Technology’s Role in Advancing Training and Certification

Allison Allen, BCE, Vice President of Membership and Certification, NPMA

The pest management industry has long recognized the importance of training and certification in maintaining high standards of professionalism and service. With advancements in technology, the way professionals prepare for and achieve certification has evolved, making training more accessible, efficient, and impactful than ever before.

DIGITAL LEARNING AND ONLINE CERTIFICATION

One of the most significant technological advancements in certification is the shift toward digital learning platforms. Traditional in-person training, while effective, often is at the mercy of scheduling constraints and travel demands. Today, online learning centers provide industry professionals with access to study materials, training modules, and practice exams at their convenience. This flexibility allows technicians and office staff to upskill on their own schedule, reducing downtime while maintaining compliance with industry standards.

The availability of online certification exams has also streamlined the process of earning credentials. Over the past decade, we’ve seen many states move to online licensing exams for pesticide applicators and other regulated professionals. In January, NPMA launched its first certification for individuals in the industry. Picking a virtual, proctored testing system that is accessible anytime was an important requirement. The secure online testing platform selected for NPMA PRO Certified allows professionals to take their certification exams in a controlled, proctored environment.

To maintain the integrity of the certification process, the NPMA PRO Certified exam employs a lockout browser during examinations. This technology prevents access to other applications or websites during the test. The exam also detects eye movement away from the screen and scans the room for signs of cheating. Virtual, proctored exams ensure a secure and fair testing environment. 

NPMA PRO Certified is an individual certification program designed to recognize pest management professionals committed to excellence. It provides a pathway for dedicated professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and mastery of industry best practices in key areas such as pest biology, regulations, safety, professionalism, and equipment. By earning NPMA PRO Certified status, individuals validate their expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality service in the pest management industry.

DATA-DRIVEN TRAINING IMPROVEMENTS

Technology also enhances the way training programs are structured and refined. With NPMA PRO Certified’s digital testing platform, we can track question success rates and assess whether exam content remains relevant and appropriately challenging. If questions prove to be too easy or too difficult, they can be adjusted to maintain exam integrity and effectiveness. If your company utilizes comprehension checks as part of your training, doing this type of analysis on your quizzes can ensure you are asking fair questions that test knowledge rather than the ability to survive tricky exam questions.

Beyond improving the test itself, this data provides valuable insights into where industry professionals may need additional support. By identifying knowledge gaps, NPMA can refine study materials and develop targeted training programs to strengthen technician competency in critical areas. This continuous feedback loop ensures that certification and training evolve alongside industry demands, fostering a more skilled and confident workforce. If there is a topic your team needs training on, reach out to training@pestworld.org to see if NPMA has materials you can use.

A MORE CONNECTED INDUSTRY

As the industry continues to evolve, so will the methods used to train and certify pest management professionals. By leveraging technology, training programs can remain adaptable and ensure that professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the highest standards of service. The integration of digital learning, secure online platforms, and data-driven insights will continue to shape the future of certification, strengthening both individual careers and the industry as a whole. 
NPMA PRO is administered by the Foundation for Professional Pest Management, an independent organization that has been developing good business practices and standards since 2004. NPMA PRO is endorsed by the NPMA. 

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