Mosquito Control Licensing

Examinations

Two exams must be passed to qualify for certification:

• Core (General Standards) Exam covers general pesticide use and safety.
• Public Health Pest Control Exam covers mosquito biology and habitats, control methods, regulations, medical importance, and non-mosquito arthropods of public health importance.

Study Materials

• Core Exam: "Applying Pesticides Correctly," available at the IFAS Extension Bookstore
• Public Health Pest Control Exam: Public Health Pest Control Applicator Training Manual [ 5.2 MB ]  

How to Schedule an Exam

There are no set examination locations, dates or times. Exam scheduling arrangements must be made through your local county UF/IFAS Extension office.

Fees

There are no fees to take the exams.

Mosquito control programs that conduct control operations by air must have employees who maintain a pilot license as well as the Public Health Pest Control (PHPC) license with the aerial category.

Aerial Exam

The aerial category can be obtained by taking the PHPC Aerial Exam after issuance of the PHPC license.

Study Materials

• Aerial Category Exam: " Aerial Application," available at the IFAS Extension Bookstore

FDACS Mosquito Control Director's Certification is necessary for anyone who wishes to become director of a county or district mosquito control program. 

FDACS Mosquito Control Director's Certification Exam

Applicants must hold a valid PHPC license and obtain approval through FDACS before taking the Director's Exam. The Director's Certification Exam is valid as long as the PHPC license is renewed. If you have specific questions about the exam, contact Marah Clark at Marah.Clark@FDACS.gov.

Study Materials

Study materials for the Director's Exam are: 

• The Florida Mosquito Control 2018 White Paper[ ]
• Chapter 388, Florida Statutes
• Chapter 5E-13, Florida Administrative Code

A renewal license will automatically be sent to license holders who have completed and submitted at least 16 continuing education units (CEUs).

Failure to meet the CEU requirements will result in a 90-day temporary expiration grace period. If the CEU requirements are not met during the grace period, the license will permanently expire. You will be required to retake both examinations and reapply for a new license.

If you have questions about license issuance or renewal, contact Cheri Trimble at CherieTrimble@FDACS.gov or (850) 617-7997.

Continuing Education Requirements

The PHPC license is valid for four years. During the four-year life of the license, the applicator is required to attend 16 hours of continuing education training.

Training must cover specific areas of study listed in Section 5E-13.040(4), Florida Administrative Code.

Activities that may qualify for CEU credit:

• FDACS-sponsored mosquito control workshops
• Florida Mosquito Control Association (FCMA) events
• UF/IFAS training events