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).