How to Become an Operator

  1. Submit Your Examination Application
    • Online: Log in to the Connect Dashboard and complete your application. Pay the $65 fee online.
  2. Live Scan/Fingerprint Process
    • Recommendation: Complete the Live Scan/Fingerprint process before sitting for the exam. The Board needs your Live Scan results to issue your license.
    • Processing Time: Live Scan results can take 2 weeks to 2 months or more.
    • Previously Completed Live Scan: If you’ve already completed your Live Scan for the Board, you don’t need to do it again unless your previous license was cancelled, and you don’t hold another current license.
  3. Examination Approval and Scheduling
    • Approval: The Board will review your Examination Application. Once approved, your eligibility will be transferred to the testing vendor, PSI.
    • Candidate Handbook: PSI will send you a Candidate Handbook via mail or email (if you provided a personal email address). The Handbook includes instructions for scheduling your exam.
    • Scheduling: You have 6 months to schedule and take your exam once you become eligible. If you don’t, your application is considered abandoned, and you must reapply and pay the fee again.
  4. Examination Details
    • Locations: There are 17 examination sites in California and 22 locations nationwide.
    • Identification: Bring a non-expired, government-issued photo ID to the exam.
  5. Examination Results
    • Immediate Results: You’ll receive your results immediately after the exam.
    • Passing: You’ll receive a license application and Certificate of Training and Experience.
    • Failing: If you fail, you will need to submit a re-exam application through your Connect Dashboard. Submit this application with another $65 fee to retake the exam. Note: You must wait 30 days from your last scheduled exam date to be eligible again.
  6. Licensure
    • License Application: Submit the license application with a $120 fee to the Board.
    • License Lookup: Check your license status using DCA License Search. Once your license number is issued, you can start working. The physical license will be mailed to you within 2 to 4 weeks.
  7. License Denial and Appeals
    • Denial Notification: If your application is denied, you’ll receive instructions for requesting a hearing.
    • Requesting a Hearing: Submit a written request within 60 days to:
      Structural Pest Control Board
      2005 Evergreen Street, Ste. 1500
      Sacramento, CA 95815
    • Waiver of Hearing: If the Board doesn’t receive your request within 60 days, your right to a hearing is waived, and the denial is affirmed.