Every state runs a cycle (commonly 3–5 years): earn the required continuing-education credits in that window or sit for the exams again. Ohio commercial applicators, for example, recertify on a set cycle with hours split between CORE and each category you hold.
Where credits actually come from
- Extension recertification conferences — the classic one-day, all-credits option each winter.
- Approved online courses — growing fast; do them in the cab during rain delays.
- Trade shows & field days with approved sessions — check the approval number before assuming.
- Category-specific sessions — aerial credits can be scarcer; grab them when offered.
The never-lapse system
- The day your license arrives, calendar: renewal date (annual) and cycle-end date (credits).
- Front-load credits in year one of the cycle — never bank on the final winter.
- Photograph every sign-in sheet/certificate into one folder; states lose records, you shouldn't.
- Check your credit balance on the state portal once a year (Ohio: ODA's applicator lookup).
If you lapse anyway
Typically you stop applying immediately, and past a grace window you retest everything. The exam is the cheap part — the expensive part is being unlicensed in June.
Cycles and hour counts vary by state — confirm at your agency via the 50-state directory; Ohio details in the free Ohio course.
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