BPCA Certificated Field Biologist Accreditation

Field Biologists play a critical role in safeguarding food safety and supporting compliance within food manufacturing and processing environments. They hold some of the most senior technical positions in pest management, providing expert insight, conducting detailed inspections, analysing trends, and advising businesses on risk reduction and audit readiness.

This accreditation is designed for experienced pest management professionals who wish to progress into Field Biologist roles or formalise their existing expertise. It is particularly suited to technicians working within food manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and other high‑risk environments.

Entry requirements

Our Field Biologist pathway is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate genuine technical depth. That’s why we require candidates to hold an advanced qualification before progressing to this higher‑level, specialist assessment. By setting a stronger entry standard, we ensure that the BPCA Field Biologist accreditation builds on an established foundation of knowledge and that the final certification reflects a truly credible level of expertise. It’s a route created for those who want their achievement to carry real weight within the industry.

To support this aim, candidates must meet all of the following prerequisites before taking the exam:

• Level 2 Award in Pest Management
• Level 2 Award in Health and Safety
• Level 3 Award in Food Safety
• BPCA Certificated Advanced Technician (CAT) or equivalent
• Membership of a recognised CPD scheme
• Minimum of two years’ practical pest control experience across a range of sites (supported by a manager’s written declaration)
• A portfolio of at least five Field Biologist‑style inspection reports from a minimum of three different sites
• Candidates must be aged 16 or over.

Preparation Course (2 days)

The two‑day CFB Exam Preparation Course is designed for experienced professionals preparing for formal assessment and seeking recognised status as a competent Field Biologist. The programme consolidates and strengthens the knowledge, skills, and practical experience delegates have already gained in the field.

Through structured review, guided reflection, and exam‑aligned preparation, delegates refine their expertise and develop the analytical, advisory, and audit‑focused capabilities expected of a certificated Field Biologist.

The course deepens understanding in key areas essential for examination success and professional practice, including:

• Practical insect identification
• Customer service and communication
• Monitoring tools and interpretation
• Conducting structured site inspections
• Trend analysis
• Analysing and presenting data
• Manufacturing processes
• Auditing standards
• HACCP principles

By the end of the programme, delegates will be able to:

• Apply practical insect identification skills to distinguish key pest species and interpret field evidence.
• Communicate inspection findings clearly and professionally, adapting style to different customer needs.
• Select, use, and interpret monitoring tools to support accurate assessment of pest activity.
• Conduct structured site inspections to identify risks, signs of activity, and contributing environmental factors.
• Analyse monitoring and inspection data, identify trends, and present findings in clear, actionable formats.
• Understand manufacturing processes, auditing expectations, and how these influence pest‑risk assessment.
• Explain HACCP principles and integrate pest management considerations into food‑safety systems.

Candidates who attend the CFB Preparation course will receive a BPCA Certificate of Attendance.

Examination-only

There is no course or online learning provided with the Examination-only option.

Candidates who meet the entry requirements may choose to sit the Certificated Field Biologist examination whenever they feel ready.

The examination is designed to assess the higher‑level knowledge, analytical skills, and professional judgement expected of a Field Biologist.

See "assessment" below for details. 

Portfolio requirements

Before sitting the exam, and as part of the required pre-requisites, candidates must submit a portfolio demonstrating real‑world experience across multiple food‑related environments. The portfolio must include:

• A minimum of five typed inspection reports produced by the candidate
• Reports from at least three different sites
• A variety of visit types and site types
• A clear, professional reporting structure (e.g., introduction, observations, findings, recommendations, priorities, conclusions)
• Removal of any information that could identify customers

Suitable site types may include:

• Food manufacturing facilities
• Wet and dry pet food manufacturers
• Animal husbandry units
• Food warehouses and distribution centres
• Hospitals, prisons, universities, and other large institutions
• Cook‑chill catering units
• Large hotels or major food retail outlets

Examination format

The Certificated Field Biologist exam is a 3.5‑hour assessment divided into two sections:

• Identification section – 45 minutes
• Written examination – 2 hours 45 minutes, consisting of two scenarios and 15 structured questions

Successful candidates will have demonstrated the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional competence required to operate confidently and effectively as a Field Biologist within the food industry.

Grading

The certification is awarded at two levels: Pass or Distinction.

To achieve a Pass, candidates must score 60% or higher in each section of the examination.

A Distinction is awarded only on a candidate’s first attempt and only if they achieve 75% or higher in each section.

Candidates who do not meet the minimum Pass standard will be recorded as having failed. If a candidate fails one section, they may re‑sit that section once at a later date. If they fail the same section again, they must re‑take and pass the entire examination to achieve certification.

Certification

Only candidates who achieve a Pass or Distinction in the assessment will be awarded the BPCA Certificated Field Biologist certification. Candidates who do not meet the required standard will not receive the certification until they have successfully passed the examination.