Pest Control Adviser Preparation Certificate of Achievement

The Pest Control Adviser Preparation Certificate of Achievement is designed for students preparing for, or advancing in careers in crop protection and pest control. The Pest ControlAdviser Preparation program will prepare students for a wide variety of entry-level positions related to pest identification, prevention, control methods and applications of crop protection materials. Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) are licensed professional production consultants who serve California agriculture, natural resource and horticulture producers. PCAs specialize in pest management, but they are also an important resource to producers in a wide range of production concerns related to plant health.This program prepares candidates for the CaliforniaState Agricultural Pest Control Adviser (PCA) License examinations and Qualified ApplicatorLicense (QAL) exams. The courses meet the minimum educational qualifications, and prepares students for exams in IPM principles, laws and regulations, pest identification, physical and biological sciences, crop health, pest management systems and methods, and production systems. In addition to completing the course work with a 2.0 grade point average or better, theCalifornia Department of Pesticide Regulation requires PCA license exam applicants to have completed 24 months of technical work experience before taking the exam.To complete thePest Control Adviser Preparation Certificate of Achievement must complete 42 units with a "C"or better in the required classes listed on the certificate.

10 per year

Demonstrate the ability to communicate with clients, assess pest damage for ecological and economic sustainability, determine thresholds and implement IPM practices based on client/crop needs. Explain and apply basic principles of Integrated Pest Management, entomology and botany to agricultural practices and pesticide mode of action. Demonstrate specific skills within the plant science discipline needed for employment.

Kern County is one of the top agricultural producers, currently ranked as #2 in the United States. Demand for Pest Control Advisors has increased over the years with government regulations and monitoring. This certification is required by more industries related to agricultural production and ornamental landscapes. Student and industry requests for certification classes will be outlined to improve completion. California Department of Pesticide Regulations course requirements will be followed.