Running your own pest control franchise develops your business and customer service skills but it’s not necessary to be qualified in these areas to succeed.
The one standard you do need to master is Level 2 Award in Pest Management from the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) in association with the British Pest Control Association (BPCA). It is the recognised industry standard qualification and we include the cost of the training and exam in our franchise fee.
But even before you embark on the course, you will have spent time out in the field with our existing franchise owners, giving you some context of the operational side of the business to help build your confidence as you learn. It’s all part of our planned training and support package for franchisees.
Can anyone achieve success in RSPH Level 2 in Pest Management?
It is possible for a complete novice to excel in this exam. When our franchisee for Surrey and Hampshire, Tim Green, took the course four years ago, he achieved a distinction and ultimately the highest score in the country yet had no prior experience of the sector. He received special recognition from the RSPH for his success.
Tim chose to study on a residential classroom programme, but online training is also possible. Please note that studying for the exam does require commitment and perseverance as not everyone passes first time.
Study options – residential or online
Training is available through residential and online learning. We would discuss the pros and cons of each to determine the best route for you prior to registering you on a course.
Residential Classroom Programme – The one-week residential course runs Sunday to Friday, with an exam on the final day.
- You will be expected to study the online learning in advance, allow from around 6 weeks prior.
- Ideal route to keep you focused and motivated within a specific timeframe.
- Can be a quicker route to get qualified.
- Courses are run at particular times of the year, so may not fit in with the time you want to start your business.
Online Programme – Around 60 hours of study online in your own time for the General Pest Control (GPC) structured learning course followed by the RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management exam.
- You have 12 months to complete the course from the date of registration.
- You can start the course anytime.
- There are regular opportunities to take the exam.
- You need to be good at dedicating time to study otherwise it could take a long time to cover the coursework.
The RSPH Level 2 in Pest Management exam – what to expect
The three hour written exam covers all aspects of public health pest control including the biology, behaviour and control of pests, safe storage and transportation of pesticides and use and application of equipment. It encompasses 45 written short answer questions across three units:
- Unit 1 – Vertebrates
- Unit 2 Invertebrates
- Unit 3 – Health and Safety legislation
Can you succeed in running your own pests control business? – Next Steps
Getting trained up in pest management is a necessary part of the initial training, but it is possible to be fully qualified within a couple of weeks of starting your journey as a franchisee.
Our comprehensive training package involves time spent out in the field with existing business owners to give you some prior knowledge of what pest control operation involves and build your confidence before embarking on your studies.
If you would like to find out more about running your own franchise with The Pest Company contact me for an informal chat.
Nicola Green
07727 619034
Franchise Support