Pest Control Adviser
Certificate of Achievement Horticulture · MiraCosta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) are licensed professional production consultants who serve California agriculture and horticulture producers. PCAs specialize in pest management, but they are also an important resource to producers in a wide range of production concerns related to plant health. PCAs provide written recommendations that must address 13 specific areas, including worker safety, environmental impact, and a detailed plan for the use of pest management materials. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation requires students to complete at least 42 semester units of core study and 24 months of work experience, as well as to successfully pass written exams prepared by the DPR Pest Management and Licensing Branch, to register for the licensing exam.
Program Student Learning Outcome
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to identify the pests that are threatening a crop, assess the level of potential damage, and prepare a written management plan that considers the impact to the crop, beneficial insects, humans, and the environment.
Course Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses (21 units): | ||
| HORT 115 | Soil Science | 3 |
| HORT 116 | Plant Science | 4 |
| HORT 121 | Sustainable Landscape and Turf Management | 3 |
| HORT 122 | Horticulture Laws and Regulations | 2 |
| HORT 126 | Irrigation and Water Management | 3 |
| HORT 134 | Integrated Pest Management | 3 |
| HORT 166 | Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture | 3 |
| List A: Physical and Biological Sciences | 8 | |
| Choose a minimum of 8 units from the following courses: | ||
| BIO 102 | Introductory Biology: Ecology and Environmental Biology | |
| BIO 103 | Introductory Biology: Animal Diversity | |
| BIO 104 | Introductory Biology: Botany (Plant Life) | |
| BIO 107 | Introductory Biology: Marine Biology | |
| BIO 110 | Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lecture/Lab) | |
| BIO 111 | Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lecture) | |
| orBIO 111L | Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lab) | |
| List B: Crop Health, Pest Management, and Production Systems | 12 | |
| Select a minimum of 12 units from the following courses: | ||
| HORT 140 | Subtropical Fruit and Plant Production | |
| HORT 149 | Vineyard Production and Management | |
| HORT 162 | Organic Crop Production | |
| HORT 292 | Internship Studies * | |
| HORT 299 | Occupational Work Experience Education * | |
| Total Units | 41 | |
*. Students may take up to 3 units of HORT 292 or HORT 299 or any combination of the two.