Article Summary: The Illinois Department of Agriculture has opened registration for in-person pesticide applicator and operator testing, with sessions scheduled for late January in Carlinville and Hillsboro.

Pesticide Testing Key Points:

• In-person testing will be held on January 21 in Carlinville and January 27 in Hillsboro.

• Pre-registration is mandatory through the Illinois Department of Agriculture website.

• No training will be offered at these testing locations.

• Participants must bring a photo ID and a simple-function calculator.

Local Extension offices in Carlinville and Hillsboro have been designated as sites for the 2026 Pesticide Applicator/Operator in-person testing, with officials urging applicants to register immediately due to limited availability.

The testing schedule for the local unit includes a session in Carlinville on January 21 and a session in Hillsboro on January 27.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture emphasized that pre-registration is mandatory for all exam sessions. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Applicants must reserve their spot online at agr.illinois.gov/pesticides/in-person-testing.html.

Officials noted that these sessions are for testing only; no training will be provided at the sites.

Attendees must adhere to specific test location rules. A photo ID is required, and exams will not be graded without proof of identification. Participants are advised to bring their own pencils and simple-function calculators. Smart devices, including smartphones, are strictly prohibited during the exam.

Applicants are encouraged to check the department’s website frequently, as location availability and occupancy restrictions may change. If a registrant cannot attend, they are asked to cancel their session via the link in their confirmation email to free up space for others.