If apprentice education is bugging you, Pest Pro Academy can help. Our simple, affordable online training program is easy to use, with interactive lessons your apprentice can complete anytime, from anywhere. Our curriculum is structured to meet all the Verifiable Training Requirements of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Structural Pest Control Licensing program, keeping your apprentices safe, and your company compliant. We also include a safety module and communication skills course to help you develop safe and competent technicians. Check out our catalog below for a list of courses and their descriptions.
20 Hour General Standards Courses
RECORD KEEPING AND LIABILITY
This course will introduce you record keeping and liability for the pest management professional. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify your responsibilities for record keeping to satisfy the law and protect yourself against future liability claims
- Identify possible liability claims faced by pest management professionals
- Understand your responsibility to protect honeybees
- Understand how to insure yourself and build a defense against liability claims
AN INTRODUCTION TO LABELS
This course will introduce you to pesticide Labeling. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Understand the role of the EPA in pesticide Labeling
- Understand the process of creating and approving a pesticide Label
- Understand Pesticide Registrations
- Understand when to read the pesticide Label
PARTS OF A LABEL
This course will introduce you to the parts of a pesticide label. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify and locate the key parts of the Label
- Understand the precautionary statements including routes of entry, signal words, protective gear, and more
- Identify the purpose of the Label and the pest professional’s responsibilities involving the the Label
- Identify various statements that may be present on a label identifying its hazard level, impact on the environment, and more
STORAGE
This course will introduce you to pesticide and pesticide equipment storage. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Name the first rule of pesticide storage
- Select a building for pesticide storage
- Make safe storage choices including keeping labels visible, keeping inventory, selecting appropriate shelving and containers, accident prevention, and more
- Take steps to secure any pesticide storage area
PERSONAL SAFETY
This course will introduce you to personal safety as a pest management professional. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify the routes of entry for pesticides and how to protect them
- Select the PPE parts appropriate for the job
- Take the necessary steps to maintain your PPE
GENERAL SAFETY
This course will introduce you to general safety for the pest management professional. After completing this course you will be able to:
- identify times when pesticide spills and accidents are most likely to occur
- take take steps to prevent and prepare for pesticide spills and accidents
- identify the appropriate protective equipment and tools for accident prevention
DISPOSAL
This course will help you understand the importance of properly planning to avoid disposal, and proper disposal procedures. After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Identify why limiting pesticide disposal is important
- Identify ways to limit or avoid pesticide disposal
- Dispose of pesticides safely
- Find disposal resources in your area
ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
This course introduces you to ecology and the environment as they concern pest management professionals. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Understand the pest management professional’s role in protecting the environment
- Identify how pesticide movement affects the environment
- Take the steps to protect sensitive areas and populations
PESTICIDE APPLICATION
This course will introduce you to the basics of pesticide application. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Follow important pre-application procedures involved in planning any pesticide application
- Select the appropriate application method
- Clean yourself and your equipment post-application
APPLICATION EQUIPMENT
This course will introduce you to pesticide application equipment, their parts, functions, maintenance, and calibration. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify pesticide application equipment
- Select the best equipment for each job
- Calibrate your equipment
FORMULATIONS I
This course will begin your introduction to pesticide formulations. After completing this course you will be able to:
- identify the role of active and inert ingredients
- understand the key factors in creating and selecting pesticide formulations
- identify the characteristics, formulation processes, and uses of different pesticide formulations including: liquid based formulations, pre-packaged delivery systems, and dry formulations
FORMULATIONS II
This course continues to introduce you to the basic pesticide formulations. After completing this course you will be able to:
- identify the characteristics, formulation processes, and uses of different pesticide formulations including: aerosols, baits, fumigants, and others
- understand the use of adjuvants including surfactants, stickers, extenders, penetrators, and additives
CLEANUP AND EMERGENCIES
This course will introduce you to how to clean up and manage various pesticide related emergencies. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify pesticide emergencies and how to prevent them
- Create a comprehensive emergency plan
- Address pesticide emergencies including spills, fires, vehicle accidents, application mistakes and more
FIRST AID FOR PESTICIDE POISONING
