The Certified Operator License is a professional license held by an individual that certifies that they have proven they have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to safely and effectively perform pest control services for the categories they are certified in.
A Certified Operator License alone does not allow the holder to perform structural pest control services for hire. To perform structural pest control work for hire, the certified operator must be employed by a licensed pest control company or hold a pest control company license.
To obtain a Certified Operator License, individuals must qualify to take the Certified Operator Exam, pass the examination, and pay the certification fee. To maintain their certification, they must earn education and experience credits detailed in the Rules of the Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission section 620-3-.03.
Applicants should also be aware that certification for the Honey Bee Control and Removal (HBR) Category has different requirements from those outlined on this page. For more information on obtaining a Certified Operator License in the category of HBR please see the Honey Bee Control and Removal page.
Please note the Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission does not have reciprocal certification agreements with other states.
Applying to take the Certified Operator Exam
Individuals seeking a Certified Operator License must meet certain criteria to qualify to take the certification examination. Please note approval for examination may take up to 45 days after your application has been received.
To qualify for a Certified Operator License, the applicant must:
- Have at least two years of verifiable experience in structural pest control work (one of these years must have been within the last five years) or have a degree in entomology, public health, or a related subject and one year of actual structural pest control service experience within the last five years.
- Qualify in the category in which they wish to be certified in.
- Pass the core (general competency) examination plus an examination in the qualified category.
The examination fee for each category is $45.00. The fee for the certified operator credential is $100.00.
To apply for the certified operator exam, visit www.GAPestExam.com. For assistance in completing the application, check out the Certified Operator Exam Application Guide, or reach out to our office at 404-656-3641
Individuals who pass Certified Operator Examination must complete the requirements for certification (such as submitted documentation and payment) within ninety (90) days of the date they are notified of passing the examination(s), otherwise, reexamination will be required.
Certified Operator Recertification Requirements:
Certified Operators are individually responsible for renewing and maintaining their certification.
Certified Operator licenses expire June 30th of each odd numbered year. The renewal fee is $100.
Certified Operators are certified for a five-year period, and may be re-certified for another five-year period by:
- Earning SPCC approved Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) during the five-year period, but 90 days prior to the expiration of the five-year recertification period.
- Reexamination completed prior to the expiration of the five-year recertification period.
After attending commission approved training for recertification credit, allow a minimum of 6-8 weeks for processing and transcripts to be updated.
Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
Required SPCC approved credit hours per category are:
- Recertification in Fumigation: 12 credits.
- Recertification in Household Pest Control: 25 credits.
- Recertification in Wood-destroying Organism Control: 25 credits.
Training credits may not be carried forward beyond the five-year recertification period.
Computer-based training credits are limited to 10 credits in each HPC and WDO categories and 5 credits in Fumigation.
Conference attendance is limited to earning 11 credits per category.
To check your current number of CEUs and see your training deadline you can scan the QR code on the back of your Certified Operators License or visit https://www.kellysolutions.com/ga/structural/searchbyLicense.asp and enter your SP number.