Pest Control Training in Ireland
Statutory Pest Control Training:
The EU Biocide Directive has brought a lot of changes for Pest Control Companies in 2018, all driven by increased restrictions on the use of Professional rodenticides (i.e. rat and mice poison).
Specifically, since 01/01/2018, all pest control operators or other individuals buying or using professional rodenticides must be trained and hold a valid licence or “PMU number”. The new rodenticide product labels clearly indicate this legal requirement, as we can see below in the first paragraph of the new Vertox Oktablock II rodenticide label:
Not for sale to the general public or any person other than trained professionals. Trained professional users must register with DAFM as a “Trained Professional – Pest Management Professional” (PMU) and must present their PMU No. at the point of sale to purchase this product for use only as specified on the label.
Using a biocide contrary to the label instructions is an offence so a Pest Management Trained Professional User (PMU) is necessary.
A PMU No. is associated with an individual who has undertaken pest control training and certification, and it is not connected to the company they are employed by. Therefore, a Pest Control company cannot obtain a PMU No.
The only pest control training and qualifications accepted by the DAFM (Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine) is an Ofqual Level 3 course in pest management. Currently the Lantra “Level 3 Award in Pest Management Services – Trained Professional User” is the only pest control training course available in Ireland (there is also the “RSPH Level 3 in Pest Management + CRRU Wildlife Aware course” available in Northern Ireland).
It is a 5-day pest control training course divided into 3 modules and 3 examinations, including a practical assessment and multiple-choice exam.
Topics covered include:
- Biology and Control of Invertebrate Pests
- The Biology and Control of Rodent Pests
- Other Vertebrate Pests Biology and Control
- Practical Skills for the Management of Invertebrate and Vertebrate Pests
After obtaining their qualification, trainees can apply to the DAFM for a full PMU number, and then purchase biocides and work without restriction. Remember: only individuals receive a PMU number, not Companies.
If you are intending to work in pest control and gain experience before sitting a Lantra exam, you can apply to the DAFM for a “Temporary PMU” for a period of up to 9 months, with of course a number of rules and restrictions when using biocides. This is the way for trainee pest controllers to gain experience before undertaking the Lantra course.
You can apply for a “Temporary PMU” here, by selecting “Pest Management Trainee ” in the drop-down menu.
Since the beginning of the DAFM rules in 2018, Owl Pest Control has been facilitating independent pest control training for the “Lantra Level 3 Award in Pest Management Services” course, by providing FREE training rooms at our office, in small groups of 8-15 trainees.
Training modules are covered via online learning, a Practical assessment, and an exam with multiple-choice questions.
- Biology, behaviour and management of invertebrate pests
- Biology, behaviour and management of vertebrate pests
- Practical Skills for the Management of Vertebrate and Invertebrate Pests
- The regulations regarding the control of pest species
- Biocide product information
- Hazards and risks associated with biocides
- Personal safety when using chemicals
- Safe working practices
- The requirements for protected areas
- Environmental risks and protection of wildlife
- How to deal with incidents
- Record keeping
- Advising clients
The pest control training covers all aspects of the LANTRA Pest Management Level 3 + examination. Pre-Learning material is also provided 2 weeks in Advance.
The course is ideal for Existing Professional Pest Control Companies
It is essential to register your interest with Pelsis so that they can run a course with enough participants (direct email: training@pelsis.com)
Book a LANTRA PEST MANAGEMENT DIPLOMA (Level 3 Basic Entry Trained Professional User) PMU course
Since the Covid pandemic started, the Irish Pest Control Association has run an online version of the “Lantra Level 3 Award in Pest Management Services” course.
The pest control training course is running every month or two.
The IPCA also include the certification “CRRU-IASIS Wildlife Aware” Training Course, Certification and Accreditation” for anyone that passes unit 1.
The learners get a login into the modules and have access to all modules which they can view in their own time. They can review any sections they wish.
There are also some live online sessions with a tutor to answer any questions and carry out a review of materials and exam techniques. The exam take place online.
Upon receipt of an application, the IPCA can provide more details on the process.
- The first online pest control training Tutorial workshop will be covering the first 11 modules with an online exam – Paper 1 & Paper 2.
- The second tutorial Workshop will cover the rest of the modules, with exam Paper 3 and Online Practical.
All dates and times are confirmed before the course commences.
Below are the topics that will be covered in each section.
