QUALIFICATIONS
BPCA has launched two new preparation courses designed to help experienced pest professionals get ready for two of the sector’s most respected professional accreditations.
The new BPCA Certificated Advanced Technician (CAT) preparation course and BPCA Certificated Field Biologist (CFB) preparation course are intensive training programmes aimed at helping candidates align their real-world experience with the standards required in the formal assessments.
These accreditations sit at the advanced and higher levels of professional recognition within the pest management sector, recognising technicians who have progressed beyond entry-level qualifications and developed strong technical capability through practical experience.
At a glance
Which accreditation is right for you?
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Feature
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Certificated Advanced Technician (CAT)
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Certificated Field Biologist (CFB)
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Typical role
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Experienced technician delivering complex pest control work
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Senior technical specialist providing analysis, advice and auditing
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Career stage
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Advanced technician
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Senior technical / consultancy level
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Main focus
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Identification, inspection, diagnosis and treatment planning
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Data analysis, inspections, audits and strategic pest management
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Type of work
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Operational pest control and problem solving on site
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Analytical, advisory and reporting-focused
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Key skills assessed
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Pest identification, equipment recognition, site inspection, treatment recommendations
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Trend analysis, monitoring programmes, auditing, HACCP and reporting
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Typical workplaces
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Domestic, commercial and public sector pest control sites
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Food manufacturing, large commercial contracts, high-compliance environments
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Experience expected
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Level 2 Award in Pest Management + 2 years experience
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Level 2 Pest Management (or equivalent), L2 Health & Safety, L3 Food Safety and Certificated Advanced Technician (CAT) (or equivalent)
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Preparation course
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1 day
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2 days
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Preparing technicians for higher-level assessment
Karen Dawes, BPCA Training and Development Manager, said the new courses are designed to bring consistency and clarity to candidates preparing for these respected assessments.
“The CAT and CFB accreditations recognise technicians who have built significant experience in the field. However, experience alone can vary depending on the type of work, employer and environment someone has worked in.
“These preparation programmes give candidates the chance to refresh key principles, align their experience with the assessment criteria and ensure everyone approaches the process with the same understanding of current best practice.”
Karen Dawes, BPCA Training and Development Manager
The courses also aim to strengthen the credibility of both accreditations by ensuring candidates have the opportunity to review essential knowledge areas and practise demonstrating their competence before sitting the assessments.
CAT preparation course
The one-day CAT preparation course supports candidates preparing for the BPCA Certificated Advanced Technician assessment.
The programme focuses on the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to demonstrate competence across a range of advanced pest management tasks, including identification, inspection, diagnosis and treatment planning.
Delegates will take part in tutor-led sessions, practical identification exercises and scenario-based discussions designed to reflect real-world decision making.
Topics include:
- Assessment module breakdown
- Pest and equipment identification
- Site inspection and evidence gathering
- Root cause analysis
- Treatment options and recommendations
- Health, safety and legislation refresher
- Writing treatment reports and risk assessments
- Professional discussion preparation.
The course is aimed at technicians who already hold a Level 2 Award in Pest Management (or equivalent) and have at least two years’ experience working in the sector.
The next course takes place 17 July 2026 in Derby.
Learn more
CFB preparation course
The two-day CFB preparation course is aimed at experienced professionals preparing for the BPCA Certificated Field Biologist (CFB) examination.
Field Biologists typically move beyond operational pest control into more analytical and advisory roles, supporting customers through audits, trend analysis and strategic pest management planning.
The course focuses on helping candidates demonstrate the higher-level skills expected at this stage of their career, including inspection, analysis and professional reporting.
During the programme, delegates will revisit and strengthen knowledge in areas such as:
- Practical insect identification
- Monitoring tools and techniques
- Conducting site inspections
- Trend analysis
- Analysing and presenting pest management data
- Manufacturing processes
- Auditing standards
- HACCP principles
- Customer service and communication.
Candidates for the CFB programme must meet a number of prerequisites, including existing pest management qualifications, Certified Advanced Technician status (or equivalent), relevant health and safety and food safety qualifications, and at least two years’ practical pest control experience across a range of sites.
Delegates are also required to provide evidence of inspection reports and be members of a recognised CPD scheme.
Supporting professional progression
Karen Dawes said the new preparation courses help ensure that technicians moving towards advanced professional recognition are fully prepared for the assessments' expectations.
“These programmes help candidates connect the experience they’ve gained on the job with the standards required in the accreditation. That strengthens fairness and consistency and ultimately reinforces the professional standing of both the CAT and CFB designations.”
Both courses are delivered in person and include assessment elements aligned with the respective accreditation processes.
INTERESTED IN ADVANCED OR HIGH ACCREDITATIONS?
Our dedicated training team can help you choose the qualification best suited to you.
training@bpca.org.uk
01332 225 113
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