Indiana’s pesticide applicators have three opportunities this fall to sharpen their skills, stay current on regulatory requirements and earn continuing education credits needed to maintain their certifications.
Purdue Extension has announced its 2026 Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education (PACE) programs, with one-day workshops scheduled in Fort Wayne, Alexandria and Chrisney during November and December.
For commercial applicators, the message is straightforward: stay current, stay compliant and get the required training completed before the calendar year runs out.
Each program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time, with check-in beginning at 8:30 a.m. The $80 registration fee includes lunch and training materials.
The workshops offer up to five Commercial Continuing Certification Hours (CCHs), depending on the certification category.
Credits are available in a wide range of categories, including agricultural pest management, forestry, ornamental and turf pest management, seed treatment, aquatic pest management, industrial weed management, structural and health pest management, termite control, fumigation, community-wide mosquito management, aerial application and registered technician.
Three dates. Three locations.
The first workshop is scheduled for Nov. 17 at Purdue Fort Wayne, followed one day later by a session at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Alexandria on Nov. 18.
The final opportunity comes Dec. 9 at the Spencer County Youth and Community Center in Chrisney.
Purdue Extension recommends registering at least one week before the selected workshop:
- Nov. 17 — Purdue Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne: Register by Nov. 10.
- Nov. 18 — Madison County Fairgrounds, Alexandria: Register by Nov. 11.
- Dec. 9 — Spencer County Youth and Community Center, Chrisney: Register by Dec. 2.
Registration and complete program information are available through Purdue Extension’s PACE program.
Training goes beyond simply earning credits
The one-day program is designed to give applicators practical information they can take back to the field and workplace.
The tentative agenda includes sessions on technician field fundamentals, pesticide safety, Integrated Pest Management, tick biology and control, water quality and pesticide performance, regulatory updates and key pesticide-management concepts.
Purdue University Professor Doug Richmond is scheduled to present on IPM essentials, while Fred Whitford of Purdue Pesticide Programs will lead a session focused on water quality, chemistry and pesticide performance.
Participants will also receive an update from the Office of the Indiana State Chemist, giving applicators an opportunity to hear about regulatory issues affecting pesticide use in Indiana.
The program is structured to address both the technical side of pesticide application and the risks that come with getting an application wrong—from safety and water quality to regulatory compliance and pesticide performance.
Credits available
Depending on certification category, applicators can earn:
- Category 1 — Agricultural Pest Management: 4 CCHs
- Category 2 — Forest Pest Management: 5 CCHs
- Category 3A — Ornamental Pest Management: 5 CCHs
- Category 3B — Turf Pest Management: 4 CCHs
- Category 4 — Seed Treatment: 4 CCHs
- Category 5 — Aquatic Pest Management: 4 CCHs
- Category 6 — Industrial Weed Management: 4 CCHs
- Category 7A — Industrial, Institutional, Structural & Health Pest Management: 5 CCHs
- Category 7B — Termite Control: 4 CCHs
- Category 7D — Fumigation: 4 CCHs
- Category 8 — Community-Wide Mosquito Management: 4 CCHs
- Category 11 — Aerial Applicator: 4 CCHs
- Registered Technician: 4 CCHs
For applicators who need continuing education hours across multiple categories, Purdue Extension says the training is designed to provide credits in most commercial categories.
Don’t wait until the deadline
The registration deadline is one week before each workshop, but Purdue Extension notes that applicators who miss the deadline should still contact Heidi Potter to determine whether space remains available.
On-site registration is permitted when space is available, but lunch is not guaranteed for those who register at the door.
On-site payment must be made by cash or check. Credit cards will not be accepted, and exact cash is required.
Applicators needing accommodations, special dietary arrangements or interpreter/translator services should contact Potter at least one week before the program.
For Indiana pesticide professionals, the fall PACE schedule provides three opportunities—and three different parts of the state—to complete important continuing education before 2026 comes to a close.
Registration: https://bit.ly/INPACE2026
For accommodations, dietary needs or interpreter services: Heidi Potter, 812-493-2797 or hlpotter@purdue.edu.
