First of all, you need to pass a certification exam in your state. Usually, you have to attend classes and complete an apprenticeship to appear in the exam. If you have studied biology or any other natural science in college, your career can jumpstart quicker than others.
Apprenticeship comprises one year of working with a professional pest exterminator or in a pest control company. Simultaneously with your apprenticeship, you should review the regulations for pest extermination in your state along with common precautions suggested by the state, pest identification techniques, pesticide laws and other requirements stated by the law. Also, memorize the industry terminology.
Apply for the certification test. When you apply, attach your employment certification and your prior educational certifications. In some cases, you may have to submit record of how many pesticide applications you have performed yourself.
Even after successfully passing the examination, you shouldn’t stop studying. Learning is a continuous process and since all industries are evolving considerably, you have to keep up with the trend. Keep yourself updated with knowledge of the latest pest control techniques, new substances used in the composition of pesticides, and ways to keep the extermination process eco-friendly.
Many companies that provide pest management services, offer training to help new candidates. If you can find such a company, talk to the key people there. They might be able to train you for the certification. Since you need to renew your certification every few years, stay in touch with these people. They might be able to help you with your re-certification as well.
After passing the exam, you might need to pass a criminal background check too, as most pest control companies perform a background check of candidates before hiring them.