This course will help you understand the importance of identifying and understanding poisoning symptoms, as well as the appropriate first aid steps to take. After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Identify poisoning symptoms of pesticides
- React appropriately if someone has been exposed to pesticides
TOXICOLOGY
This course will help you understand the importance of chemical toxicity, and help you learn how to handle pesticides safely. After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Identify the poisoning effects of pesticides
- Identify and select appropriate personal protective equipment
- Identify the routes of exposure through which pesticides can enter the body
- Describe how pesticides are measured
MATHEMATICS
This course provides an overview of mathematical concepts that pest management professionals need to understand. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify the everyday situations when pest professionals use math
- Use basic equations for measurement
- Calculate basic percentages and fractions for pest control application
- Identify the math operations used in structural treatments
CHEMISTRY
This course will introduce you to the basic chemical properties of common pesticides. After completing this course you will be able to:
- understand the active ingredients in the pesticides you are applying
- identify the major classes of chemicals used in pesticides and how they work
ENTOMOLOGY
This course will introduce you to the basics of Entomology which is the study of insects. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify how insects are categorized using taxonomy
- Identify insect anatomy
- Identify the different kinds of metamorphosis • Identify the common orders of insects
STRUCTURAL IPM
This course will introduce you to integrated pest management principles in structural settings. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify the purpose and meaning of Structural IPM
- Identify the four steps of Structural IPM
AGRICULTURAL IPM
This course will introduce you to the integrated pest management principles in agricultural settings. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify the meaning and purpose of Agricultural IPM
- Identify the role of economics in Agricultural IPM decisions
- Identify the various methods of control used in Agricultural IPM
- Identify the four basic steps of Agricultural IPM
INSECTS AND OTHER BUGS
This course will introduce you to common insects and bugs encountered by pest control professionals. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify basic characteristics of common pests including:
- life cycle
- physical characteristics
- orders, families, and subfamilies • and more
MAMMALS, BIRDS, AND REPTILES
This course will introduce you to common insects and bugs encountered by pest control professionals. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify basic characteristics of common pests including:
- Life cycle
- physical characteristics
- orders, families, and subfamilies • and more
SAFETY DATA SHEETS
This course will introduce you to Safety Data Sheets and the system behind the information they provide. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify important facts about the new Globally Harmonized System
- Understand the purpose and components of the Hazard Communication Standard
- Understand the information given on an SDS
- Recognize commonly used Pictograms
TEXAS APPLICATOR CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING
This course provides an overview of pest control applicator certification and licensing in the state of Texas. After completing the course you will be able to:
- Identify the Departments and Agencies that license,
- train and certify pesticide applicators
- Identify the various pest control licenses
- Identify the federal and state Certification Categories
TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
This course provides an overview of pest control applicator certification and licensing in the state of Texas. After completing the course you will be able to:
- Identify the Departments and Agencies that license, train and certify pesticide applicators
- Identify the various pest control licenses
- Identify the federal and state Certification Categories
8 Hour Pest Courses
PEST ID: ANTS
This course will introduce you to Ants including their anatomy and characteristics. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Understand the life cycle and social structure of ants
- Identify the basic physical characteristics of ants
- Identify the family, subfamilies, and important species of ants
PEST ID: BEDBUGS
This course will introduce you to Bedbugs. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify their characteristics and lifestyle
- Identify signs of infestation
PEST ID: COCKROACHES
This course will introduce you to cockroaches, their anatomy, characteristics and several species. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Understand the health risks associated with cockroaches
- Identify their physical characteristics, life cycle, and conducive conditions
- Identify the main species encountered by pest professionals
PEST ID: ECTOPARASITES
This course will introduce you to the anatomy and characteristics of ectoparasites. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify important ectoparasite pests
- Identify the life cycle and species of fleas and ticks
- Identify lice and mites
PEST ID: FABRIC PESTS
This course will introduce you to identify a group of pests that feed on keratin, found in human hair, fingernails, and skin as well as animal horns, hooves, and feathers.
After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify species and life cycles of clothes moths, carpet beetles, and hide beetles
- Identify damage caused by clothes moths, carpet beetles, and hide beetles.
