FAQ's

DO I NEED A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETANCE TO USE A PROFESSIONAL PESTICIDE?

Applying it as a service

• If you are applying pesticides, weed killers, fungicides (Plant Protection Products, PPPs) as part of a service on someone else’s land you need to have an appropriate NPTC certificate of competence or be working in sight and sound of an appropriately qualified person.
• This is also the case if you are using non-professional products

Applying under Grandfather Rights (born before 31st December 1964)?

• If you were born before 31st Dec. 1964 you can apply professional use pesticide on your own land under Grandfather Rights. However from 26th November 2015, this will expire and you will need a relevant certificate of competence to continue to apply professional pesticides.
• The certificate of competence you can work under can either be the Grandfather Rights Certificate conversion certificate “Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides Replacing Grandfather Rights” or the appropriate NPTC – PA1, PA2, PA6 awarded by City & Guilds or Lantra.
• Please note a Grandfather’s Right conversion certificate will only allow you to continue to use professional pesticides on your own land. If you wish to apply pesticides to another person’s land you will need to have the appropriate NPTC – PA1, PA2, PA6 certificates from City & Guilds for Lantra.

Applying to my own land?

• Born after 31st Dec. 1964 – You must have the relevant NPTC certificate of competence to apply a professional use product to your own land. This may vary according to the product you are applying and the application method for example
• Knapsack spraying would require a PA1, PA6 – City and Guilds or Lantra – NPTC qualification
• Boom sprayer application (mounted or trailed) would require a PA1, PA2 – City & Guilds or Lantra – NPTC qualification
• Born before 31st Dec. 1964 – you could only operate under Grandfather Rights up until 26th November 2015.