Course Overview 

The combination of the following units will provide candidates with a qualification that meets the Regulation’s requirements to demonstrate occupational competence.  Please note that learners must be over 16 years old, to be physically fit to carry out the use of pesticides and have the application of reading ability (in English) to understand and interpret pesticide product information.

Pesticide Application (PA1): Safe Use of Pesticides NPTC Level 2 Award

This is the foundation unit which is a two-day classroom based course with assessment.  The focus of this unit is the safety and legal aspects of handing pesticides.  Candidates must complete the assessment successfully to progress to the (PA6) Hand Held Applicators unit.

The course will include;

• Awareness and understanding of the legislation.

• Interpreting product information and identifying appropriate equipment.

• Personal safety and contamination.

• Pesticide and container storage, cleaning and disposal.

• Record keeping and environmental factors.

• A final online assessment on day two of the course.
  

Pesticide Application (PA6): Hand Held Applicators NPTC Level 2 Award

This unit is required by anyone wishing to apply pesticides using a hand-held lance or knapsack type applicator.  The unit is achieved through a two-day assessed course with classroom based learning and practical exercises.

The course will include:

• Using product information to determine and select appropriate pesticides.

• Preparation of hand-held pesticides for professional use.

• Operation of hand-held application equipment safely, without risk to themselves or the environment.

• Cleaning application and personal protective equipment.

• A final online assessment on day three of the course.

Successful completion of this unit in addition to the foundation unit will provide the candidate with the Pesticide Application qualification.  The qualification is a lifelong achievement; however, we recommend that those working with pesticides take refresher learning within every five years.

Combined PA1 and PA6 unit course

Both the PA1 and PA6 units can be taken separately.  However, we are also able to offer them as a combined course which can be taken over three days.

Notes

• The use of pesticide qualifications provided through the NCC Academy are awarded by the National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC), the nationally recognised awarding body for competence within land based industries which is part of City & Guilds.

• These qualifications comply with the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012, referred here as, ‘the Regulations”.

• Compliance with legislation is regulated by the Chemical Regulation Directorate (CRD), the pesticides arm of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).  They alone determine certification needs and status.  Full details are available on the HSE website.

• A copy of the full syllabus for the above course is available on request.