Guidelines: A Global Framework for Pest Management Standards

The Global Pest Management Coalition created a task force to create a set of standards that can serve as a framework all around the globe and give the Global Coalition members a tool that can be used to promote legislation in their countries and professionalize the pest management industry around the world.

To call ourselves professionals, we must define what that term means for our industry. These standards detail a system that can be used to ensure pest management professionals around the world are prepared to do their important work through training, experience, and the support of an employer that must also meet certain criteria. The levels described give professionals career milestones to aspire to. They can also be used as credentials that the industry can use to define and celebrate professionalism.

Download the Standards

While the Global Pest Management Coalition supports this framework, these guidelines are not intended to preempt existing laws or regulations, including existing standards developed by pest control industry associations. This framework should not be construed as standards of the Global Pest Management Coalition or its member organizations.

For countries that have established legislation, regulation, practice, and certification programs in place, this document can serve as a reference. All numbers such as years or hours are meant to be a minimum. If a country has higher requirements, that is commendable. This document should be read with interest, looking for opportunities for alignment. The standards presented here are not intended to replace existing systems.

All countries that have a regulatory framework in place require training. This document can help specify what the content of that training should be, who should deliver it, and what needs to be done to ensure professionals stay informed of changes in the industry. The Global Coalition hopes that associations and companies alike will use this information to create high-quality training to educate the next generation of professionals.

Most importantly, this document is for countries that do not have any regulation over their structural pest management industry. This document gives industry leaders a full framework with which to start working with regulatory agencies to put a system in place that defines the competency/experience, minimum training, knowledge, and continuing education/training and re-certification required of pest management professionals; the basic requirements a company should meet; and what should be included in the documentation of services performed.