Which pests are covered in this course?
We cover in great detail all the common pests such as ants, cockroaches, rodents, spiders, bed bugs, bees and wasps and birds. We also go to the next level and cover less common pests such as fabric pests, fleas, flies, mites and occasional invaders (amphipods, millipedes, springtails, thrips, booklice [psocids] and stored product pests). In addition, we have a comprehensive course on termite identification and control, which is necessary to become the complete pest controller.
What is the course length?
The beauty of doing an online course is that you can work in your own time. If you are working full-time you can study in your own time.
On average the course would take a person working in the pest industry about 160 to 180 hours to complete. You can take your time with this course or do it as quickly as you like, but you will need to complete the course within one year.
What is involved in this course?
The working in industry program is comprised of the following training components:
- Online learning program: This includes video material demonstrating and discussing pest management in real locations. It also includes theory, diagrams and photographs.
- Online tutorials: Monthly live, online tutorials provide the opportunity to listen and discuss aspects of pest management with other students and a tutor. These tutorials also allow you to discuss any questions you have in relation to your learning.
- Video tasks: You will need to find a friend or colleague to video you putting theory into practice for a number of practical tasks, including three pest management job scenarios.
- Workplace supervisor tasks: You will need to find a qualified pest technician at your place of work, who can be your workplace supervisor. They will be responsible for assessing your competency in a number of pest control tasks that you can perform ‘on the job’.
Will there be course assessments?
Yes there will be. But rest assured, our training process makes learning easy so these assessments will not have you staying up night after night in sweat and stress. To successfully complete our pest technician training course you will demonstrate your competence through the following:
- Online multiple-choice questions – marked and feedback provided immediately on completion of the questions.
- Practical tasks – provided in modules as you progress through the program. Tasks will be videoed by you and submitted for assessment.
- Site assessment tasks – completed with your workplace supervisor at the end of section 2. Tasks will be documented by your workplace supervisor and submitted to us for review and assessment.
- Training on the job checklist – completed by your workplace supervisor and submitted to us for review.
What qualifications do I have once I successfully complete this course?
On successful completion of this course, you will be issued with a Statement of Attainment for three units of competency (CPUPM3005 Manage pests by applying pesticides, CPUPM3006 Maintain equipment and CPUPM3018 Pesticide storage area in pest management vehicle).
You can use this as evidence of training when applying for your state or territory pest licence (WA excepted).
You will need to contact your state or territory licensing board for details on how to apply for a pest technician’s licence as this varies depending on the jurisdiction.
Do I need to be working in the industry?
Yes. We used to offer a ‘new to industry’ course for people out of the industry, but unfortunately, the industry training requirements have changed and students now need to have a pest technician job to complete the practical training.
Can I get my full Certificate III in Urban Pest Management through WRT?
Not through WRT at the moment. However, you can complete the additional units required with another provider.
What will I get when I finish?
On successful completion of a course, you will receive a Statement of Attainment covering the units you have passed. This is sent out as both a paper certificate and a pdf.
How do I get my pest licence when I finish the course?
When you completed the Pest Technician Training Course you will be able to use the Statement of Attainment as proof of training. Each state/territory licencing board is different, and you should contact your state/territory licencing board direct for their licencing requirements. Links below.
Who can be my workplace supervisor?
A workplace supervisor is an essential part of this course. You cannot complete the course without one. A work colleague can be a workplace supervisor if they have a current pest management licence and have a minimum of two years experience in the work being supervised. They must also have passed the following three units of competency themselves (or the equivalent):
- Manage pests without pesticides
- Manage pests using pesticides
- Chemical and equipment storage
I want to do this course – what next?
- Register with WRT.
- You will receive a link to a free Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test.
- Complete the LLN test (allow 20–30 minutes).
- We will email you with the results and the next steps in the enrolment process.
- Pay the course fee.
- Complete the induction (you will need to provide an ID and a USI number as part of this process).
Have any questions? Call us on 1800 842 100