NPMA PRO Certified
Your Expertise, Elevated.
Elevate your career in pest management by becoming NPMA PRO Certified.
NPMA PRO Certified, the first offering in the NPMA PRO suite of credentials, recognizes your commitment to excellence and your mastery of the latest techniques and industry best practices. By becoming NPMA PRO Certified, you'll demonstrate to employers, clients, and the community that you are a cut above the rest.
Stand out from the competition and unlock new opportunities by becoming an NPMA PRO Certified professional:
- Showcase your advanced knowledge and skills
- Increase your earning potential and career advancement
- Access clients who demand the best
- Join an elite group of industry leaders and innovators
- Contribute to the professionalization of the pest management field
Take your expertise to new heights. Become NPMA PRO Certified and let your credentials speak volumes about your commitment to quality and excellence.
Ready for the Challenge? To become NPMA PRO Certified:
- Have at least one year of relevant experience at at least one pest management company
- Conquer a comprehensive exam showcasing your industry knowledge and expertise
- Stay at the top of your game by renewing every 3 years
Your Expertise, Elevated.
Become NPMA PRO Certified Today.
Preparing for the NPMA PRO Certified Exam
The NPMA PRO Certified exam is a rigorous 150-question test designed to measure the applicant’s technical knowledge and ability to problem-solve real-world, on-the-job scenarios. Topics covered on the exam include Pests, Laws & Regulations, Safety, Equipment, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and Industry Professionalism. To help you prepare for the exam, NPMA has a number of study materials available for applicants.
NPMA PRO Certified Exam and Exam Prep Course Study Bundle
Take advantage of the NPMA PRO Certified Exam Study Bundle and save 15% off the NPMA PRO Certified Exam Prep course! This specially discounted bundle includes one NPMA PRO Certified Exam registration AND one registration for the NPMA PRO Certified Exam Prep Course. Position yourself for success with NPMA’s exclusive online training program, a 15-module training program specifically designed to prepare pest management professionals to complete the NPMA PRO Certified exam. This money-saving bundle is ideal for any pest control operator looking to maximize their success in earning the NPMA PRO Certified designation. $277.50/$555.00.
Other NPMA PRO Certified Study Materials
Online Course: NPMA PRO Certified Exam Prep Course - U.S. Version
This 15-module course provides a comprehensive overview of technical and service-focused pest management topics and is designed to help prepare you for the NPMA PRO Certified Exam - U.S. Version. Price: $150/$300
BugStore Product: NPMA Service Technician’s Manual (2nd Edition)
The Service Technician’s Manual is the core training book for service technicians. It provides technicians with essential information on the pesticide label, basic steps to pest management, pesticides, types of structural pests, equipment, safety, procedures, and state and federal laws. $30/$35
BugStore Product: NPMA Field Guide to Structural Pests (2nd Edition)
This unique reference manual consists of many of the structural pests that you will encounter as a pest management technician. In addition to the latest management procedures, this binder serves as an essential tool for pest identification. $60/$70
BugStore Product: Pest Control Technician Safety Manual (2nd Edition)
The safety hazards faced by pest control technicians vary immensely. Whether those hazards are pesticides, power tools, confined spaces, or diseases, technicians need information and training to protect themselves from injury or illness on the job. This essential manual covers everything that a pest management technician needs to know about safety. $59/$69
Online Course: NPMA PRO Certified Exam Prep Course - Canada Version
This 15-module course provides a comprehensive overview of technical and service-focused pest management topics and is designed to help prepare you for the NPMA PRO Certified Exam - Canada Version. Price $150/$300
Guidelines: Pollinator Best Management Practices
Along with outreach and training efforts, NPMA has developed a set of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to provide guidance for our members to minimize incidental effects on honey bees and pollinators around structures.
Guidelines: Bed Bug Best Management Practices
To ensure industry professionals have the best possible guidance on controlling bed bugs effectively, responsibly, and safely, NPMA has created Best Management Practices for Bed Bugs (BMPs).
NPMA Field Guide App
The Field Guide PRO offers users instant access to robust reference information on over 200 different structural pests, with high-resolution photos and charts for confident identification and a detailed terms glossary. $8.99 annual subscription
Guidelines: Pest Management Standards for Food Processing & Handling Facilities
The 2016 Pest Management Standards for Food Processing & Handling Facilities, accompanying test, and study guide were developed as an invaluable resource to protect food and comply with Food Safety Modernization Act. NPMA continues to work with Federal Agencies and major global auditing companies to assist in ensuring the safety of America's food supply.
Certification Fees
| NPMA Members | Non-Members | ||
| Application Fee (Includes exam and first year's certification) |
$150 | $300 | |
|
Application Fee and Prep Course Bundle |
$277.50 | $555 | |
| Exam Retake Fee | $75 | $75 | |
Annual Renewal Fee
|
$150 | $300 |
All fees are listed in USD.
About the Exam
The NPMA PRO Certified exam consists of 150 multiple-choice and scenario/based questions. Topics covered on the exam include Pests, Laws & Regulations, Safety, Equipment, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and Industry Professionalism. Applicants will have two hours to complete the test and must answer at least 120 questions correctly to earn a passing score on the exam. If a passing score is not earned, the exam can be attempted again for a retake fee of $75 USD.
