Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB)
California Pest Control Licensing
Choose your courses:
Looking to renew your license? We’ve got you covered!
Browse the state-approved bundles and individual courses below.
Bundle Options
California SPCB - Applicator Certification - 12 Hours
Integrated Pest Management - 2 Hours Rules and Regulations (For Applicators) - 4 Hours Pest Application and Use - 6 Hours
3 Courses$99Get started
California SPCB - Field Representative / Operator - Branch 1 - 16 Hours
General Pest Control - 4 Hours Rules and Regulations - 8 Hours Technical Branch 1 - 4 Hours
3 Courses$129Get startedCalifornia SPCB - Field Representative / Operator - Branch 1 & 2 - 20 Hours
State-approved CEU bundle for California.
5 Courses$159Get startedCalifornia SPCB - Field Representative / Operator - Branch 1, 2 & 3 - 24 Hours
State-approved CEU bundle for California.
6 Courses$199Get startedCalifornia SPCB - Field Representative / Operator - Branch 1 & 3 (CA - SPCB) - 20 Hours
State-approved CEU bundle for California.
5 Courses$159Get startedCalifornia SPCB - Field Representative / Operator - Branch 2 - 16 Hours
General Pest Control - 2 Hours Integrated Pest Management - 2 Hours Technical Branch 2 - 4 Hours Rules and Regulations - 8 Hours
4 Courses$129Get startedCalifornia SPCB - Field Representative / Operator - Branch 2 & 3 - 20 Hours
State-approved CEU bundle for California.
5 Courses$159Get startedCalifornia SPCB - Field Representative / Operator - Branch 3 - 16 Hours
General Pest Control - 2 Hours Integrated Pest Management - 2 Hours Technical Branch 3 - 4 Hours Rules and Regulations - 8 Hours
4 Courses$129Get started
Individual Courses
California SPCB - General Pest Control - Applicators, Field Representatives, and Operators - 2 Hours
The General Pest Management Exam is a comprehensive test that covers the identification, biology, and management of various pests, emphasizing the use of IPM and alternative control methods. It also covers unique cases and preventive measures for controlling pests in various settings.
California SPCB - General Pest Management - Applicators, Field Representatives, and Operators - 4 Hours
The General Pest Management Exam is a comprehensive test that covers the identification, biology, and management of various pests, emphasizing the use of IPM and alternative control methods. It also covers unique cases and preventive measures for controlling pests in various settings.
California SPCB - Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - Applicators, Field Representatives, and Operators - 2 Hours
The exam covers various topics essential to Integrated Pest Management, including the history and process of IPM, managing drain-infesting flies, bats, cockroaches, fleas, ticks, carpet beetles, clothes moths, yellow jackets and other social wasps, and rodents. The exam covers identification, biology, damage, and containment and management strategies for each pest, as well as the use of IPM as a comprehensive approach to pest control.
California SPCB - Pest Application and Use (PAU) - Applicators - 6 Hours
This exam covers a broad range of topics related to pesticide application and integrated pest management. It provides a comprehensive understanding of how to safely and effectively manage pests in a variety of settings.
California SPCB - Rules and Regulations - Applicators, Field Representatives, and Operators - 4 Hours
This exam covers the laws and regulations of the Structural Pest Control Act in the State of California, as well as the standards and performance requirements for licensees. Its purpose is to test the knowledge and understanding of licensees regarding their responsibilities and requirements under the Act and the Rules and Regulations. Licensees are encouraged to review the laws and regulations carefully, as they have undergone significant changes in recent years.
California SPCB - Rules and Regulations - Applicators, Field Representatives, and Operators - 8 Hours
This exam covers the laws and regulations of the Structural Pest Control Act in the State of California, as well as the standards and performance requirements for licensees. Its purpose is to test the knowledge and understanding of licensees regarding their responsibilities and requirements under the Act and the Rules and Regulations. Licensees are encouraged to review the laws and regulations carefully, as they have undergone significant changes in recent years.
