BPCA is encouraging experienced pest technicians who regularly deal with complex sites to consider taking the next step in their professional development, with two Certificated Field Biologist preparation courses running this summer.
The two-day, in-person BPCA Certificated Field Biologist (CFB) preparation course will take place in Derby on June 24-25, and again on August 4-5.
The intensive programme is designed for pest management professionals preparing for the BPCA CFB examination and those looking to gain recognised status as a competent Field Biologist.
BPCA said the course is particularly suited to technicians who are already handling challenging commercial sites, food environments, audits, monitoring data and detailed reporting, but want to formalise that experience through a recognised assessment route.
Delegates will use the two days to consolidate and strengthen the skills they have already built in the field. The course covers practical insect identification, customer service and communication, monitoring tools and techniques, site inspection, trend analysis, data analysis and presentation, manufacturing processes, auditing standards and HACCP principles.
Karen Dawes, BPCA training and development manager, said: “Lots of experienced technicians are already doing Field Biologist-style work without necessarily calling it that.
“If you’re the person who gets sent to the awkward sites, the audit-heavy contracts, the food sites, or the jobs where someone needs to look at the data and explain what is really going on, this course could be a good next step.
“It’s not about starting from scratch. It’s about helping people organise their existing knowledge, spot any gaps and prepare properly for the examination.”
The course carries 14 BPCA Registered CPD points and is classed as higher level training.
By the end of the programme, BPCA said delegates should be better prepared to demonstrate higher-level pest management knowledge, conduct structured professional site inspections, interpret monitoring data, produce audit-ready reports and understand how manufacturing processes and workflow design influence pest risk.
Candidates must already hold Level 2 Pest Management or equivalent, Level 2 Health and Safety, Level 3 Food Safety, Certified Advanced Technician or equivalent, and be part of a BPCA-recognised CPD scheme.
BPCA added that candidates must also have two years of practical pest control experience across a range of sites, supported by a written declaration from a manager, and a minimum of five Field Biologist-style inspection reports from a range of sites.
Course-only bookings cost £372 for non-members and £288 for BPCA members.
Course and exam bookings cost £838.80 for non-members and £598.80 for BPCA members.
All prices include VAT.
The programme includes classroom training, all course materials, lunch and refreshments. Accommodation is not included.
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