Exam Requirements
The NPMA PRO Certified exam will take place online in a virtually proctored setting. Within two business days of registering for the exam you will receive an email from npmapro@pestworld.org providing you with credentials to login to the testing platform Everblue.
You will have 90 days to complete the exam at your convenience in a single two-hour sitting.
Technology Requirements
Given the exam’s remote testing nature, these are the technology requirements. Please review them thoroughly in advance of sitting for the exam.
- Use a traditional desktop or laptop. You CANNOT take the exams from a Chromebook nor mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, Android device, etc.).
- Check to be sure your computer operating software is up to date. Your operating system must be updated and at minimum: Windows 10+ or MacOS 10.15+.
- You will need to have Internet Speed Upload: 1 Mbps and Download: 2 Mbps. Tethering, VPNs, or Hotspots are not suggested.
- You need a working webcam and microphone.
- You can only use ONE monitor; dual monitors are not allowed.
- You will need administrative rights to your computer to download the proctoring tool.
- If a “remote desktop” application is used, it must be disabled on the laptop or desktop computer to be used for the online exam. If you do NOT disable the “remote desktop” application, then you will not be able to properly install the exam proctoring application – Respondus with LockDown Browser.
- Use an updated version of Google Chrome or Edge.
- Before beginning your exam, shut down your computer and restart and DO NOT OPEN OTHER APPLICATIONS on your computer other than this exam.
Every NPMA PRO Certified Technician is required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every 3 years.
Continuing Education is defined as formal instruction or classroom-style training provided at industry-sanctioned events that are approved by NPMA or state lead agencies for recertification credit. Industry-sanctioned events can include state, regional, or national pest management conferences, including NPMA conferences, or online training hosted in the NPMA Online Learning Center. In-house training held at a pest management firm may also qualify if it is approved for recertification credit by a state lead agency and meets the requirements and topic definitions below. NPMA reserves the right to approve NPMA PRO Certified recertification credit for any professional training not held at any outside event.
- 1 hour of continuing education training = 1 CE credit.
- Each CE credit can only be submitted for one category.
- The QualityPro Core exam counts for 1 CE for any category but can only be used one time within 3 years of passing the exam.
- The QualityPro Public Health, Schools, and GreenPro exams each count for 1 CE credit towards the Technical category but can only be submitted one time within 3 years of passing the exam.
- Presenting/Teaching - A maximum of 3 CE credits can be earned across all categories from instruction or training provided by the NPMA PRO Certified Technician that is registered with the state and qualifies for state recertification credit.
- College level (or equivalent) course – A maximum of 3 CE credits can be earned across all categories with the completion of any industry-focused course offered at a college, university, or trade school.
NPMA PRO Certified Topic Categories & Definitions
| Topic Category | Max CE Per 3-Year Cycle | Topic Descriptions |
| Technical | 15 | Instruction including, but not limited to, pest biology and control, integrated pest management (IPM), equipment training, application instruction, pesticides and their chemistry, and pest control equipment. |
| Laws & Regulations | 3 | Instruction including, but not limited to, state and federal laws and regulations relating to the pest management industry. |
| Safety | 6 | Instruction including, but not limited to, pesticide label training, personal safety or PPE, pesticide risks and hazards, OSHA hazard communication standards, pesticide waste, and disposal. |
| Industry Professionalism | 3 | Instruction including, but not limited to, responsible pesticide application, minimizing non-target exposure, pollinator protection, endangered species protection, and environmental protection. |
| Business Management | 3 | Instruction including, but not limited to, business operations, customer services, and sales. |
Interested in learning more about becoming NPMA PRO Certified? Read more about criteria, eligibility, how to apply, and the exam process in the FAQ.
What is NPMA PRO Certified?
NPMA PRO Certified is an individual certification program that recognizes pest management professionals for their expertise and dedication to industry standards.
Why should I become NPMA PRO Certified?
NPMA PRO Certified demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the pest management industry, setting you apart from others. It showcases your mastery of the latest techniques and best practices, making you more valuable to employers, clients, and the community.
Who is NPMA PRO Certified geared towards?
NPMA PRO Certified is designed for dedicated pest management professionals looking to demonstrate their commitment to excellence, mastery of industry best practices, and an in-depth understanding of topics like pests, laws, safety, professionalism, IPM, and equipment.
Who can apply for NPMA PRO Certified?
Anyone with at least one year of field experience in pest management may apply, regardless of QualityPro status or NPMA membership.
How do I earn the NPMA PRO Certified credential?
Pass a 150-question exam covering Pests, Laws & Regulations, Safety, Industry Professionalism, IPM, and Equipment. A minimum of one year of experience in pest management is required.
Are training resources available to help prepare for the exam?
Yes, NPMA is developing a suite of resources to support exam preparation, covering all critical topics.
What is the cost of NPMA PRO Certified?
- Application Fee: $150 for NPMA Members; $300 for Non-Members.
- Exam Re-Take Fee: $75.
- Annual Renewal Fee: $150 for Members; $300 for Non-Members.
How do I maintain my certification?
Complete 30 hours of Continuing Education every 3 years to retain your certification.
Want to learn more?
Complete this form and discover how you can benefit by becoming NPMA PRO Certified.
