Pest Control Licensing NSW

A Complete Guide to Getting Licensed for Pest Control in NSW

So you want to become a professional pest controller in New South Wales? Smart move considering Australia suffers from major termite damage and dangerous spiders like the Sydney funnel-web. But before getting into animal trapping or chemical spraying, you need to get certified.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) oversees all pest management licenses under the Pesticides Act of 1999. They issue around half a dozen license types depending on the pest work you aim to undertake.

Not having the proper license can mean massive fines – we’re talking up to $120k for an individual. Let’s review the licences and certification process so you remain compliant.

Types of Licences for Pest Control in NSW

Here are the main license categories and what professional pest control company need to legally manage different creepy crawlers:

Pest Management Technician Licence

• Target pests: Cockroaches, ants, spiders, rodents
• Eligibility: 17+ years old, Australian citizen/resident
• Training: Units AHCPMG301A & 302A. Get Statement of Attainment.
• Application: Online via EPA website, $250 fee for 3 years
• Maintain logbook, follow chemical safety processes

Termite Management Licence

• Targets termites and wood-destroying pests
• Same eligibility as Pest Control licence
• Training: Complete unit AHCPMG303A
• Apply online for $250 fee every 3 years
• Use EPA-approved chemicals and processes

Fumigation Licence

• Use poisonous gases to fumigate houses, buildings
• 18+ years old eligible
• Training: Unit AHCPMG304A + fumigation apprenticeship
• $250 application fee every 3 years
• Comply with strict safety laws

Timber Pest Technician

• Handles termites and timber-damaging organisms
• 18+ years Australian citizen/permanent resident
• Approved timber pest management training course
• $250 application fee every 3 years

Ground Applicator Licence

• Ground-based chemical spraying
• 18+ years minimum age
• Complete unit AHCCHM303A
• Renew license every 5 years

Aerial Applicator Licence

• Aerial spraying of pesticides from aircraft
• 18+ years minimum age
• Complete unit AHCCHM304A
• Renew license every 5 years
• Comply with aerial application laws

Training Permit

• Allows supervised pest management technicians to work while in training
• 16+ years old eligible
• Trainees must be enrolled in approved course
• Valid for 6-12 months
• Requires constant supervision by certified technicians
• Used to log work experience before taking exam for full license
• Will be revoked if unsupervised work is caught

How to Apply for a Pest Control Licence in NSW

Follow these steps to obtain your pest management licence in New South Wales:

1. Enroll in an accredited training course- Find an EPA-approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that offers your desired license training. Enroll in the required unit/s and complete coursework.
2. Earn statement of attainment- Pass exams and assessments in training course to earn your statement of attainment. This certifies your competency.
3. Set up an EPA account- Go to the NSW EPA website and create an account in their licensing system. You’ll need some contact details.
4. Determine your license type- Decide which license you need based on target bugs and activities. There are specific ones for fumigation, termites, ground spraying, aerial spraying, etc.
5. Submit your application requirements- In the EPA system, fill out and submit the application form for your chosen license class. Pay the $250 fee.
6. Send supporting documents- Provide any required supporting docs like your statement of attainment, ID copies if needed, business permits, etc.
7. Wait for approval- It takes 2-6 weeks for EPA staff/people to review your qualifications and approve/issue your pest control business license.
8. Get your license number- Once approved, you’ll get your official license number! This allows you to operate legally.
9. Renew on schedule- Most licenses need renewal every 3-5 years for $250. Make sure to renew on time.
10. Start pest control work- Now that you are a certified technician, fumigator, aerial spray pilot or other license type, you can start legally working and advertising your services!

FAQs on Licensing

Why do I need an EPA licence to do pest control service in NSW?

To ensure you have the proper training and follow laws or regulations around application of pesticides and processes. This protects public health and the environment.

What are the penalties for doing unlicensed pest control work?

Potentially up to $120k in fines for an individual and $250k for corporations!

Where do I find approved training providers?

The EPA website lists offering accredited pest management industry courses.

Can I work immediately after submitting my licence application?

No. You must wait for EPA approval letter and issuance of your official license number. The process takes 2-6 weeks typically.

Do I need an ABN to apply for a pest license?

You need an ABN to provide services as a business. Employees can apply without an ABN.

Next Steps

Hopefully, this run down gives you confidence to begin your licensing process! Proper certification takes some work but allows you to safely manage spiders, ants, rodents and even snakes that plague Australian homes and gardens. Being an exterminator has good job growth potential too.

Reach out to approved RTOs to enroll in training courses, then set up your EPA account. We can stamp out scorpions and centipedes in no time!