California SPCB - Technical Branch #1 - Field Representatives & Operators - 4 Hours
This exam covers Bed Bugs and Drywood Termites and covers the identification, life cycle, damage, management, detection, prevention, and exposure assessment of these pests. Specifically, it tests knowledge of commercially available options, nonchemical methods, associated health problems, and personal protective equipment. The exam also covers the use of insecticides, do-it-yourself treatments for bed bugs, and long-term preventive treatments for drywood termites. Additionally, it also covers factors defining exposure scenarios, environmental concentrations and residue, and various types of exposure assessment for sulfuryl fluoride.
California SPCB - Technical Branch #2 - Field Representatives and Operators - 4 Hours
The exam covering Cockroaches, Moths, and Yellowjackets will test your knowledge of how to identify, manage, and prevent infestations of these pests. You'll be tested on the different species of cockroaches, moths, and yellowjackets, their life cycles, and the damage they can cause. You'll also be tested on management techniques, like monitoring, sanitation, exclusion, chemical control methods, and follow-up procedures. The exam will also cover special situations, such as wool rugs and carpets, fur, and household furnishings, and the different management techniques that can be used to control infestations in these areas. Overall, the exam will focus on practical knowledge and skills related to pest management and control, and how to apply this knowledge to real-world situations.
California SPCB - Technical Branch #3 - Field Representatives & Operators - 4 Hours
This exam covers a range of topics related to Wood Destroying Organisms. Candidates are expected to have knowledge of California Code of Regulations that pertain to report requirements, inspection reports, and reporting fees. They should also have a solid understanding of various Wood Destroying Organisms, including Termites, Drywood Termites, Subterranean Termites, Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees, Wood Boring Beetles, and Dry Rot. Candidates should be able to identify and detect these pests, understand their social structure, lifecycle, damage, and control and management methods. Additionally, they should be familiar with the different treatment options available for existing infestations, whole-structure treatments, localized treatments, long-lasting preventive treatments, and dry rot treatment. This exam aims to assess the candidate's knowledge of California regulations, their pest identification skills, and their understanding of effective pest control and management methods.
Pest control licensing in California
Renewing a structural pest control license in California means renewing with the Structural Pest Control Board. The SPCB licenses Branch 1 (fumigation), Branch 2 (general household pests) and Branch 3 (wood-destroying organisms) work, held by Applicators, Field Representatives and Operators. Every SPCB license expires in June: Applicators renew every three years, Field Representatives and Operators every two. LearnPest offers state-approved SPCB continuing education and reports your completions for you.
How to renew your California pest control license
Renewal deadline · Applicators renew every 3 years, Field Representatives and Operators every 2 years — every SPCB license expires in June and must be renewed by June 30
Renewal opens in May, the month before your SPCB license expires in June.
Renew online through the SPCB Connect online licensing system — log in and make sure every license you hold is linked to your account.
If you are not eligible for online renewal, a paper renewal is mailed automatically; contact the Board by June 1 if it has not arrived.
Complete all required continuing education hours by June 30 and keep the certificates — you upload them with your online renewal application.
Pay the renewal fee: $35 for an Applicator, $45 for a Field Representative, $150 for an Operator.
Miss June 30 and the license goes delinquent (and is not valid to work on) for up to 90 days; a license not renewed by September 30 is cancelled.
Continuing education requirements
California requires continuing education hours by license type. Our bundles above are sized to satisfy these in a single sitting.
| License type | Required CEUs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Applicator – Branch 2 | 12 total hours | 4 R&R, 6 Pesticide Use & Application, 2 IPM |
| Applicator – Branch 3 | 12 total hours | 4 R&R, 6 Pesticide Use & Application, 2 IPM |
| Applicator – Branch 2 & 3 | 12 total hours | 4 R&R, 6 Pesticide Use & Application, 2 IPM |
| Field Representative & Operator – Branch 1 | 16 total hours | 8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 1, 4 IPM |
| Field Representative & Operator – Branch 2 | 16 total hours | 8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 2, 2 IPM |
| Field Representative & Operator – Branch 3 | 16 total hours | 8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 3, 2 IPM |
| Field Representative & Operator – Branches 1 & 2 | 20 total hours | 8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 1, 4 Tech Br. 2, 2 IPM |
| Field Representative & Operator – Branches 1 & 3 | 20 total hours | 8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 1, 4 Tech Br. 3, 2 IPM |
| Field Representative & Operator – Branches 2 & 3 | 20 total hours | 8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 2, 4 Tech Br. 3, 2 IPM |
| Field Representative & Operator – Branches 1, 2, 3 | 24 total hours | 8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 1, 4 Tech Br. 2, 4 Tech Br. 3, 2 IPM |
California licensing fees
Direct from the state agency's published fee schedule. Use these to budget renewals and certification.
