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California SPCB

California Pest Control Licensing

Pricing for Pest Control Operators

One flat price per branch. Everything included.

All courses in every state, automatic state reporting, and team tracking for $199/month per branch (or $1,990/year). New hires are $100 each — the team you bring at setup onboards free.

For OperatorsFor Technicians

Everything included

One flat price per branch — all courses, every state.

$199 /month per branch

2 months free on annual

+ $100 per new hire enrolled — your current team onboards free at setup.

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Renewals

Keep every license current, automatically.

  • Unlimited CEU courses
  • Renewal tracking & deadline reminders
  • State agency reporting
  • Certificate storage

Scout

AI licensing prep, available in all 50 states.

  • Exam prep for new licenses
  • AI tutoring for techs adding licenses
  • Progress visible to your admin

Onboarding

Your SOPs, turned into training.

  • Upload SOPs and training materials
  • AI builds interactive training from them
  • New hires field-ready in days

A new hire is payroll without revenue until they’re licensed and trained — $100 per hire, against weeks of senior technician shadow time.

Optional add-on

Content Optimization — $1,000 per program

Setting up? Our content team can review and optimize your curriculum — on your invitation, with scoped, time-boxed access. Your content stays yours.

Available when you set up — just ask.

Multi-Branch

Running multiple branches?

One agreement across all your locations — consolidated billing, dedicated success manager, SLAs, and quarterly business reviews. Volume pricing available.

Contact Us
Renewals
  • Unlimited CEU courses
  • Course completion certificates
  • Automatic state reporting
  • Certificate storage & history
  • Licensing deadline reminders
  • Multi-license tracking per tech
Scout
  • AI exam prep for new hires
  • Tutoring for techs adding licenses
  • Technician progression tracking
  • Available in all 50 states
  • Voice-enabled hands-free studyComing soon
Onboarding
  • SOP & training material upload
  • AI-built interactive training
  • Onboarding progress per hire
  • Field-ready in days, not weeks

Pest control licensing in California

Renewing your pest control license in California is straightforward when you understand the state's process. LearnPest offers state-approved continuing education courses that make renewal easy for technicians in California. This guide outlines the key steps, requirements, and resources you need to stay compliant and up to date.

How to renew your California pest control license

Renewal deadline · Varies by license — SPCB Private Applicators every 3 years (June 30); SPCB Commercial Applicators every 2 years; CDPR Licenses every 2 years (December 31)

  1. Watch for your renewal notice, mailed ~2 months before expiration.

  2. Complete the renewal form (not available online; request a duplicate if not received by June 1).

  3. Declare CE hours completed as required.

  4. Submit renewal fee to the Structural Pest Control Board before expiration.

  5. Ensure address and employment information are up to date.

  6. Note: Licenses remain delinquent for 90 days before cancellation.

Continuing education requirements

California requires continuing education hours by license type. Our bundles below are sized to satisfy these in a single sitting.

License typeRequired CEUsNotes
Applicator – Branch 212 total hours4 R&R, 6 Pesticide Use & Application, 2 IPM
Applicator – Branch 312 total hours4 R&R, 6 Pesticide Use & Application, 2 IPM
Applicator – Branch 2 & 312 total hours4 R&R, 6 Pesticide Use & Application, 2 IPM
Field Representative & Operator – Branch 116 total hours8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 1, 4 IPM
Field Representative & Operator – Branch 216 total hours8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 2, 2 IPM
Field Representative & Operator – Branch 316 total hours8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 3, 2 IPM
Field Representative & Operator – Branches 1 & 220 total hours8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 1, 4 Tech Br. 2, 2 IPM
Field Representative & Operator – Branches 1 & 320 total hours8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 1, 4 Tech Br. 3, 2 IPM
Field Representative & Operator – Branches 2 & 320 total hours8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 2, 4 Tech Br. 3, 2 IPM
Field Representative & Operator – Branches 1, 2, 324 total hours8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 1, 4 Tech Br. 2, 4 Tech Br. 3, 2 IPM

California licensing fees

Direct from the state agency's published fee schedule. Use these to budget renewals and onboarding.

License Renewal Fees

  • Applicator$10 (Late Fee $5)
  • Field Representative$30 (Late Fee $15)
  • Operator$120 (Late Fee $60)

Here you can find the different license types available in California

  • Branch 1

    Control of household and wood-destroying pests using fumigation with poisonous or lethal gases.

  • Branch 2

    Control of household pests excluding fumigation.

  • Branch 3

    Control of wood-destroying pests using insecticides or structural repairs, excluding fumigation.

  • Applicator

    One of the Board's three license types.

  • Field Representative

    One of the Board's three license types.

  • Operator

    One of the Board's three license types.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long is the pest control license valid in California?

    It depends on the regulating agency. SPCB individual licenses (Applicators, Field Reps, and Operators) are valid for three years. CDPR licenses and certificates (QAL, QAC, PCA) are valid for two years on a staggered schedule based on your last name.

  • When should I submit my CDPR renewal application?

    While licenses expire on December 31st, you should submit your packet by September 30th to allow for the state's 60-day processing time and avoid a lapse in your license status.

  • Do you need a license for pest control in California?

    Yes. A valid license is required to apply pesticides in the state.

  • What is a Branch 3 license?

    Branch 3 covers wood-destroying pests using insecticides or structural repairs (excluding fumigation).

  • Which entities regulate pest control in California?

    The CDPR and SPCB jointly regulate licensing, pesticide use, safety, reporting, and enforcement.

  • How long is a pest inspection valid in California?

    A pest inspection is valid for two years.

  • Who pays for pest control in California?

    Generally the landlord is responsible under most lease agreements.

Don’t just take our word for it:

  • Gold Crest Exterminators

    Gold Crest Exterminators

    “LearnPest continuing education courses are the BEST! This year I had to explore other companies who offer the required courses per the SPCB. I found LearnPest. I have been in business for 48+ years, and I have to say this was the least stressful of all. I would vouch for them 1000%. Thank you again, Caleb, you were so helpful.”

  • Mission Pest Control

    Mission Pest Control

    “LearnPest has been a super useful tool for making license renewal a breeze. I love being able to just select the bundle for my license type with 1 click and always be sure I'm getting all the needed CEU's for my renewals! Super Easy!”

  • Moxie Pest Control

    Moxie Pest Control

    “So grateful I found LearnPest for my CEU hours. Not only for me but for my team. I've gone through multiple sites and this one by far has been the best and most convenient for me and my pest control company. Easy to use and great quiz questions. I will definitely be using them from now on.”