SPCS Required Apprentice Upgrade Training

These courses are intended to allow apprentices to upgrade to a Technician license. You must already be an apprentice before taking these courses. Apprentices upgrading to a Technician license must complete the following requirements:

  • 20 hours classroom training in the general standards with at least two hours in each of the following subjects:
    • Federal and state laws that regulate the industry
    • Recognition of pests and pest damage
    • Pesticide labels and label comprehension
    • Pesticide safety
    • Environmental protection
    • Application equipment and techniques
    • Pesticide formulations and actions
    • Emergency procedures and pesticide cleanup, and procedures for immediate reporting of spills and misapplications
    • Basic principles of mathematics, chemistry, toxicology and entomology
    • Non-chemical pest control techniques, including biological, mechanical, and prevention techniques.
  • 8 hours of classroom training in each category seeking licensure.
  • 40 hours of on-the-job training in each category seeking licensure.
  • Apprentices must attend and participate in a SPCS approved technician training course prior to taking the technician exam (Live Course).