[Training Update] Raising The Bar

In Wisconsin, the numbers are strong and growing — that is, the number of WPCA-certified Master Technicians. The Wisconsin Pest Control Association (WPCA) began its Master Technician program in February 2002. Since then, 32 technicians have received the "Master Technician" certification from the association.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND. In the 1980s the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection stopped using continuing education credits for re-certification. The department began to require that applicators take an exam only once every five years. Although the state pest control association lobbied, the state had no interest in adding continuing education requirements or other forms of certification to the pesticide applicator program. So, WPCA decided to take action itself in order to help guarantee the competence and expertise of service technicians.

WPCA had good examples to follow from other associations. A number of other professions that deal in pest management have developed programs and tests to certify their members. For example, arborists developed a state and national exam (that they administer), as well as a certification program. They test in a number of areas. Once a person is certified, he or she is then recognized as a tree care professional. Crop consultants also developed a certified crop adviser program. It was a way to test for professional competency and to promote professionalism to the public. This is the same direction WPCA took in developing its Master Technician Program.

EARNING THE TITLE. To take the Master Technician exam, a person must have at least three years of pest control industry experience. Administration of the exam takes place two times a year at WPCA-sponsored events. It takes two to three hours to complete, and measures knowledge gained through industry experience and professionalism in the field. There are questions that relate to vertebrate and insect pest control, IPM principles, and safety and regulatory issues. Included are multiple choice questions, an essay and specimen identification questions. A passing score is 70 or above.

Those who earn the title of Master Technician receive a certificate, a special master technician patch, and discounts at future seminars and events sponsored by WPCA. They may also submit their own questions to be used in future exams. WPCA’s Master Technician Program is built on the premise that it’s important for everyone in the industry to continue learning and growing. Therefore, master technicians must earn continuing education credits to maintain their certification.

WPCA’s Master Technician program has the capability of being an effective way for Wisconsin technicians to showcase their expertise, as well as their ongoing commitment to advancing the science of pest management.

The author works at the University of Wisconsin’s Insect Diagnostic Laboratory, in the Department of Entomology, Madison, Wis. He can be reached at ppellitteri@giemedia.com.