PEST ID: FLIES AND MOSQUITOES
This course will introduce you to flies and mosquitoes, their anatomy, characteristics and some species. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify the common characteristics, life cycle, and various species of flies
- Identify the life cycle and breeding sites of mosquitoes
- Identify mosquitoes by the type of water they seek
- Understand the health risks posed by mosquitoes
PEST ID: MAMMALS, BIRDS, AND REPTILES
This course will introduce you to mammals, birds, and reptiles that are considered pests. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify various species of rodents, wildlife, birds, and reptiles that are considered pests
- Identify pests based on their physical, behavioral characteristics, and preferred habitats
- Identify which mammals, wildlife, birds, and reptiles pose a health threat
PEST ID: OCCASIONAL INVADERS
This course will introduce you to occasional invaders and other miscellaneous pests. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Understand the terms occasional invaders and miscellaneous pests
- Identify various occasional invaders and miscellaneous pests addressed by pest professionals
PEST ID: STORED FOOD PESTS
This course will introduce you to stored food pests, their characteristics and habits. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Differentiate between internal feeders, external feeders, scavengers, and secondary pests
- Identify species of stored food pests based on their physical characteristics and feeding habits
IPM: RODENTS
This course will introduce you to Integrated Pest Management for Rodents. Topics covered include:
- The steps of Rodent IPM
- Mice
- Rats
- Rodenticides
- Baits
- Traps
8 Hour Termite Courses
MATH FOR TERMITE APPLICATIONS
This course will introduce you to the math necessary for termite applications. After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Understand the need for equipment calibration and the steps involved
- Understand the math necessary for pre- and post-construction termite treatment
- Use simple math calculations for various treatment methods
EQUIPMENT FOR TERMITE TREATMENTS
This course will give you an overview of the equipment used for termite treatments. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify the equipment used for pre- and post-construction termite treatments
- Know when and how to calibrate your equipment
- Understand the basics for using and caring for termite treatment equipment
- Take appropriate safety steps when using and maintaining termite treatment equipment
FUNGUS AND ROT
This course will introduce you to fungus and rot which create conducive conditions for termite infestations. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify fungi’s conducive conditions and life cycle
- Understand the basics of the structure of wood
- Identify the various forms of wood rot
- Understand the inspection process and treatment options
REPORTS FOR WDI INSPECTIONS
This course will explain how to complete the reports you have to fill out when you perform a WDI Inspection. This includes:
- SPCS/T-4
- NPMA-33
TERMITE BIOLOGY AND ID
This course will introduce you to termites, including subterranean and non-subterranean termites. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Understand Termite Biology
- Identify termites vs. ants
- Identify difference between native species and invasive species
- Identify subterranean vs non-subterranean termites
TERMITES IN STRUCTURES
This course will introduce you to the construction of various structures and termite treatments for them. After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Differentiate between pier and beam and concrete slab foundations
- Identify weak points in structures
- Define IPM for termites
- Understand the various treatments available, as well as when and where they are best used
WDI INSPECTION
This course is an overview of WDI Inspections. After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Understand the process of performing a WDI inspection
- Identify the major wood-destroying insects encountered by pest professionals
- Understand how to best protect yourself legally when performing inspections
- Identify important WDI inspection and treatment report forms
WOOD DESTROYING INSECT ID
This course will introduce you to wood-destroying insects, their characteristics and some important species. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify different wood-destroying insects including powderpost beetles, borers, and carpenter insects.
- Identify the life cycles and damage caused by various wood-destroying insects
Safety Training
CONFINED SPACES
This course is an introduction to working safely in confined spaces. After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Define and identify confined spaces and permit-required confined spaces
- Identify hazards found in both types of spaces
- Identify procedures for evaluating, entering, and exiting a space
- Demonstrate understanding of proper rescue procedures
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
This course will introduce you to the OSHA regulations
governing Electrical Safety. The topics covered include:
- Identify the dangers and potential injuries working with
- electricity presents
- Understand the importance and types of grounding
- Identify important precautions for workplace safety
- when dealing with electricity
This course does not fulfill the official OSHA training requirements
HEAT SAFETY
This course will introduce you to Heat Safety. This will include heat-related illness, prevention, symptoms, and First Aid. After taking this course you should be able to identify the different types of heat related illness, how to prevent them, what their symptoms are, and how to apply First Aid.
LADDER SAFETY
The purpose of this course is to provide you with the information necessary to help you select, inspect, carry, set up, use, and take care of various types of ladders.
- Identify the four ladder types and their uses
- Understand important safety precautions to be taken when working with ladders
- Identify and prevent electrical hazards when using ladders
- Understand the OSHA regulations for ladders in the workplace
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
This course is an introduction to safely choosing, using, and caring for respiratory protection devices. After completing this course, the learner will:
- Be able to identify the different types of respirators
- Know when to use a respirator
- Know how to properly use and care for respirators
- Know the different ratings of High Efficiency respirators
- and filters
- Understand the employer’s and employee’s responsibilities for respirator use
This course does not fulfill the official OSHA training requirements
RIGHT TO KNOW
This course is an introduction to OSHA’s Right to Know Law. After completion of this course the learner will know:
- what the “Right to Know” law is
- who it affects
- how chemical hazards are communicated to users by manufacturers and employers
This course does not fulfill the official OSHA training requirements
AGRICULTURAL IP
This course will introduce you to the integrated pest management principles in agricultural settings. After completing this course you will be able to:
- Identify the meaning and purpose of Agricultural IPM
- Identify the role of economics in Agricultural IPM decisions
- Identify the various methods of control used in Agricultural IPM
- Identify the four basic steps of Agricultural IPM
Communication Skills
This course teaches basic Communication Skills that will make apprentices more successful, confident representatives of their companies.
- You will learn the elements of effective communication.
- You will learn skills for effective listening.
- You will learn how to handle interruptions.
- You will learn skills for effective telling.
- You will learn ways to be a good teacher.
