Pesticide Applicator Certification
Join the Pesticide Applicator Certification Course at Apex Community College and develop the skills needed for safe, effective pesticide application while meeting British Columbia’s regulatory standards.
- Updated on: February 25, 2026
☰ Program Description
The Pesticide Applicator Certification Course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective pesticide application while adhering to British Columbia pesticide regulations and legal standards. This comprehensive program combines online instructor-led sessions with self-paced study, practical activities, and calibration demonstrations to help students develop essential skills for responsible pesticide use.
Students have access to an optional 160-hour (8-week) practicum, Upon successful completion of the program, students are prepared to write the official BC Pesticide Applicator Certification exam and obtain their BC Pesticide Applicator Licence, a recognized professional qualification required for legal pesticide application in British Columbia
Students interested in complementary skilled-trades certifications can also explore our other career-focused programs at Apex Community College, including Cook, Baker, Electrician and Plumber programs.
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the program, students learn about pesticide classification, safe handling and storage, application techniques, calibration of equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), integrated pest management, environmental protection, and BC’s regulatory framework, including the Integrated Pest Management Act
Who This Course Is For
The Pesticide Applicator Certification Course is ideal for landscapers, groundskeepers, farm workers, pest control technicians, golf course staff, and anyone working in agriculture, forestry, or public health who is required to apply pesticides safely and legally in British Columbia. It is also suitable for career-changers seeking to enter the growing field of environmental and pest management services
✓ Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Pesticide Applicator Certification Course must meet the following admission requirements:
- Mature student status.
- High school graduate or equivalent.
English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:
- English proficiency interview.
- Grade 10 English with a C or higher.
◉ Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the course, participants will be able to:
Confidently approach the 3-hour government certification exam.
Comprehend and comply with BC’s pesticide usage laws.
Recognize pesticides as one component of a broader invasive species management strategy.
Accurately perform calculations for correct pesticide application rates.
Select and utilize appropriate PPE for various pesticide-related tasks.
Implement practices that protect both the environment and public health during pesticide applications.
🗹 Additional Information
Method(s) of Evaluation*
Students will be evaluated through a combination of assessments, including:
- Quizzes
- Assignments
- Final Exam / BC Certification Exam Preparation
- Classroom Participation
Assessments are designed to measure the student’s understanding, progress, and readiness to attempt the BC Pesticide Applicator Certification exam
Completion Requirements*
A grade of 70% or higher is required to complete the program.
Delivery Method(s)
In-class instruction: 100% hours of instruction delivered in a classroom or other setting, where instructors share the same physical space as students.
Distance education: 100% hours of instruction, excluding work experience hours, if applicable, delivered remotely from a BC location.
If distance or combined delivery is indicated, the online components are:
Synchronous: Meaning students attend classes virtually in ‘real time’ with instructors and classmates.
Required course materials
The Language of Medicine, 12th Ediition, Author: Davi-Ellen Chabner ISN: 978-0-323-37081-3
Medical Transcription, Techniques and Procedures, Most Current Edition, Author: Marcy O. Diehl
Canadian Medical Transcription, Authors: Lynn Berry, Deobrah Janssens, Eugenia Kanellakos and Kathy Weatherdon
Text book: Clinical Procedures for Medical Assistants, Tenth Edition, Author Kathy Bonewit-West.
➤ Apply Now
Key Information
- Start Date: Continuous Intakes
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Program Duration: 80 Hours | 6 Weeks
Optional Practicum: 160 Hours | 8 Weeks - Homework Hours: 20 Hours
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Total Tuition Fee: $2,500
Tuition Fees $950
Textbook Fees $550
Materials Fees $1000 - Delivery Method(s): In-class instruction + Distance education + Combined