Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) are licensed professional consultants who serve California
agriculture and horticulture producers. The PCA certificate offered by CI provides
the educational requirements determined by the California Department of Pesticide
Regulation. Successful completion of the certificate qualifies students to take the
PCA licensing exam mandated and administered by the California DPR.
Total number of units: 42 units
Prerequisites
Previously earned degree in the natural sciences or current enrollment in BA/BS in Biology. Non-matriculated students with at least two years of relevant work experience in agriculture can be admitted directly into the certificate program and may enroll with permission of instructor. Some electives have prerequisites (see course descriptions).
Certificate Requirements
- 12 units from Physical, Biological and Natural Sciences
- 9 units from Crop Health related courses
- 6 units from Pest Management Systems and Methods
- 6 units from production systems courses
- Up to three units of internship or independent research may be applied the crop health with permission of the Certificate Adviser.
- Up to three units of internship or independent research may be applied to pest management with the permission of the Certificate Adviser.
- Up to three units of internship or independent research may be applied to production systems with the permission of the Certificate Adviser.