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Plant Protection

Program Year (2022-2023)

About the Program

This certificate prepares candidates for the California State Agricultural Pest Control Adviser (PCA) License examinations and Qualified Applicator License exams. It meets the minimum educational qualifications, and prepares students for exams in IPM principles, laws and regulations, pest identification, physical and biological sciences, crop health, pest management systems and methods, and production systems. Technical experience is highly encouraged through work experience placement.

PCAs have a rewarding career and earn a competitive salary. They have several career avenues to choose from such as state agencies, corporations, sole proprietary companies, and academic professions. There has never been a better time to enter the crop protection industry.


Program Requirements

For current program requirements -> 2023-2024

Program Code: 31512.00CA

Type: Career

General Education: None

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • Safely and accurately use all equipment and products relating to the plant protection industry.

  • Demonstrate the most current methods and procedures in calibration of agriculture equipment.

  • Apply necessary health and safety rules from the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).

  • Demonstrate appropriate communications skills.

  • Demonstrate an orderly performance of all tasks and skills, establishing methodical habits from state DPR laws and regulations.

Click Here for Program Map

Required courses:
42 Units
Physical, Biological Science and Natural Sciences: Select 12 units
Crop Health: Select 9 units
Pest Management: Select 3 units
Production Systems: Select 6 units
Select any 9 units Crop Health, Pest Management and Production Systems not used above

Contacts

Tom Williams, Chair
(530) 895-2496

Department Office: WM 105
(530) 895-2551

Counseling and Advising:
(530) 895-2378

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