College of Agriculture (California State Polytechnic University Pomona)

Who Needs It???

A PCA (Pest Control Advisor's) license is required by any person who offers a recommendation on any agricultural use, who holds himself or herself forth as an authority on any agricultural use, or who solicits sales for any agricultural use of a chemical pesticide. In other words - if you plan on being involved with pest control in any aspect of Horticulture, Agronomy, or Fruit Industries, it is probably a good idea to get a PCA License! It is an excellent addition to any resume and is often required as a qualification employment.

What is Required???

Requirements for the PCA have been upgraded over recent years to include:

A B.S. in an Agricultural Science, Biological Science or Pest Management. (Agricultural Business Management is acceptable with the required coursework.)

A series of core courses (58.5 quarter units) which are mandatory (for approved coursework see list below).

A complete application package available from your local County Agricultural Commissioner, or contact:
The Department of Pesticide Regulation
Licensing Certification Program
1020 N. St., Room 300
Sacramento, CA 95814-5624
(916) 445-4026

A $50 initial fee is required.

Passing of tests which certify you in one or more of the following categories:
Insects, mites & invertebrates
Plant pathogens
Plant growth regulation
Nematodes
Weed Control
Defoliation
Vertebrate pests

Passing of the laws, regulations and basic principles examination.

Submittal of your official college transcripts with your application.

Additional Requirements

Once you receive your license you must:

Accumulate at least 40 hours of approved continuing education coursework every two years for license renewal.
Register with the County Agricultural Commissioner in your "home" county and each county where recommendations are made.
Retain and provide copies of written recommendations to the applicator and pesticide dealer.
Approved Core Coursework from Cal Poly Pomona

You must complete a total of 58.5 quarter units in 5 specific categories with minimum amounts of coursework in each. Horticulture/Plant & Soil Science majors in Agronomy, Ag Biology, Fruit Industries, and Ornamental Horticulture contain the coursework necessary for meeting the requirements; however, be sure to choose your directed elective courses prudently.

These include:

One or more course(s) in Chemistry
One or more course(s) in Pest Management
One or more course(s) in Agricultural Production
A minimum of 13.5 quarter units in Biological Sciences
A minimum of 18 quarter units in Agricultural Science
The attached list of Cal Poly Pomona courses have been approved in specific categories by the Department of Pesticide Regulation in November 1997. Please note that you may use a course in only one category even though it may be approved in several. Be sure to also check approved articulation of coursework transferred into Cal Poly Pomona from a community college. If you have petitioned a class you need for your Cal Poly curriculum, be sure it is an approved articulated course with Cal Poly Pomona.

The 5 categories with approved coursework are as follows:
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