Georgia Certified Pest Control operator and Applicator Information

General requirements

Every Service Center performing work in Georgia must have a Designated Certified Operator (DCO) assigned for each service category offered.

The Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission (SPCC) oversees all pest control licensing and certification. Categories of certification include:

Separate from the Certified Operator credential, Certified Applicator licensing is also available in categories such as:

Applicator exams can also be scheduled through www.gapestexam.com

Certification Overview

A Certified Operator in Georgia is responsible for supervising all pest control operations under their license.
Each applicant must pass:

  1. The General Standards Exam, and
  2. One or more Category Exams (HPC, WDO, or Fumigation).

The General Standards exam covers:

Each category exam focuses on the specific pests, materials, and regulations associated with that category.

Certification Categories for Certified Operators

Category 28 – Fumigation
Covers the use or supervision of fumigants (including restricted-use fumigants) for controlling pests in enclosed spaces, structures, or compartments.

Category 29 – Household Pest Control (HPC)
Covers the use or supervision of pesticides to control common household pests such as cockroaches, fleas, ants, rodents, and other occasional invaders (excluding fumigation).

Category 30 – Wood-Destroying Organisms (WDO)
Covers inspection and treatment for termites, wood-boring beetles, wood-decay fungi, and other organisms that damage wood. Includes identification, treatment techniques, and ventilation standards.

Certification Categories for Certified Applicators

Category 24 – Ornamental and Turfgrass Pest Management (OT)
Focuses on the identification, prevention, and management of pests affecting ornamental plants, trees, shrubs, and turfgrass. This category includes instruction on plant pathology, weed and insect control, and proper pesticide use in lawns and landscaped areas.

Category 41 – Mosquito Control (Mosquito Biology, Surveillance, and Control)
Covers the application or supervision of pesticides for the management of mosquito populations. This category includes training and testing on mosquito biology, breeding site identification, surveillance methods, and integrated control techniques for both larval and adult mosquitoes.

Exam Information

All applicants must apply and schedule testing through the Georgia Pest Control Licensing portal:
👉 www.gapestexam.com

The exam fee is $45 per category.

Each exam includes:

Study & reference Materials

General Standards

Household Pest Control (HPC)

Wood-Destroying Organisms (WDO)

Mosquito

Ornamental & Turfgrass

Licensing and Renewal Support

All licensing documentation, renewal instructions, and CEU tracking are managed through LicenseHQ. For questions regarding exam approval, DCO assignments, or licensing renewals, please contact:

📧 compliance@masseyservices.com