NPTC Pesticide Training accreditation

The National Proficiency Tests Council - NPTC is the largest nationally recognised awarding body within the landbased sector with a history going back to the Young Farmer's Club Movement in the 1930s when the achievement of skill was encouraged through competitions at club, region and county level.

The aim of The NPTC is to promote competence and professionalism in the workforce of the land-based and related industries by the encouragement of continuous learning and the recognition of skill.

The NPTC has been at the forefront of developments for Craftsman awards under the Agricultural Wages Order, statutory and code of practice qualifications for the safe use of pesticides, sheep dipping, chainsaw operation and transport of livestock, required by the Pesticide Safety Directorate, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, DEfRA, the HSE and other government agencies and national bodies

More recently NPTC has been a key supporter of the Voluntary Initiative seeking to reduce the impact of pesticides on the environment through participation in the National Register of Sprayer Operators, the National Sprayer Testing Scheme and other projects within the Voluntary Unitiative.

All professionals involved in the application of professional grade pesticides should be in possession of the appropriate Certificate of Competence In The Safe Use of Pesticides relevant to their normal working environment if born after the 31st December 1964. Turf Managers for example apply liquid turf care products to turf including lawns such as Selective Weed Killers and Turf Insecticides and Fungicides. It is normal for Turf Managers and Turf Professionals to possess -

1. Foundation Unit PA01 - Every Uses need this Module as it focuses on the basic principles of the subject
2. Hand Held Applicators PA06A - This is the Module to use a Knapsack or Trolley Sprayer
3. Boom Sprayers PA02A - This is the Module which will allow you to use a Tractor Mounted Sprayer or Quad Bike Sprayer

Here is how you can acheive accreditation. Each Module is typically run over one day, with each module being taught on consecutive days with assessment of the chosen modules taken place at a later date. The Foundation Module is now taken as an On Line Global Assessment in front of a computer screen, a bit like taking the theory driving test. The other practical modules are taken out 'in the field' with lots of opportunity for theory and practice using the applicator like the knapsack or quad bike sprayer or tractor mounted sprayer relevant to the module being taken.

Typical costs to get a candidate through PA01 and PA6A would be in the region of £490.00 plus VAT, including registration with NPTC, all classroom teaching materials and assessments costs. Classes are typically run with 6 or so students to allow interaction. We can come to you too.

The NPTC can be contacted using this link or contact Weed Free on sales@weedfree.co.uk

If you need advice on How to Calibrate a Knapsack Sprayer visit this link.