, 2026.
To support candidates who may have already purchased and studied the current South Carolina Core study material (old), but not yet completed the examination, DPR will offer a Transition Period of three (3) months following implementation from July 15 through October 15, 2026.
During the Transition Period, candidates may register for either:
- The current (old) South Carolina Core Exam, or
- The new updated national (new) South Carolina Core Exam
This three-month Transition Period is intended to provided candidates who have already prepared using the SC Core Study Guide (old) sufficient time to schedule and complete the SC Core Exam (old) before it is retired.
The Retirement Date for the SC Core Exam (old) is October 15, 2026. After this date, only the SC Core Exam (new) will be available for scheduling and testing.
Candidates planning to take the SC Core Exam (new) should prepare using the SC Core Pesticide Study Manual (new), which is now available for purchase through Clemson University Press. Information about ordering the study manual is provided below.
Key Dates
| Date | Milestone |
| July 15, 2026 | Implementation Date – Registration opens for the SC Core Exam (new) and the Transition Period begins. |
| July 15 – October 15, 2026 | Transition Period – Candidates may choose to register for either the SC Core Exam (old) or the SC Core Exam (new). |
| October 15, 2026 | Retirement Date – The SC Core Exam (old) is retired. Only the SC Core Exam (new) will be available after this date. |
South Carolina Core Pesticide Study Manual
As South Carolina adopts the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Examination, the new South Carolina Core Pesticide Study Manual is now available to help candidates prepare for the examination and understand South Carolina-specific requirements and information.
The study manual may be purchased directly from Clemson University Press using the following link: https://clm.secure.longleafservices.org/cart?isbn=9781638042563
The list price is $39.95. Individuals who purchase the study manual through the Clemson University Press link can use discount code 23PESTICIDE10 during checkout to receive the discounted price of $29.95. The study manual is also available for purchase through online book retailers, such as Amazon; however, the discount code is only valid for purchases made through the Clemson University Press Link.
Discount Code: 23PESTICIDE10
Please note that the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) does not receive any revenue from the sale of the South Carolina Core Pesticide Study Manual. The purchase price is established by the publisher and is not set by the DPR.
Pesticide Exam Information
IMPORTANT: Candidates who have already purchased the current SC Core: Applying Pesticides Correctly Study Guide should carefully review this and future announcements regarding examination availability and transition deadlines.
What Current and Prospective Applicators Need to Know
Individuals planning to become certified pesticide applicators should monitor DPR communications for updates regarding:
- Official implementation dates
- Study material availability
- Exam scheduling
- Transition deadlines
- Frequently asked questions
Current license holders are not required to take any action at this time as a result of this change.
Frequently Asked Questions Resource – Available Now
To help applicators, employers, instructors, trainers, Extension personnel, and other stakeholders prepare for the transition, DPR has developed a comprehensive New SC Core Exam Transition – FAQ resource.
The FAQ includes answers to common questions about:
- The difference between the current and new SC Core Exams
- Which Core Exam candidates should take during the transition period
- Study guides and ordering information
- Examination registration
- Transition dates and deadlines
- Training materials for instructors
- Information for Extension offices and study material inventory
- What is changing – and what is not
We encourage all applicators, employers, trainers, and Extension personnel to bookmark this blog post and the DPR Exam Information page for the latest announcements and implementation updates.
Stay Informed
DPR will continue to provide updates regarding implementation dates, study materials, exam registration, and transitions deadlines.
For the latest information, visit:
For questions regarding exam registration, please contact:
Metro Institute – metrosignup@gmail.com
Department of Pesticide Regulation – dprExams@clemson.edu
