Education · 1 of 4
The path
Get hired first, then get licensed. No college needed.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Biology and chemistry help. A driver's licence is essential.
- 2
Get hired as a trainee
Weeks
Pest control companies hire year-round and train from scratch. You work under direct supervision at first.
- 3
Technician certificate
1 to 3 months
In Ontario, pass the Core Manual exam with 75% or better plus practical training from a licensed exterminator. Then you can work with weekly supervision.
- 4
Exterminator licence
Within the first year
Pass the ministry-approved exam: a 1-hour closed-book core exam and a 1.5-hour open-book structural module, 75% on both. Then apply for the licence, valid 5 years.
- 5
Specialize
Ongoing
Fumigation, wildlife, bird control or food-plant audits.