Pest Control Licensing in Australia

What Are the Requirements for Pest Control Licences?

A pest controller is an individual that handles all pest-related problems in commercial buildings and homes. The process involves inspecting, identifying, and applying the proper control methods to get rid of pests.

Pest control licensing requirements differ from one Australian state to another. Let us examine them all below.

New South Wales 

A pest management licence in New South Wales allows you to apply pesticides and other fumigants to control pests for a reward or a public authority. The chief requirement is that you must be 18 years or older to apply for the licence. Not only this, but you must also have completed the following 3 modules from a registered training facility:

• CPPUPM3005/CPPPMT3005 Manage pests without applying pesticides
• CPPUPM3006/CPPPMT3006 Manage pests by applying pesticides
• CPPUPM3018/CPPPMT3018 Maintain equipment and pesticide storage area in pest management vehicles.

Other requirements you need to apply include:

• A copy of your training certificate
• A copy of your passport or driver’s licence
• Your personal and contact details.

Use this link to start a new application.

Queensland 

The Queensland department of health issues two types of licensing with up to 5 years expiration period. They are the Termite Management Licence and Pest Management Technician Licence. A special Termite Management licence is required for the management of timber pests, and is only available to applicants that meet the requirements of the Queensland Building Services Authority (QBSA) legislation.

You must be 17 years of age and above to apply for a pest management technician licence. Unlike applications in North-South Wales, you don’t need any training. However, trainees must practice under the supervision of another licensed technician.

Eligibility requirements:

• Declaration of assessment for site environments
• Relevant qualifications for the endorsement sought
• Statutory declaration from your employer stating that they believe in your competence to fumigate the selected environments.

Northern Territory 

You must apply for a pest management technician licence or a licence or authorization under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals act 1994 if you want to charge a fee for pest control services. The licence may be issued for up to three years and has the following requirements:

• Statement of attainment for each relevant competency unit
• Relevant qualifications that are not more than 3 years old
• Evidence of successful completion of competency units 5, 6, and 18 of the certificates III in pest management or equivalent.
• 3 site of inspection statement
• Interstate licence copy

Click here to download the application form.

South Australia 

Carrying out pest control work for a fee or reward or running a pest control business without a licence can result in fines of up to $5,000. However, you don’t need a licence if you have been formally exempted from the requirements or if the application is on your property.

You must possess either a pest management technician licence or a pest controller’s licence if you run your pest control business. To apply for a full pest management technician’s licence, you must hold the appropriate qualifications. If not, you may be eligible for a limited licence. To apply for a limited licence:

• You must work under the direct supervision of a fully licensed person
• Not make recommendations or advise about the use of pesticides
• Commence appropriate training courses from the date the licence is issued
• Complete required courses within a maximum period of 2 years.

Victoria 

There are three types of licence authorizations in VIC, depending on the type of pest control work you want to do. They include:

• Pesticides (excluding fumigants) formulated for the control of arthropods, birds, fungi, and rodents
• Pesticides formulated for the control of pest animals
• Pesticides in the form of fumigants

To be eligible for this licence, you must:

• Be a natural person
• Show that you are a fit and proper person for the position
• Provide evidence that you have attained the prescribed qualifications

The Australian Capital Territory 

Unlike other Australian states, you don’t need a pest management licence in the Australia Capital Territory. However, anyone working with weeds or pests for payments must register the type of work they do and receive Environmental Authorization. Also, businesses must register and obtain trainee permits. The environmental authorization classifies pest management activities into two:

Fumigation activity for precise site environments 

Pest control activity exclusive for timber pests 

You must complete Units 5, 6 & 18 from Asset Maintenance in Pest Management Technical to obtain the environmental authorization to control pests. Likewise, you need units 8 and 10 for timber and pest work and units 11 for fumigation works.

Tasmania 

The department issues two types of licences – commercial operator licences for businesses and certificates of competency for individuals. To apply, you must complete recognized accredited training with a registered organisation in the use of Agricultural chemicals. Although it does not require a trainee licence, trainees must practice under the supervision of a licensed technician.

Western Australia

Eligibility

• At least 18 years
• A fit and proper person
• Medically fit to handle pesticides
• Complete a training approved by the Department of Health
• Contact the department before commencing work if you are licensed in other Australian states and territories.