BPCA Certificated Field Biologist (CFB) – 2 day preparation course

Through structured review, guided reflection, and examination‑aligned preparation, delegates will refine their existing expertise and ensure they are fully equipped to demonstrate competence at this higher professional level.

The programme focuses on validating and enhancing current practice, supporting technicians as they transition from operational roles to the analytical, advisory, and audit‑focused responsibilities expected of a certificated Field Biologist.

Delegates will revisit and deepen their understanding of key areas essential for examination success and professional recognition:

• Practical insect identification
• Customer service and communication
• Monitoring tools and techniques
• Conducting a site inspection
• Trend analysis
• Analysing and presenting data
• Manufacturing processes
• Auditing standards
• HACCP principles.

Prerequisites

• Level 2 Award in Pest Management (or equivalent)
• Certificated Advanced Technician (or equivalent)
• Level 2 Health and Safety
• Level 3 Food Safety
• Membership of a BPCA recognised CPD scheme
• 2 years of practical pest control experience across a range of sites – written declaration from a Manager
• A minimum of 5 Field Biologist-style inspection reports from a range of sites produced by the candidates.

Programme includes:

• Classroom course
• Exam and assessment (optional)
• All course material 
• Lunch
• Refreshments.

NOTE: Accommodation is not included. 

Course times

• 9.00 am to 5 pm

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

• Demonstrate a confident, examination‑ready understanding of higher-level pest management principles.
• Apply existing knowledge and experience to accurately identify key insect species and their relevance to different environments.
• Conduct structured, professional site inspections aligned with Field Biologist expectations.
• Interpret monitoring data and apply trend analysis to support evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Produce clear, concise, and audit‑ready reports that communicate findings effectively.
• Understand how manufacturing processes and workflow design influence pest risk.
• Demonstrate familiarity with auditing standards and confidently prepare for audit scenarios.
• Apply HACCP principles within pest management to support food safety and compliance.

Present themselves as competent, knowledgeable professionals ready for formal assessment and recognition.

For taking this course, you would receive a BPCA Certificate of Attendance for the Certificated Field Biologist Preparation course. 

Candidates taking this programme would then be expected to go on and take the BPCA Certificated Field Biologist assessment. 

BPCA Certificated Field Biologist assessment

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.

Reasonable Adjustments

BPCA is committed to ensuring fair and accessible assessment for all candidates. Where reasonable adjustments are required, the CAT assessment can be taken as a paper‑based or classroom‑based assessment while still incorporating the mandatory remote professional discussion element.

Candidates wishing to explore this option should contact training@bpca.org.uk in advance to make appropriate arrangements.

Preparation course only

Preparation course and exam

Examination only 

Unit 1 resit

Cancellation Terms:

Exam cancellations will only be accepted on receipt of written instruction and are effective from the date received by the BPCA.

• More than 15 working days prior to exam: No charge
• 15 working days or less: 100% of fee.

Full terms and conditions apply.