Section A
- Module 1 Rodent Behaviour Damage
- Module 2 Rodenticides
- Module 3 Rodent Biology
- Module 4 Rodent control – an IPM approach
- Module 5 Rodenticides & Environment
- Module 6 Wildlife Species & Rodenticides
- Module 7 Sewer Rodent Control
- Module 8 Rodent Site Survey & Risk Assessment
Section B
- Module 9 Other Vertebrates – Mammals
- Module 10 Other Vertebrates – Birds
- Module 11 Other Vertebrates Control
Section C
- Module 12 Introduction to Invertebrates
- Module 13 Flying Insects – Diptera 1
- Module 14 Flying Insects – Diptera 2
- Module 15 Ants, Wasps and Bees
- Module 16 Arthropods non-chemical control 1
- Module 17 Arthropods non-chemical control 2
- Module 18 Cockroaches
- Module 19 Arthropods Chemical Control
- Module 20 Parasites
- Module 21 Ambient Arthropods
- Module 22 Stored product and structural insects 1
- Module 23 Stored product and structural insects 2
- Module 24 Stored product and structural insects 3
- Codes of Practice and Standards
- Report Writing & PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT 1 (Rodents)
- Report Writing & PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT 2 ( Vertebrates & Invertebrates)
You must confirm your expression of interest for any course/repeat exam by email: info@ipca.ie so the IPCA can get you the necessary paperwork and online login details, etc.
For next course dates, please check the IPCA website
Yes: The DAFM can give a Temporary PMU number to new entrants to the pest control industry for a period of up to 9 months. This is to allow time for “on-the-job” training and completion of the Lantra course.
There are several rules/restrictions with the temporary PMU number:
- The trainee must work under the direct supervision of a licensed trainer (PMU for 2+ years) for a period of 2 weeks
- A training plan must be submitted to the DAFM, including training records and proof of registration to an upcoming Lantra Level 3 course
- A Pest Control trainee can only carry out repeat visits and cannot conduct site assessments until they are registered as a full PMU or have passed the Rodent Module of the Lantra course (updated DAFM rule 2025).
- A trainee must observe a PMU carry out method/technique applications of biocidal products and then carry out a minimum of 4 treatments himself under direct supervision in order to carry out repeat visits on his/her own
For full details on pest control training rules and record-keeping requirements click here:
New-Entrants-Rules-for-Trainee-PMUs.pdf
Apply for a Temporary PMU Number here. (select “Pest Management Trainee” in the drop-down menu).
Although it is strongly advised to get work experience before seating the LANTRA Pest Management Diploma (Level 3 Trained Professional User) PMU training/exam, it is possible to enrol on a Lantra course without pest control experience.
The DAFM delivers licences (PMU numbers) to all applicants who have successfully obtained the Lantra qualification, regardless of previous experience. You should make sure to do a lot of pest control reading before enrolling (e.g. The British Pest Management Manual – but with Irish Legislation) as it is not an easy qualification for a complete beginner.
If you have no pest control training or experience and want to join the Lantra course directly, we recommend you to opt for the CLASSROOM training (see details above) instead of Online training, as you will get more personal attention and comprehensive reading materials, giving you an in-depth training and the best chances of success.
After Pest Control trainees pass their exams and receives a Certificate from Lantra, they can finally register and apply for a PMU Number with the DAFM Pesticide Registration and Control Division (PRCD).
The application is made by filling out a form online and uploading the Lantra Cert.
Apply for a full PMU Number here. (select “Pest Management User” in the drop-down menu).
As with many other industries, in order to keep your licence, you must partake in a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) or “Continuous Professional Education” (CPE) pest control scheme recognised by the DAFM.
Every calendar year, The DAFM-PRCD reviews the CPD points earned for each licensed pest controller in Ireland. It is mandatory to have all the required points in order to keep the licence (PMU number) active.
There are three recognised Pest Control CPD schemes in Ireland at present:
BASIS PROMPT is the most established scheme (Est. 1978) with over 4,000 members between the UK and Ireland. It has the benefits of a wide range of CPD materials (exhibitions, online and classroom training, magazines, forums, etc.) and several full-time staff members to run it.
Read our article for more information about BASIS PROMPT, how to register and examples of how to get CPD points.
Note: PMUs are not required to complete CPE for the first year that they become registered as “full PMU”. Every year after that, PMUs must satisfy CPE requirements in the following calendar year (Jan. to Dec.).
The DAFM maintains a two PMU lists:
- Approved Pest Management Trained Professional Users (PMUs) and
- Trainee Pest Management Users.
You can check both lists HERE.
Please note: some pest controllers have opted out of this public list and you will need to contact the DAFM directly if you have any queries about PMUs that are not listed on the registers.
PMUs and own-use PMUs are required to maintain CPD to remain listed on the PMU register.
CPD non-compliance will result in you receiving a revocation letter which will prevent you from working in the industry until you are re-listed on the register.
If you are fully compliant, you will not receive any letter/email from Pesticide Control Division.
The CPD providers submit the CPD credits to PCD annually. Compliance is required each calendar year. If you are not compliant in a particular calendar year (100% CPD), you must be compliant over the current and previous calendar year (200% CPD).
100% CPD is required to remain on the register each year.
In a particular year, if you receive less than 100% CPD, you will receive a “warning” letter telling you that you must make up the shortfall from the previous year along with the current year CPD (200% CPD over the current and previous year).
