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Becoming a pest control technician in the UK starts with your BPCA/RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management qualification. It’s the gateway qualification for becoming a public health pest professional and gives you a fantastic base of knowledge and skills to start your career.
Technicians can choose from a wide range of RSPH accredited pest control courses and centres, all of which aim to deliver the same outcome: a qualified pest technician.
But with so many pest-related qualifications and pest control training providers, why should you choose to study for your qualification with the British Pest Control Association (BPCA)? I mean, there are certainly cheaper and perhaps even quicker ways to get your UK pest management certification, so why study with us?
1. We invented the qualification and have been delivering it for a very long time
Driving up standards in pest management has been our business since 1942.
BPCA first introduced the concept of pest control qualifications to the sector with our accredited Diploma, which was later split into the BPC Diploma Part 1 and Part II.
We then partnered with RSPH to develop the first on-framework qualifications for pest management, which have evolved into the Level 2 Award and Level 2 Certificate in Pest Management qualifications we know today.
There’s a reason our logo appears right next to the RSPH one on the certificate; we literally helped create the qualification.
We’ve been delivering this general pest control training for decades, although our training methods have adapted over the years.
2. Our course is residential and very immersive
Don’t let the “level 2” bit mislead you - the RSPH Level 2 Award is a full-on qualification, covering huge amounts of biology, behaviour, control methods, legislation, health and safety essentials.
BPCA is the only training provider that offers residential training. Our course takes place over five days, from Sunday to Friday. You’ll take your exam on Friday afternoon.
The benefits of learning in this environment are endless.
Friendships are formed, experiences are shared, and minds are set at ease. Future competitors build relationships that could lead to collaboration rather than conflict. Work colleagues gain a shared respect and enduring connection.
You’ll also get to ask our trainers questions along the way to ensure your knowledge is accurate and up-to-date.
Many of our learners maintain the relationships they make for years to come.
Our primary training centre is in Staffordshire, where we normally run our Level 2 Award courses. The course price includes your own private room, which feels like a college dorm.
Your food and accommodation are included in the price, and the meals are great too. In the evening, you can hit the onsite bar with your fellow learners. You’ll even be invited to an optional pest management pub quiz.
Outside the classroom (and bar), you’ll also get a chance to put your knowledge to the test in and around the beautiful Yarnfield Conference Centre. These real-world field trips help improve your in-classroom learning.
Over the five days, you’ll eat, drink, sleep, and dream pest management (not literally!), so you have the best possible chance of getting your qualification on your first attempt.
3. We include 60+ hours of online learning with your booking
Unlike other Level 2 Award in Pest Management courses, you’ll start our course with some prior knowledge.
Uniquely, our training starts six weeks before the residential course with online learning that’s been developed specifically to cover the RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management syllabus.
Additional resources include a module on examination technique and a revision guide—useful if you haven’t sat an exam for many years!
BPCA’s online learning is award-winning and regularly updated to keep it up to scratch. If you commit to around 60 hours of study before the residential portion of the course, we have no doubt you’ll get the most out of your training.
Study in your own time, at your own pace. Come to the residential course with all your questions and get any clarification you need from your tutor.
Our online learning is also sold separately but is included in the residential course cost.
4. Our tutors are industry professionals
The tutors really put the fun back into learning for me. The tutors put everyone in the team at ease and built our confidence in what can sometimes be a daunting situation. There was fantastic teamwork and support from everyone involved.
April Pearson, Shetland Islands Council
As you’d expect from the Association for Pest Management, we only use the very best of tutors.
We deliver our training programmes using trainers, not salespeople. Our course has been designed in partnership with our trainers, who have real-world experience working in the sector.
Our trainers are passionate about teaching and pest management. They’ve helped design industry best practices - not just teach it!
Pest management is a huge subject, so having experienced tutors who have seen it all will help put your knowledge into practice in the field.
5. Our teaching methods are designed for different learning styles
An amazing learning experience which I feel fortunate to have taken part in. Such an intelligent and psychologically subtle way to be encouraged to absorb information.
Peter Antrobus, Hill Farm Pest Control
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to training. We all learn a bit differently, so the course is designed for all the different learning styles.
The training itself is interactive and engaging. There are lots of group activities which often dissect complex pieces of information into bite-size chunks to make everything more understandable.
Trips outside to see real-life pest issues bring a subject to life and provide insight into the environments in which technicians may eventually work.
