OSHAA 30-Hours Pest Control and Management
Develop knowledge of pest identification, infestation prevention, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), chemical and non-chemical control methods, and U.S. pesticide safety requirements. This 30-hour professional diploma is designed for people involved in pest management, facility operations, food safety, environmental health, and related workplace responsibilities.
The course explains the importance of pest monitoring, sanitation, exclusion, pesticide label awareness, and coordination with appropriately certified pest management professionals. Completion of this OSHAA diploma does not itself provide an EPA or state pesticide applicator license.
Who Should Take This Course?
Construction Workers and LaborersWorking on building, repair, renovation and maintenance activities.
Demolition and Remodeling WorkersWorking in older buildings where pests-containing materials may be present.
Carpenters and ElectriciansCarrying out installation, repair or refurbishment work.
Plumbers and HVAC TechniciansWorking around pipe insulation, service systems and building components.
Construction Supervisors and ForemenCoordinating work activities and communicating site safety procedures.
Maintenance and Facilities WorkersMaintaining or repairing older commercial and residential properties.
Construction Safety PersonnelSupporting hazard awareness, reporting and workplace safety communication.
Construction and Engineering StudentsDeveloping foundational knowledge of pests hazards in the built environment.
Entry Requirements
- Age
- Learners should be at least 18 years old.
- Education
- A high school diploma or equivalent is recommended.
- Experience
- Previous construction experience is helpful but not mandatory.
- Language
- English reading and comprehension skills sufficient to understand course materials and assessment questions.
- Preparation
- Previous health and safety training may be beneficial but is not required by the published course information.
Course Study Units
The 30-hour OSHAA Pest Control and Management diploma is organized into eight study units covering pest identification, integrated pest management, chemical and non-chemical control methods, regulatory awareness and infestation prevention.
| # | Study Unit | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Pest Control and Management | 3 hours |
| 2 | Identifying Common Pests and Their Behavior | 3 hours |
| 3 | Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles | 5 hours |
| 4 | Chemical Pest Control Methods | 4 hours |
| 5 | Non-Chemical Pest Control Methods | 4 hours |
| 6 | Pest Control in Specific Environments | 4 hours |
| 7 | Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Pest Control | 4 hours |
| 8 | Preventing Pest Infestations | 4 hours |
| Total course duration | 30 hours | |
Learning Outcomes
By completing the eight units, Learners should develop knowledge of pest identification, pest behavior, integrated pest management, safe control methods, relevant regulatory considerations and practical infestation-prevention approaches.
1Introduction to Pest Control and Management
Gain a foundational understanding of pest control principles, hygiene, safety, and compliance. Learn the objectives of the OSHAA 30-Hours Pest Control and Management, its role in protecting public health, food safety, and workplace environments, and the professional standards required to build a safety culture.
2Identifying Common Pests and Their Behavior
Learn to identify insects, rodents, and other pests, understand their biology, life cycles, and behaviors, and link these to environmental conditions and sanitation. Develop skills to recognize early warning signs for timely pest intervention.
3Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles
Master IPM strategies combining preventive, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods for long-term control. Learn to minimize risks to humans, non-target species, and the environment while ensuring compliance with global regulations and sustainability practices.
4Chemical Pest Control Methods
Understand chemical classifications, application techniques, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements. Learn risk assessment, proper chemical selection, PPE use, and safe disposal to manage chemical hazards effectively.
5Non-Chemical Pest Control Methods
Explore mechanical, physical, and biological control methods. Apply environmentally sustainable techniques, sanitation, habitat modification, and exclusion strategies, integrating them with IPM for effective pest management.
6Pest Control in Specific Environments
Apply pest control practices in food processing, healthcare, residential, and other high-risk environments. Learn environment-specific risks, hygiene requirements, and industry-compliant strategies for diverse operational settings.
7Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Pest Control
Gain knowledge of OSHA compliance and international pest control regulations. Learn to interpret frameworks, ensure workplace compliance, maintain documentation, and implement best practices in legal and regulatory standards.
8Preventing Pest Infestations
Implement proactive strategies to reduce infestations in residential and commercial settings. Develop skills in monitoring, inspections, preventive maintenance, and long-term prevention programs aligned with pest control objectives.
Assessment and Certification
How You Are Assessed
The course is assessed through 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) administered by an OSHAA Approved Training Partner. Learners must achieve a minimum score of 70% to pass.
Your Certificate
Learners who complete the course requirements and achieve the required assessment result receive the OSHAA 30-Hours Pest Control and Management certificate.
