WCOs Deserve A Level Playing Field - Alan Merrifield
In my opinion, since they perform the same work, Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs) should have the same rights and privileges as Branch 2 Structural Pest Control Operators (PCOs). With the possible exception of pesticide use, both WCOs and PCOs do the same work. They perform property inspections, present their findings and recommendation to their customers, trap and remove vertebrate pests, perform preventative and restorative repairs to exclude nuisance wildlife (pests), and in short, carry out an integrated vertebrate pest management program.
Why then should PCOs be completely exempt from the rules governing Licensed Contractors when WCOs are not. Check it out. Business and Professions Code, Section 7051 says that the Chapter 12 Contractor's License Law does not apply to a licensed structural pest control operator acting within the scope of his or her license. This means, for example, that when both are performing exclusion work over $500 a WCO needs to have a contractor's license, but a PCO doesn't. When a WCO applies for a contractor's license he must prove that he has at least four years experience at the journeyman level in that specialty for which he is seeking licensure. PCOs, on the other hand, are exempt from this requirement and don't have to show any experience. WCOs applying for a contractor's license must take and pass a written examination to demonstrate their knowledge of the construction and building trades. PCOs don't need to show any knowledge of any construction trade. WCOs, applying for a contractor's license, have to pass a written test and be Certified in Home Improvement in order to perform exclusion work on homes. The Home Improvement Certification requirement is waived for PCOs. WCOs, who have passed the licensing exam and the HIC exam must then also pass a written examination in asbestos removal. You guessed it, PCOs are exempt from that too.
The Department of Consumer Affairs regulates both the Structural Pest Control Board and the Contractors State License Board. In its mission statement, the parent regulatory agency says it exists for the purpose of protecting California consumers against unscrupulous and unqualified individuals and that the agency promotes competition as a means of insuring that consumers will get a good deal when employing licensed persons. If that's the case then, in my opinion, WCOs should be allowed to compete with PCOs on a level playing field. Wildlife Control Operators and Pest Control Operators should be held to the same high standards! Business and Professions Code Section 7051 should be
revised to eliminate the special exemption for PCOs.
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