Virginia’s Regulations for the Application of Fertilizer to Nonagricultural Lands require certification for all licensees and contractor-applicators, state agencies, localities or other governmental entities engaged in the commercial application of fertilizers to non-agricultural lands. Anyone desiring certification as a Certified Fertilizer Applicator (CFA) must successfully complete approved training and submit an online application to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. CFA certification is valid for four years from the date of issuance. Certified fertilizer applicators shall complete a minimum of two hours of coursework every two years for recertification.

Applicators who apply fertilizer to more than 50 acres of non-agricultural land must submit an annual report on or before February 1 indicating, by zip code, the total acreage of land receiving lawn fertilizer and lawn maintenance fertilizer in the preceding calendar year.

Upon completion of a course, your certificate of completion must be uploaded to your VDACS account.  You can also create an account if you do not have one and also reset your password.  You can find your account here VDACS account.

 The Certified Fertilizer Applicator permit is a four year permit. Two (2) hours every two (2) years of continuing education (total of 4 hours) is required in order to recertify.

EXEMPTIONS:

The following individuals are exempt from certification under this regulation:

• Individuals conducting research in laboratories or field test plots involving fertilizers.
• Individuals who use fertilizer or supervise the use of fertilizer as part of their duties only on nonagricultural land owned or leased by their employers. This exemption does not apply to public sector applicators.
• Individuals holding turf and landscape certification from the Department of Conservation and Recreation as nutrient management planners.

VDACS CFA online courses