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    Entomology And Nematology Department

    Entomology And Nematology Department

    a photo of lab equipment, gloves, goggles, measuring spoons

    Undergraduate Certificate in Pest Control Technology

    The Certificate in Pest Control Technology is designed to prepare students for careers in pest management
    and to qualify Florida residents to sit for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
    (FDACS) exams for commercial pest control licensure in:

    • General Household Pests (GHP)
    • Wood-Destroying Organisms (WDO)
    • Lawn and Ornamental (L&O)


    This program was created to meet the educational requirements outlined in Chapter 482 of the Florida
    Statutes.
    *Note for out-of-state students: This certificate is open to all applicants who meet admission requirements. However, licensure
    requirements vary by state. Students outside Florida should confirm their state’s regulations before enrolling.


    Online Labs
    All coursework, including labs, can be completed entirely online. If a course requires insect collection, you
    may purchase a supply kit or build one at home using our instructions. Labs involving simulations use free
    online software — no travel required.


    What You’ll Learn
    Through this program, you’ll gain a solid foundation in pest biology, ecology, and management practices
    while learning about the regulatory and safety standards required in the pest control industry. Coursework
    emphasizes practical, real-world knowledge that supports both industry readiness and exam preparation.


    By the end of the program, you will be able to:

    • Identify common household, structural, and landscape pests and understand their life cycles.
    • Explain the biology of wood-destroying organisms and their impact on structures.
    • Evaluate and apply management strategies for lawn and ornamental pests.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of pest control regulations, safety procedures, and best practices.
    • Meet the educational requirements to qualify for FDACS certification exams in GHP, WDO, and L&O.

    Before completing the program, students will take a final exam to demonstrate mastery of these learning
    outcomes. Upon graduation, official transcripts will state: Undergraduate Certificate in Pest Control
    Technology.

    Courses:

    Required        
    Course Name Credits Fall Spring Summer
    ENY 3005 Principles of Entomology 3 X X X
    ENY 3005 Principles of Entomology Lab 1 X X X
    ENY 3510C Turf and Ornamental 3 X    
    ENY 4161 Insect Classification 3 X    
    ENY 4230 Urban Pesticide Application 3 X X X
    IPM 3022 Fundamentals of Plant-Pest 3   X  
    Electives        
    Course Name Credits Fall Spring Summer
    ENY 3222C Biology and Identification of 3 X    
    ENY 3225C Principles of Urban Pest 3   X  
    ENY 4210 Insects and Wildlife 3 X    
    ENY 4573 Beekeeping I 3 X X X
    ENY 4660 Medical and Veterinary 2   X  
    IPM 4114 Insect Pest and Vector 3     X
    NEM 3002 Principles of Nematology 3   X  
    PLP 3230 Survey of Plant Pathogens 3   X  

    At a Glance

    15 credit hours
    9 required credits (3 courses)
    6 elective credits (2 courses)

    Admission Requirements

    • A high school diploma or GED equivalent

    Tuition

    • $212.01 per credit hour
    • Some courses may require textbooks or additional fees.

    Application Deadlines

    • Students are accepted year-round
    • Classes offered in the fall, spring and summer semesters
    • Students can submit their application up to a year in advance
    • See specific dates on the application page

    Application Procedure

    1. Review the application steps and requirements
    2. Complete the UF Application
    3. Send your Transcripts

     

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    Entomology and Nematology Department
    1881 Natural Area Drive, Steinmetz Hall Gainesville, FL 32611
    (352) 273-3901

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