If you receive a warning letter and don’t have 200% CPD over two years, you will be revoked from
the register and receive a revocation letter with 4 weeks to appeal this decision to be removed
from the register. Any appeal should be submitted to PesticideRegisters@agriculture.gov.ie
The above applies to own-use PMU’s also, the only difference for own-use PMU’s is that in year 1
they require 50% CPE and if non-compliant, require 100% CPE over two years.
If you get revoked from the register you need to reapply to be listed on the register and must comply
with the current rules to be listed on the register:
Scenario1:
If you have the necessary qualifications to register as a PMU, you must complete double CPE and
PCD requires proof of such to be submitted to our office by the CPE provider. On receipt of proof
of double CPE credits in a single calendar year, the PMU will be re-listed on the register.
Scenario 2:
If you don’t have the necessary qualifications, you must complete the Lantra Level 3 qualification
to register as a PMU and be re-listed on the register. No CPE is required that calendar year.
If you fall under the second scenario, please contact one of the course providers and book into
the Lantra Level 3 asap to allow you to re-register as a PMU if you wish to continue working as a
PMU. Details on the Lantra level 3 can be found here.
Advanced Pest Control Training:
The RSPH Level 3 Award in Pest Management is an Ofqual‑regulated qualification designed for experienced Pest Technicians who want to deepen their expertise and progress into advanced roles.
It develops high‑level knowledge of managing and controlling both vertebrate and invertebrate pests, along with the wider factors that influence effective pest management services.
By completing the award, technicians gain advanced, practical understanding of modern techniques, procedures, and legislative requirements, supporting career routes such as Field Biologist.
You can find out the full details of the RSPH Level 3 Award in Pest Management Specifications by checking this PDF Document
It is essential to register your interest with Pelsis so that they can run a course with enough participants (direct email: training@pelsis.com)
In order to ensure that candidates have a wide range of competencies in all areas working within a legislative context (Republic of Ireland), There are a number of pre-requisite courses that are necessary before entering the final stage of the Field Biologist Programme.
The aim is to Educate candidates to an advanced level of pest control training, having the necessary knowledge and skills to produce Expert Reports meeting Pest Industry Standards
To enter on this programme it is mandatory to hold the following:
- Lantra “Level 3 Award in Pest Management Services – Trained Professional User” or equivalent.
- “RSPH Level 3 Pest Award in Pest Management“
- At least 2 years experience of undertaking Pest Control Inspections or Audits.
Field Biologist Programme:
On this Field Biologist Programme, candidates will learn how to produce an expert report summarising the evidence seen during an inspection as well as recommendations.
- Knowledge of legal conformity and non-conformity.
- Current State of Pest Activity
- Review of all pest control procedures and Documentation including HACCP (Pest Control)
- Compliance Audit in relation to Health & Safety, Food Hygiene, HACCP, Environmental & Pest Risk Assessment in accordance with Domestic, National and European legislation, approved codes of Practice and British Retail Consortium (BRC) Industry Standards – now globally recognised as BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards). Note: These are premier benchmarks for product safety, quality, and operational criteria. Adopted by over 22,000 sites in more than 130 countries, they provide a rigorous framework to ensure supply chain compliance and consumer protection.
- Trend Analysis and corrective actions.(Food Processing Risk Area Maps).
- Based on Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems 19011:2011
Stage 1-3 outlined below must be completed before entering on to the final Field Biologist Course.
Candidates are required to submit a Portfolio of at least three inspection audit reports demonstrating practical experience of Inspection and Quality of Reports for Food Manufacturing, Retail outlets and Warehouses etc.
Candidates will be Supported & guided throughout. Report guidelines will be provided when joining at the beginning of the programme.
STAGE 1
RSPH Level 3 Award in Health and Safety for Supervisors in the Workplace. 2-day course with course literature, Multiple Choice Exam, food and refreshments.
The exam will be 1.5 hours long consisting of 45 Multiple Choice Questions.
On completion, Candidates will receive an Ofqual Level 3 RSPH Qualification.
STAGE 2
RSPH Level 3 Award in Understanding how to Develop a HACCP Plan. 2-day course with course literature, Multiple Choice Exam, food and refreshments.
The exam will be 1.5 hours long consisting of 45 Multiple Choice Questions.
On completion, Candidates will receive an Ofqual Level 3 RSPH Qualification.
STAGE 3
Field Biologist Pest Control Training and Exam (It is mandatory to complete stages 1-2 before being accepted on the Field Biologist Course)
Written Exam 3.5 hours consisting of Pest Identification (1 hour) followed by a number of realistic scenarios with 10 questions (2.5 hours).
On completion of the Field Biologist Course and Exam alongside submission of a portfolio of 3 Reports the Candidate will be issued a Certified Field Biologist certificate.
It will allow Candidates to conduct Professional Independent Field Biologist Audit Inspections & Reports, satisfying client customer service requirements.
This ultimate pest control training course will run based on a minimum of 6 Candidates. If you would like to be notified when we have enough delegates to run a course, contact us on the form below or directly by email: tradecounter@owlpestcontrol.ie
Contact Owl Pest Control
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