California SPCB Applicator Continuing Education Courses

1 hour: IPM
1 hour: PAU, Technical Branch 2
Structural applicators know that managing a bed bug infestation is difficult on many levels. This course looks at the history of bed bugs, current integrated pest management approaches to preventing and managing an infestation, and several of the chemical options available when your non-chemical controls and methods have failed. This course must be completed by 2/22/25

3 hours: PAU, Technical Branch 2
This course focuses on the use of cage and box traps in the management of vertebrate pests in both urban and suburban environments. Best practices surrounding appropriate traps for target animals, effective baits, and safe and humane use of traps will be outlined.
 

2 hours: Technical Branch 2   
1 hour: Technical Branch 3
This online course teaches pest managers in California how to control interior and exterior pests that can damage various types of property, infect people, and negatively affect quality of life.

2 hours: PAU, Technical Branch 2
This course teaches the basics of pest and disease management in enclosed spaces where exposure is increased, and the different tools and techniques needed to successfully control the environment.

1 hour: Rules and Regs
Pesticides are regulated to utilize their benefits while protecting public health and welfare and preventing harm to the environment. This course addressed the federal pesticide laws that control the labeling, sale and distribution, storage, transportation, use, and disposal in the best public interest. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

6 hours: Rules and Regs
This course covers Respiratory Protection, Personal Protective Equipment & Emergency Response, Pesticide Application Procedures, Pesticide Formulations, Pesticide Hazards & First Aid, Pesticides in the Environment, Planning the Pesticide Application, and Transportation, Storage, Security, & Professional Conduct.

2 hours: Technical Branch 2 or 3
.5 hour: Rules and Regulations
.5 hour: IPM for Field Representatives and Operators
As certified or licensed professionals we have legal responsibilities that we must fulfill in every job that we do. Not only do have to control pests, but we also have to do the paperwork and legwork that documents our applications. This course reviews the basics of general structural pest management.

1 hour: IPM
What is integrated pest management? The reality is nobody can agree on what integrated pest management is. This course will cover what IPM is and what isn't and how to be practical about IPM strategies.

3.5 hours: Technical Branch 2
Mosquito management is a daunting task for many applicators. When mosquito management is done incorrectly or isn't done at all, mosquitoes can make public spaces unusable. This course will discuss common methods of mosquito controls, everything from physical controls to pesticides, to record-keeping, all as part of a solid integrated pest management approach to mosquito control.
 

2 hours: Technical Branch 2
To effectively manage a mosquito population as part of an integrated pest management plan applicators must be familiar with mosquito physiology, the lifecycle of the mosquito, and various collection and surveillance methods for both adult mosquitoes and larvae. This course will talk about surveillance methods, mosquito anatomy, and touch on the diseases that are most commonly vectored by mosquitoes in the United States. This course must be completed by 2/22/25

1 hour: IPM
Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the United States. But there are several common-sense IPM practices that can be implemented to make a structure less inviting to termites from the start. This course will provide a review of IPM principles, termite biology, and several IPM practices to make any structure less attractive to termites. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 hour: IPM
1 hour: PAU, Technical Branch 2
Mosquito management is a daunting task for many applicators. When mosquito management is done incorrectly or isn't done at all, mosquitoes can make public spaces unusable. This course will discuss common methods of mosquito controls, everything from physical controls to pesticides, to record-keeping, all as part of a solid integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This course must be completed by 2/22/25

1 hour: Rules and Regs
Wearing PPE can reduce exposure (dermal, inhalation, ocular, or oral) and thereby lower the chances of pesticide injury, illness, or poisoning. It is important that all pesticide applicators and handlers understand the protections and limitations of PPE. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 hour: PAU, Technical Branch 2
Join this course to learn about controlling pests that can cause property damage, infections, injuries, or quality of life issues. As a structural pest manager, you'll learn safe, effective, and economical pest management methods while reducing hazards to yourself, others, and the environment.

1 hour: Rules and Regs
Pesticides are formulated to make them safer or easier to use. There are many formulations available for various pest control sites and situations and it is important that applicators choose the best one for the job. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 hour: Rules and Regs
Pesticides are designed to be toxic so they can control pests (e.g., plants, insects, rodents, fungi, and bacteria) while not harming non-target organisms and anyone else exposed to the product. Pesticide users need to be concerned with the hazards associated with exposure to the chemical and not just the toxicity of the pesticide. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 hour: Rules and Regs
The pesticide label is the main method of communication between a pesticide manufacturer and pesticide users. By law, pesticide users are required to comply with all instructions and use directions found on the pesticide product label. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 hour: Rules and Regs
Pesticide labels and safety data sheets (SDS) appear to contain much of the same information. While the label is the law, an SDS is not considered the law. As an applicator, it is important to understand the difference between a pesticide label and a safety data sheet and know what information can be found in each document. This course will review the various parts of pesticide labels and safety data sheets to identify the similarities and differences. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 hours: Rules and Regs
This combined course covers Pesticide Labeling, Reading the Pesticide Label: Beyond the Basics, and Federal Pesticide Laws and will help you gain an understanding of labels, usage, safety data sheets, interpreting labels and online resources, identifying chemicals and brands, how to integrate important requirements, and how to maintain records. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 hours: Rules & Regs
Labels are increasing in complexity and depth of information. It is never suggested that anyone try to memorize a pesticide label. By reviewing parts of a label and recognizing label language and use, we hope that you feel more comfortable with the information on pesticide labels and feel confident in understanding the information present. This course must be completed by 2/22/25

2 hours: Rules and Regs
California pest managers can use this course to learn the basics of safe and legal pesticide use. The course covers elements of safe handling and application, including management plans and alternative treatments, the types of respirators available, proper fit, and inspection/maintenance requirements. Learn best practices for public and environmental safety like notifying the public and posting warning signs. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 hour: Rules and Regs
When the pesticide label requires a respirator it's important to know how to use a respirator safely. This course outlines the types of respirators available, proper fit, and inspection/maintenance requirements. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 hours: Technical Branch 2
An animal with a backbone or spinal column is called a vertebrate. A few vertebrates, such as rats and mice, are common pests in urban and industrial areas. Others are not pests in their normal habitats but may occasionally become pests when they conflict with humans. This course looks at basic management of common vertebrate pests. Be sure to understand all the regulations that apply in your geographic area before attempting to control vertebrate pests. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 hours: Technical Branch 2
Having a clear understanding of the hierarchy of insect classification is important. It helps us better understand the background of our pest decide the best course of action in controlling the pest. This course will cover some of the structure infesting pests commonly encountered by structural pesticide applicators and technicians. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 hours: Technical Branch 2
As a pest control technician, it's important to be familiar with the pests in the region as well as where they reproduce. In some cases, it is difficult to determine if the designated living space is inside or outside. This course covers the identification and management of pests that generally live outside but will invade a structure if the conditions are favorable. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 hour: Rules and Regs
This course discusses safety and security issues that may arise when pesticides are moved or stored, under what conditions uncertified people can make applications of restricted use products, and how to communicate these issues with customers. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

5.5 hours: Technical Branch 3
.5 hour: Rules and Regs
Termites are just one of the many wood-destroying pests found throughout the United States. Carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and wood-damaging fungi can also cause severe structural damage if not properly managed. This course will cover the primary wood-destroying pests found through the country, the recommended treatments for each of those pests, and the primary sources of excess structural moisture.