California Branch 1 Field Representative Written Examination — Information & Free Practice

About California Branch 1 Field Representative Written Examination

California Branch 1 Field Representative Written Examination · US-CA

Key exam facts

Provider

California Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB): responsible examination authority; Department of Consumer Affairs Office of Professional Examination Services (OPES): occupational analysis/content validation; PSI Services LLC: contracted examination delivery.

Format

Computer-delivered written examination at PSI test centers; the official handbook illustrates four-option, single-answer multiple-choice questions. No item-type percentage distribution is stated.

Exam questions

Total questions: 150.

Time limit

2.5 hours of examination time. An introductory tutorial of up to 15 minutes is excluded from examination time.

Passing score

70 percent. Business and Professions Code §8560(g) specifies a general average of not less than 70 percent on each subject of the applicable branch; the official handbook reports a 70-percent examination passing score.

Exam fee

USD 75 for the Field Representative examination application; USD 75 for re-examination after failure or nonattendance. Initial license application fee is separate.

Topics covered

• Fumigation Preparation (29%)

  • Verify that signed copy of Occupants Fumigation Notice is on site before starting fumigation preparation.
  • Determine adjacent properties that may be affected by fumigation.
  • Identify construction elements, conduits, or drains that could allow passage of fumigant to adjoining or connecting structures.
  • Inspect areas of property to verify that landscaping is prepared to optimize ground seal.
  • Inspect areas to be fumigated to ensure all people, pets, and plants have been removed.
  • Inspect indoor areas to be fumigated to ensure all ingestible and medicinal items have been double-bagged or removed.
  • Open interior subarea accesses, attic accesses, cabinets, drawers, closets, and appliances.
  • Determine number and location of introduction sites and warning agent pans.
  • Determine number and placement of fans.
  • Set up monitoring equipment.
  • Install secondary locks or barricade exterior entrances to prevent entry.
  • Post fumigation warning signs on structures at entrances and on each side of structures.
  • Determine placement of tarps and install tarps to cover structures.
  • Seal tarp seams and ensure ground seals.
  • Install aeration ducting and inlet devices.
  • Post fumigation warning signs on exterior of tarps and joint seams.

• Fumigation (17%)

  • Verify that natural gas to property has been shut off.
  • Determine amount of warning agent to be used according to manufacturer label.
  • Calculate volume of area to be fumigated.
  • Calculate dosage of fumigant to be used according to manufacturer label.
  • Dispense warning agent into pans before introducing fumigant.
  • Introduce fumigant into structure through introduction lines.
  • Visually inspect structure for leaks during fumigation.
  • Monitor concentration level of fumigant to determine actual half-loss time.
  • Calculate amount of additional fumigant to be introduced into structures when excessive leakage occurs.
  • Manage “blow opens” during fumigation.

• Aeration (12%)

  • Take terminal reading to confirm efficacy of the fumigation.
  • Turn on aeration fans to facilitate ventilation of structures.
  • Remove aeration duct covers from aeration ducting to facilitate ventilation of structures.
  • Open fresh air intake inlets in tarps to facilitate ventilation of structures.
  • Inspect the fumigation to ensure that aeration has not been compromised.
  • Follow fumigant label aeration procedures.

• Certification (17%)

  • Verify that active aeration time has been achieved, and then turn off aeration fans.
  • Remove ground seal and take down tarps.
  • Ventilate the forced air ducts using HVAC system or circulation fans.
  • Remove warning agent pans.
  • Test breathing zones throughout structures to confirm fumigant concentration is at safe level.
  • Remove secondary locks and barricades.
  • Remove fumigation warning signs and post NOTICE OF RE-ENTRY sign.
  • Post fumigation tags in accordance with regulations.
  • Complete fumigation logs in accordance with Structural Pest Control Board requirements.

• Safety (25%)

  • Complete self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and respiratory protection program training in accordance with laws and regulations.
  • Complete CPR training in accordance with laws and regulations.
  • Complete pesticide safety, label, and stewardship training in accordance with laws and regulations.
  • Comply with requirements for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Comply with requirements for the use and inspection of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
  • Identify and manage hazards that could impact worksite safety.
  • Follow safety procedures when working on roofs.
  • Inspect tarps for holes and tears to prevent fumigant leaks.
  • Comply with laws and regulations for the handling and use of fumigants and warning agents.
  • Comply with requirements for fumigation safety kits.
  • Store fumigants and warning agents in accordance with laws and regulations.
  • Ensure vehicles contain required equipment and emergency medical information.

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources and references

• Branch 1 Field Representative Written Examination Candidate Handbook

  printed p. 9, Examination Plan (Outline)

• Branch 1 Field Representative Written Examination Candidate Handbook

  printed p. 9, content area 2

• Branch 1 Field Representative Written Examination Candidate Handbook

  printed p. 9, content area 3

• Branch 1 Field Representative Written Examination Candidate Handbook

  printed p. 9, content area 4

• Branch 1 Field Representative Written Examination Candidate Handbook

  printed p. 9, content area 5

• SPCB Examination Regulations

  16 CCR §1940(a)(2), p. 1

• SPCB Examination Regulations Final Statement of Reasons

  p. 1, Updated Information

• 40 CFR §171.103, 2023 Edition

  §171.103(c), p. 378

• SPCB Examination Regulations Initial Statement of Reasons

  p. 4, existing examinations and federal competency standards

• Branch 1 Field Representative Written Examination Candidate Handbook

  PDF p. 1

• Branch 1 Field Representative Written Examination Candidate Handbook

  printed p. 8, Examination Results

• Branch 1 Field Representative Written Examination Candidate Handbook

  printed p. 8, The Examination

• Branch 1 Field Representative Written Examination Candidate Handbook

  printed p. 8, Tutorial

• SPCB Examinations

  Field Representative Information, exam application

• Laws and Regulations Relating to the Practice of Structural Pest Control

  BPC §8560(g)

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.