Certification and Licensing for Wildlife Control Operators (WCO)
Definitions
Certification: To declare that one has the ability to perform the task or duty in a proper manner.
License: To declare that one has the legal permission needed to perform the task or duty.
Using these definitions, being licensed does not mean that one has the “ability” to perform the task properly. For example, just because one has a license to drive a car does not necessarily mean that the person “should” be driving the car. On the other hand, certification suggests that one is qualified to drive the car.
When looking for a professional wildlife control operator or wildlife damage management professional, make sure that the individual is licensed AND certified.
Certifications and Licensing
Wildlife Control Operator Certification
Requirements: must successfully pass a 130-question exam.
To obtain training visit store.nwctp.com
State versions of the training program: Delaware, New York, Oklahoma, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee and the general National WCO training program.
Vertebrate Animal Pest Control Study Manual– Ohio Department of Agriculture, Category 7 Pesticide Applicator
Vertebrate Pest Control in the Home Garden and Landscape – Mississippi State Univerisity Extension
Wildlife Biologist Certification -The Wildlife Society
Vertebrate Pest Managment Manual–Michigan State University
Vertebrate Pest Control Training Manual – Utah State, 2008
Public-Health Pest Control Training Manual – Univ. of Florida
Wildlife Damage Control Manual – University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Structural/Health-related Pest Control – University of Nebraska – Lincoln