How do I become a PCA?

To obtain a PCA license, an individual must meet strict educational requirements, plus, successfully pass multiple examinations administered by the California Environmental Protection Agency's Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) at www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/license/adviser.htm

What are the educational requirements to become a PCA?

It is advisable to start planning courses early in college to ensure that all the requirements can be met within your 4-5 year of college education. Taking an internship opportunity in the industry is also a great way to receive practical applicable experience.

Educational requirements include either:
CORE COURSES

Effective beginning June 1, 2008 all PCAs shall meet ONE of the Three qualification options:

Option 1


Option 1 Required Documents:

• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying Bachelor's Degree in Agriculutral Sciences, Biological Sciences, Natural Sciences or Pest Management.
• Letter(s) from your employer(s) verifying your technical experience and time employed if applicable for college course credit.
• Valid Certified Crop Adviser License copy.
• Agricultural Pest Control Adviser Core Course Requirements for New License Applicants, fomr (PR-PML-085), completion to show applicants meets minimum qualifications for license.
• Agricultural Pest Control Adviser License Application form (PR-PML-084).
• Payment for the application and examination fees.

Option 2

Option 2 Required Documents

• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying PhD. in Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Natural Sciences of Pest Management.
• Agricultural Pest Control Adviser License Application form (PR-PML-084).
• Payment for the application and examination fees.

Option 3 Required Documents

• Official college/university transcript(s) to verify the core courses completed meets the 42 semester or 63 quarter units requirement.
• Letter(s) from your employer verifying your technical experience and time employed as meeting the 24 months requirement.
• Letter(s) from your employer(s) verifying your technical experience and time employed if applicable for college course credit. The technical experience used to fulfill the 24 months requirement, can not be used to meet the college credit requirement.
• Valid Certified Crop Adviser License copy for college credit if applicable.
• Agriculutral Pest Control Adviser License form (PR-PML-084)
• Agricultural Pest Control Adviser Core Course Requirements for new License Applicants form (PR-PML-085)- completion to show applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the license.
• Payment of the application and examination fees.
Option 3- Work Experience requirement


CORE COURSES