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Bundle Options
Complete California Certification Bundle
All courses required for California pest control certification.
8 Courses32 hours total$299Add to Cart
Renewal & Continuing Education Bundle
Required courses for license renewal and continuing education.
4 Courses16 hours total$149Add to Cart
Individual Courses
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)
Watch for your renewal notice, mailed ~2 months before expiration.
Complete the renewal form (not available online; request a duplicate if not received by June 1).
Declare CE hours completed as required.
Submit renewal fee to the Structural Pest Control Board before expiration.
Ensure address and employment information are up to date.
Note: Licenses remain delinquent for 90 days before cancellation.
Continuing education requirements
California requires continuing education hours by license type. Our bundles above are sized to satisfy these in a single sitting.
| License type | Required CEUs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Applicator – Branch 2 | 12 total hours | 4 R&R, 6 Pesticide Use & Application, 2 IPM |
| Applicator – Branch 3 | 12 total hours | 4 R&R, 6 Pesticide Use & Application, 2 IPM |
| Applicator – Branch 2 & 3 | 12 total hours | 4 R&R, 6 Pesticide Use & Application, 2 IPM |
| Field Representative & Operator – Branch 1 | 16 total hours | 8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 1, 4 IPM |
| Field Representative & Operator – Branch 2 | 16 total hours | 8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 2, 2 IPM |
| Field Representative & Operator – Branch 3 | 16 total hours | 8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 3, 2 IPM |
| Field Representative & Operator – Branches 1 & 2 | 20 total hours | 8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 1, 4 Tech Br. 2, 2 IPM |
| Field Representative & Operator – Branches 1 & 3 | 20 total hours | 8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 1, 4 Tech Br. 3, 2 IPM |
| Field Representative & Operator – Branches 2 & 3 | 20 total hours | 8 R&R, 4 Tech Br. 2, 4 Tech Br. 3, 2 IPM |
| Field Representative & Operator – Branches 1, 2, 3 | 24 total hours | 8 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 certification.
License Renewal Fees
- Applicator$10 (Late Fee $5)
- Field Representative$30 (Late Fee $15)
- Operator$120 (Late Fee $60)
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Don’t just take our word for it:
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
“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
“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.”
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.