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Become an Operator?

  • The postmark deadline dates and examination dates can be found here.
  • Fill out and submit via mail the Examination Application. If you have taken the exam within the last six months, you can submit the Re-exam Application There is a fee of $25 per branch payable to the SPCB.
  • You must provide proof of completing the Pre-operator courses with your examination application. An applicant will not be permitted to sit for the examination without submitting copies of the course certificates. The required courses are listed on the bottom of the second page of the examination application.
    Pre-operator course providers
  • There are two examination sites: San Bernardino and Sacramento. Each site will offer a morning and afternoon session.
  • The Board recommends that you complete the Live Scan/Fingerprint process before you sit for the exam. The Board must receive your Live Scan results before issuing your license. Live Scan results can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months or more. If you have already completed your Live Scan with the Board, you do not have to repeat the process.
  • The Board will process your application and mail out a letter with your exam date and time. Take this letter along with a STATE ISSUED IDENTIFICATION CARD which will allow you to sit for the examination.
  • Changes to Examination Scheduling
  • Suggested Study Material for Branches 1 & 3
  • Suggested Study Material for Branch 2
  • Examination results will be mailed out by the end of the examination week. Please do not call the Board requesting results. Passing results will include a license application. Failing results will include the Re-exam Application. If you fail to appear for the exam, another application and fee must be submitted for the next exam.
  • The license application requires a $120 fee and the completion of the Certificate of Training/Experience.
  • You can check to see if you have been licensed by using our License Lookup. Simply search using your name. Once a license number has been issued, you can start working.
  • The Board may request additional information about your Live Scan results before a license is issued.
  • If your application for license was denied you are entitled to a hearing on the matter under Chapter 5 (commencing with § 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. You will receive a denial notification with specific instructions for requesting a hearing. The instructions will direct you to submit a written request within 60 days of service of the denial notification to:

    Structural Pest Control Board
    2005 Evergreen Street, Ste. 1500
    Sacramento, CA 95815

    If the Board does not receive a written request for a hearing within the 60-day period, the right to a hearing will be deemed waived and the denial of your application affirmed.