Level 2 PA1 Pesticides Course in Maidenhead. Classes run at Berkshire College of Agriculture. If your role involves applying pesticides commercially, you are legally required to hold the PA1 qualification under the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012. This one-day course runs for 7 hours and covers pesticide legislation, safe handling procedures, environmental protection, and best practice. There are no prerequisites, and the course is delivered through classroom-based theory sessions.
Who this course is for
If your role involves applying pesticides in a commercial setting, you are legally required to hold the PA1 qualification under the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012. This essential course provides the foundation knowledge required for anyone involved in the professional use of pesticides. Delivered through classroom-based theory sessions, it ensures you understand current legislation, safe handling procedures, environmental protection, and best practice in pesticide use. Delivery: Classroom-based theory Assessment: Online assessment Duration of Exam: 1 hour Successful completion of this qualification demonstrates that you meet the legal requirements to apply pesticides in a professional capacity and that you understand your responsibilities for safety, compliance, and environmental protection. Please contact us on [email protected] for more information.
Entry requirements
There are no prerequisites for this course
What you will learn
You'll understand current UK pesticide legislation and your legal responsibilities.
You'll learn safe handling procedures for pesticides in a commercial setting.
You'll study how to protect the environment when using plant protection products.
You'll understand best practice for storing and transporting pesticides safely.
You'll learn how to read and interpret pesticide product labels and safety data.
You'll understand the risks pesticides pose to people, wildlife, and water sources.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in the classroom through tutor-led theory sessions. The course covers legislation, safe handling, and environmental protection through structured instruction. Assessment is based on a written test to confirm your understanding of the principles covered. The course runs as a single full day of 7 hours.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Berkshire College of Agriculture will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Grounds maintenance operative. Applying pesticides on managed land.
Greenkeeper. Treating turf on golf courses and sports grounds.
Agricultural worker. Using plant protection products on farms.
Horticulture technician. Managing pests in commercial growing environments.
Local authority parks worker. Maintaining public green spaces safely.
Landscaper. Applying pesticides as part of landscape maintenance contracts.
What you could study next
PA6 Pesticides Qualification (Ground Crop Sprayer). Required if you operate a boom sprayer or similar ground crop equipment.
PA2 Pesticides Qualification. Covers the use of vehicle-mounted or trailed pesticide sprayers.
Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Pesticides. Builds on PA1 and covers specific application methods.
BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection. A recognised qualification for those advising on pesticide use professionally.
