New Agricultural Pest Control Adviser Requirements

Effective January 1, 2003, individuals applying for a Pest Control Adviser license (PCA) will be required to comply with the new mandatory educational requirements as stated in Title 3, California Code of Regulations (3CCR) section 6550. These new requirements are listed in 3CCR section 6550(b) and are posted on our Web site at www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/license/apcacore.htm. For comparison, the old educational requirements are listed in 3CCR section 6550(a) as indicated in the enclosed agricultural PCA license minimum qualifications.

Since the scheduled October 2002 examinations were cancelled, the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s Pest Management and Licensing Branch is extending testing until April 30, 2003, for those who qualify under the old 2002 educational requirements.

If an applicant fails the April exam, he or she will be required to meet the 2003 PCA requirements. No exceptions will be given on this.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Cynthia Ray, of my staff, at (916) 445-4026 or cray@cdpr.ca.gov, or Mr. Mac Takeda, of my staff, at (916) 445-3838 or mtakeda@cdpr.ca.gov.

Sincerely,