Structural Pest Inspector (SPI) License

Individuals who conduct specific and/or complete WDO inspections are required to have the SPI license. Specific WDO inspections are those performed for the purpose of identifying or verifying evidence of an infestation of WDOs prior to pest management activities. Complete WDO inspections are performed for the purpose of determining evidence of infestation, damage, or conducive conditions as part of the transfer, exchange, or refinancing of any structure in Washington State. Note: Individuals performing full home inspections must be licensed with Department of Licensing as Home Inspectors. These individuals only need the SPI license if including inspections for wood destroying insects, their damage or conditions conducive to their development.

Because exams are required, you must make your initial application at a WSDA testing session. These are offered at a number of statewide testing locations.

The license costs $85. In addition, the applicant must pay a $25 testing fee each time they take SPI exams. Note: License Commercial Applicators and Commercial Operators are exempt from the SPI license application fee.

License application fees are non-refundable.

Effective November 1st, 2021, all pesticide license fees increased as a result of Senate Bill 5317. $7 of every license paid will help support the Washington State University's pesticide safet education program.

Applications are completed at the time of testing. The first time an application is submitted in a calendar year, the license fee of $85 is required. Each time tests are taken, a $25 testing fee and picture ID is required.

The applicant must pass the required exams and furnish information that they are legal to do business in the state of Washington by supplying their UBI number issued by Department of Revenue’s Master License Service. WSDA Licensing staff will verify that the UBI number is current and that the business is registered to pay state taxes. See fact sheet on registering a business. In addition, the applicant’s insurance or bonding agent must independently supply WSDA with confirmation that the applicant meets the financial coverage requirements of the license. Additional information on SPI financial coverage requirements can be found on the WSDA website.

Once all requirements have been met (complete application submitted including fee and proof of state business licensing, appropriate exams passed and financial coverage requirement met), the license is normally issued within 1 week. However, the work unit experiences a heavier than normal workload from December – March and licenses can take 2 – 4 weeks to issue.

The license is annually renewed but in a five-year recertification cycle during which time continuing education credits must be earned. An alternative to recertification is to retest every five years.

The requirements for Structural Pest Inspector licensing are found in the Washington Pesticide Control Act (chapter 15.58 RCW) and the General Pesticide Rules (WAC 16-228).
License: RCW 15.58.205
Insurance: RCW 15.58.460 & 465
Testing: WAC 16-228-1545
Inspection requirements: WAC 16-228-2005 through 2060

Upon notice by the Department to deny, revoke, or suspend a license, a person may request a hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW.

Pesticide Licensing
Toll-free: 877-301-4555
Email: License@agr.wa.gov