Master Technician Program Overview
This career-advancing program is composed of a series of workshops investigating eight major pest groups - Ants, Bed bugs, Blood-Sucking Arthropods, Cockroaches, Occasional Invaders, Pest Flies, Rodents, and Termites.
At the completion of each pest group workshop, participants will receive a certificate designating them as a VPMA Master for the pest group they have completed. Once a technician has mastered four of the eight pest groups, they become a Master Technician. While 4 pest groups will earn an individual the Master Technician designation, most knowledge-seeking Master Technicians complete all 8 pest workshops to gain superior knowledge and control of just about any pest they may encounter in the field.
Earning a Master Technician designation sets a PMP apart from your standard technician. When mastering a pest group, a technician delves deep in to understanding the biology, behavior, and characteristics of each pest. For most of the pest groups in the program technicians learn to use a microscope and taxonomic key to learn how to accurately identify a specific pest. Proper ID can make a major difference to the treatment methodology and formulation selection to achieve the best control of certain pests. Once the biology and ID has been mastered, the rest of the course focuses on exploring all viable control methods, formulations, and tools available for the management of each pest group.
Recertification credits are applied for in the appropriate category for the pest species being taught.
Upcoming events are listed below, if they are scheduled.
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February 2025
Wed
12
2025
February 12, 2025
8:30AM - 5:15PM
VPMA Master Technician Series: Cockroaches
February 12th - Cockroaches - Virginia Tech Richmond Center
2810 N. Parham Road, Ste. 300, Richmond, VA 23294
Cockroaches are among the most resilient and adaptable pests in the world, presenting significant challenges for pest management professionals. In this session, we will explore effective cockroach control strategies, treatment products, and best practices for application. The VPMA Master Technician: Cockroach Workshop, offers an intensive, hands-on program designed for pest management professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in cockroach control. Led by Dr. Dini Miller from Virginia Tech, the workshop covers critical topics, including microscope use, cockroach identification, egg case recognition, and biology. Participants will explore advanced treatment methodologies and assessment-based pest management (APM) strategies, focusing on German cockroach control. The agenda also discusses integrated pest management (IPM) for peridomestic cockroaches, and insights into the effective use of baits, sprays, dusts, and eco-friendly solutions. Don't miss this opportunity to add this pest group to your Master Technician Tool Belt!
Details >Thu
13
2025
February 13, 2025
8:30AM - 5:15PM
VPMA Master Technician Series: Blood-feeding Arthropods
February 13th - Virginia Tech Richmond Center
2810 N. Parham Road, Ste. 300, Richmond, VA 23294
The VPMA Master Technician: Blood Feeding Arthropods Workshop, scheduled for February 13, 2025, offers an in-depth exploration of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes for pest management professionals. Led by Dr. Dini Miller and David Price, the workshop covers critical topics, including the identification of blood-feeding arthropods, their biology, and behavior. Participants will also delve into the epidemiology of insect-borne diseases, non-chemical control methods, and strategies for using backpack blowers and preventing drift. The program concludes with case studies on resistance in blood-sucking pests, providing attendees with practical insights and advanced knowledge to enhance their pest management skills. Don't miss this opportunity to add this pest group to your Master Technician Tool Belt!
Details >September 2025
Tue
23
2025
September 23, 2025
8:00AM - 5:00PM
VPMA Master Technician Series: Rodents
September 23rd - Hampton Roads AREC
1444 Diamond Springs Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Details >Wed
24
2025
September 24, 2025
8:00AM - 5:00PM
VPMA Master Technician Series: Pest Flies
September 24th - Hampton Roads AREC
1444 Diamond Springs Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Details >