You’ll play games, such as going head-to-head in a game of Pest Control Tenable. You’ll get to hold and use some equipment. You’ll even get to see some real-life insect pests!
Whether you’re a book learner or the hands-on practical type, we’ve got you covered. You absolutely will not spend 8 hours a day staring at a PowerPoint!
6. The British Pest Management (BPM) manual is included
BPCA literally wrote the book on pest management - well, the manual!
The BPM manual is the seminal technical manual for pest management, recommended by RSPH as a valuable study aid.
Sharing meals and time during the day is ideal for technicians to engage and encourage each other. However, also having your own room to return to in the evening provides an opportunity for some quiet reflection and revision using your BPM Manual.
The thousand-page guide will be your go-to resource after you’re qualified, and many pest technicians won’t leave their drive without it tucked away in their van.
A BPM manual is provided to all participants during the course.
7. Our course isn’t a sales pitch
We’re a not-for-profit organisation, independent of any one manufacturer or distributor of products. This means our training is impartial and based on best practices. We’ve got no pest control products to sell you!
We pride ourselves on being an independent training provider. Your course has no commercial sponsors, and you’ll be taught to pick the right products for yourself - rather than relying on whatever stock a distributor needs to push that month.
We aim to train the very best pest professionals—driving excellence in pest management is more than just a tagline.
8. You can customise your course depending on what you need
Did you know you can upgrade your Level 2 AWARD to a Level 2 CERTIFICATE with BPCA?
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RSPH/BPCA Level 2 AWARD in Pest Management
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RSPH/BPCA Level 2 CERTIFICATE in Pest Management
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60 hours of online learning
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5-days residential course
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3 x modules covering:
- Vertebrate Pest Management
- Invertebrate Pest Management
- Health, Safety and Legal Aspects of Pest Management.
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3-hour examination.
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2 additional residential training days
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2 x additional practical modules covering:
- Techniques for the Management of Vertebrate Pests
- Techniques for the Management of Invertebrate Pests.
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Practical assessment
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The RSPH/BPCA Level 2 Certificate in Pest Management is an excellent choice for:
- Candidates with little or no prior pest management experience
- Anyone wanting a little more hands-on training.
Some specifiers also ask for enhanced qualification on bigger contract jobs, so upgrading your qualification early can be a real selling tool.
The Certificate is taught over eight days, starting on Saturday. You’ll get an additional practical session compared to those doing the award, and the following Saturday, you’ll complete a practical assessment covering the final two modules.
There is no additional written exam for those on the Certificate, so don’t let the thought of extra revision put you off!
9. You’ll be ready for your exam
Thank you to all who helped me last week; you were fantastic and made a great team. In particular, I liked the training methods of the tutors. Now, to the exam!
Ian Boxall, self-employed
No matter who you take your Level 2 Award in Pest Management with, they all end the same way: an exam.
To be more specific, you’ll take three papers over three hours. They cover:
- Vertebrate Pest Management
- Invertebrate Pest Management
- Health, Safety and Legal Aspects of Pest Management.
It’s not an easy exam, but our candidates have an industry-leading pass rate.
It undoubtedly is hard work. But BPCA’s residential course combines online learning, classroom training, practical participation, and fun activities to ensure you’re ready.
Whatever your learning style, you’re given every opportunity to be fully prepared for your examinations and entry into the life of a pest management technician.
Is the BPCA Level 2 Award in Pest Management course worth the time and cost?
It’s not the quickest or cheapest way to pass your Level 2 Award in Pest Management, but we think it’s the best.
Much like choosing a pest management company, the cheapest doesn’t always mean the best value!
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Level 2 Award in Pest Management with BPCA
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5-day classroom course
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Accommodation and food
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BPM manual included
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60 hours of award-winning online learning
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Sales pitch
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OPTIONAL: Upgrade to Level 2 Certificate (additional charges apply)
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Even if you do decide to shop around for a course, make sure you compare like-for-like. We’re confident that if you include everything above in your cost/benefit analysis, BPCA’s training will be the best value.
NEXT STEPS
Ready to start your qualification in pest management or have some questions that need clarifying? The BPCA training team is on hand to answer all your questions or process your booking.
Alternatively, start your Level 2 Award in Pest Management journey today and secure your place on one of our courses with just a £120 deposit.
01332 225 113