SPCB license renewal fees
- Applicator$35 (Delinquent Fee $17.50)
- Field Representative$45 (Delinquent Fee $22.50)
- Operator$150 (Delinquent Fee $75)
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Don’t just take our word for it:
Gold Crest Exterminators
“LearnPest continuing education courses are the BEST! This year I had to explore other companies who offer the required courses per the SPCB. I found LearnPest. I have been in business for 48+ years, and I have to say this was the least stressful of all. I would vouch for them 1000%. Thank you again, Caleb, you were so helpful.”
Mission Pest Control
“LearnPest has been a super useful tool for making license renewal a breeze. I love being able to just select the bundle for my license type with 1 click and always be sure I'm getting all the needed CEU's for my renewals! Super Easy!”
Moxie Pest Control
“So grateful I found LearnPest for my CEU hours. Not only for me but for my team. I've gone through multiple sites and this one by far has been the best and most convenient for me and my pest control company. Easy to use and great quiz questions. I will definitely be using them from now on.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the pest control license valid in California?
It depends on which California agency issued it. Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) licenses — Applicator, Field Representative, and Operator — expire in June; SPCB Applicators renew every three years and Field Representatives and Operators every two. California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) licenses and certificates — QAL, QAC, and PCA — run on a two-year cycle, and the exact valid period is printed on your license or certificate. LearnPest tracks whichever California deadline applies to you and stores every CEU certificate you earn.
Do you need a license for pest control in California?
Yes. Applying pesticides for hire in California requires a license, and which one depends on the work: the Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) licenses structural pest control (Branch 1 fumigation, Branch 2 general household pests, Branch 3 wood-destroying organisms), while the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) issues the Qualified Applicator License (QAL), Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC), and Pest Control Adviser (PCA) license. LearnPest sells state-approved California CEU courses for renewing either.
What is a Branch 3 license?
A Branch 3 license is one of the three branches of structural pest control licensed by the California Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB). It covers wood-destroying pests — termites and similar — controlled with insecticides or structural repairs, excluding fumigation, which is Branch 1. A Branch 3 Field Representative or Operator needs 16 SPCB continuing education hours per renewal, and LearnPest's California bundles are sized to cover them in one sitting.
Which entities regulate pest control in California?
Two separate California agencies do, and they are peers rather than one inside the other. The Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB), a board within the California Department of Consumer Affairs, licenses and regulates structural pest control. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR), a department within the California Environmental Protection Agency, licenses pesticide use, sales, and advising — QAL, QAC, and PCA — and regulates pesticide use statewide. You renew with whichever one issued your license, and LearnPest is approved to deliver California continuing education for both.
How long is a pest inspection valid in California?
A pest inspection is valid for two years.
Who pays for pest control in California?
Generally the landlord is responsible under most lease agreements.
What is the difference between the SPCB and CDPR in California?
California splits pest control oversight between two peer agencies. The Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) is a board within the California Department of Consumer Affairs and licenses structural pest control — Branch 1 (fumigation), Branch 2 (general household pests), and Branch 3 (wood-destroying organisms) Applicators, Field Representatives, and Operators. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) is a separate department within the California Environmental Protection Agency and licenses pesticide use and advising credentials — the Qualified Applicator License (QAL), Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC), and Pest Control Adviser (PCA). Neither is a division of the other, and a California licensee renews with whichever agency issued their license. LearnPest carries state-approved California continuing education for both.