This course certificate records completion of OSHAA training. It is not an EPA pesticide applicator certification, state license, or authorization to apply restricted-use pesticides. Applicator certification and licensing requirements depend on the pesticide, activity, and jurisdiction.
Benefits of the Pest Control and Management Course
Understand Asbestos Hazards
Build awareness of pests types, historical construction uses and materials that may contain pests.
Recognize Health Risks
Understand the serious and long-term health effects associated with inhaling pests fibers.
Understand U.S. Requirements
Develop introductory knowledge of OSHA construction pests requirements and relevant EPA rules.
Improve Hazard Recognition
Recognize activities that may disturb suspected pests-containing materials and create exposure risks.
Support Exposure Prevention
Understand the purpose of restricted areas, safe work practices, protective measures and site procedures.
Respond to Suspected Incidents
Know why work should stop, access should be controlled and concerns should be reported through established channels.
Understand Controlled Asbestos Work
Learn about the roles of qualified personnel, regulated removal activities and pests waste-management principles.
Strengthen Professional Awareness
Add structured pest management learning to construction and workplace safety professional development.
Related Career and Professional Development Opportunities
The course provides pest management knowledge that may be relevant to construction and building-maintenance work. Job eligibility depends on an individual’s experience, education, employer requirements and any additional training, licenses or credentials required for a position.
Construction Worker
Uses pests hazard awareness when carrying out construction tasks in older buildings.
Demolition and Renovation Worker
Recognizes the importance of identifying and reporting suspected pests-containing materials before work proceeds.
Maintenance Technician
Applies awareness when maintaining or repairing older building systems and components.
Building Facilities Assistant
Supports safe facilities operations by following site pests information and reporting procedures.
Construction Site Support Staff
Contributes to site communication and awareness of potential pests hazards.
Construction Safety Assistant
Supports safety communication, hazard reporting and awareness activities under appropriate supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Awareness
What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
IPM is a preventive and monitoring-based approach that combines appropriate methods to manage pests while reducing unnecessary pesticide use.
What U.S. law governs pesticide registration and use?
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is the central federal law governing pesticide registration, distribution, sale, and use.
Does this diploma qualify me to apply restricted-use pesticides?
No. Restricted-use pesticide application requires the applicable EPA, state, territorial, tribal, or federal applicator certification. This OSHAA diploma does not replace those requirements.
Why must pesticide labels be followed?
Pesticide labels contain legally enforceable directions, restrictions, precautions, and use requirements. Pesticides must be used in accordance with applicable labeling.
What is the EPA Worker Protection Standard?
The Worker Protection Standard establishes protections for workers and pesticide handlers on covered agricultural establishments. It does not apply universally to every pest management workplace.
What are common pests in U.S. buildings?
Common examples include rodents, cockroaches, ants, termites, flies, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and stored-product pests. Local pest patterns vary by region and environment.
What are non-chemical pest control methods?
Examples include sanitation, exclusion, structural maintenance, traps, habitat modification, and appropriate physical or biological controls.
Who should take this course?
The course is relevant to pest management personnel, facility and property managers, food service professionals, environmental health personnel, and people involved in building operations.
What are the entry requirements?
Learners must be at least 18 years old. A minimum secondary education is required. Prior work experience is not mandatory, and relevant backgrounds in agriculture, environmental science, biology, food safety, or public health are advantageous.
How long is the course?
The course consists of 30 learning hours across eight study units.
How is the course assessed?
The assessment consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Learners must achieve at least 70% to pass.
Is the course available online or in person?
Available study formats depend on the OSHAA Approved Training Partner. Contact the selected partner to confirm online, classroom, or blended options.
Who issues the course certificate?
Successful learners receive the OSHAA 30-Hours Pest Control and Management certificate, subject to completion of the course requirements and assessment.
How can I find an OSHAA Approved Training Partner?
Visit the OSHAA Approved Training Partner directory or contact support@oshamericana.com for assistance.
How to Study the OSHAA Pest Control and Management Course
Learners enroll and study through an OSHAA Approved Training Partner, which provides course delivery and learner support. Available study formats, schedules and fees are confirmed by the selected partner.
- 1
Find a Training Partner
Choose an OSHAA Approved Training Partner or contact OSHAA for assistance.
- 2
Confirm Enrollment
Check the entry requirements, course fees, study format and schedule with the partner.
- 3
Complete the Seven Units
Study the 30-hour course covering pest management and construction workplace hazards.
- 4
Complete the Assessment
Attempt the 100-question MCQ assessment and achieve at least 70% to pass.
- 5
Receive Your OSHAA Certificate
Successful learners receive an OSHAA course certificate that can be checked through the verification service.
