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Plant Protection

Program Year (2024-2025)

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

Program Goal: CTE
GE Pattern(s): None
Program Code: 31512.00CA

Program Learning Outcome(s):

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.

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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

Ricky Wittsell, Chair
(530) 895-6194

Department Office: WM 105
(530) 895-2551

Counseling and Advising:
(530) 895-2378

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