The Lantra Level 2 Award in Pest Management is now an accepted qualification for membership of BPCA after the Executive Board voted in favour of incorporating it into criteria at its September committee meeting.

The Lantra Level 2 Award appears on the OFQUAL register at the same level as the RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management and includes four units on control of rodent, wildlife, bird, and insect species.

The Lantra qualification will now join the RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management, RSPH Level 2 Certificate in Pest Control, BPC Diploma Part I, RSPH Certificate in Pest Control, NVQ in Pest Control, and the IPCA Diploma as acceptable qualifications technicians may hold for their company to be accepted into BPCA membership.

Differences and similarities

While requiring fewer learning hours, the Lantra Award meets the OFQAL requirements and rather than having a stand-alone health, safety and legislation module, these aspects are incorporated throughout the qualification. In addition to the one-hour, 40-question multiple choice and short answer exam, the main difference between this qualification and the RSPH Level 2 Award is the use of professional discussion as a method of assessment. 

In the discussion, the examiner poses questions to the candidate in spoken form and the candidate has to answer in such a way as to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding of the subject.

The separate professional discussion assessment is seen as a valuable alternative assessment methodology for the practical occupation of Pest control, and something which Ian Andrew, BPCA’s CEO feels should be celebrated.

“The Lantra award offers an alternative method of assessment by way of a practical discussion, which is a valuable addition for our membership.

“While we still very much value RSPH qualifications, it is important that our members have a choice of qualifications for their technicians.”

Having sat the RSPH Level 2 Award himself, Ian continued:

“Personally, I think we need to remember that pest management is a practical profession and the requirements for entry into the sector should reflect that.”

BPCA Membership criteria for employees involved in the eradication and control of pest species stipulates they must be on a recognised CPD scheme and hold a recognised qualification - such as the Level 2 Award in Pest Management.

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Source: Online