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Registration
Introduction
History
Marketing
Short Term Benefits
Long Term Benefits
General Requirements:
Introduction
The VPMA WDI Inspector Certification Program had its origins in the Virginia General Assembly. For over two years a committee of dedicated PMPs in Virginia worked to bring the program to fruition. A brief history of the program follows.
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History
- In 1997 legislation was proposed by Virginia legislator Thelma Drake to have WDI Inspections fall under the regulation of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
- The VPMA went to Thelma Drake and proposed, instead, that VPMA develop and implement our own training program with administration record-keeping policy. This idea was supported by Thelma Drake, and the legislation was withdrawn.
- For two years, VPMA's WDI Committee worked hard to create a WDI Inspector Certification manual and curriculum.
- Finally, the idea that began in 1997 came to fruition in the WDI Inspector Certification School that was held March 2 and 3, 2000 at the Sheraton Park South in Richmond.
- The VPMA will aggressively market this certification program to mortgage companies, bankers and Realtors within the Commonwealth.
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Marketing
Because this is a voluntary certification, and not required by VDACS, marketing the program to the real estate community is critical to the program. The key to the program's success is for VPMA Certified WDI Inspectors to be chosen over non-certified inspectors. For this reason a marketing strategy has been developed which includes direct mail pieces, press releases and brochures. A logo and patch have also been developed and will become a symbol of professionalism in this area of our industry. A list of VPMA Certified WDI Inspectors will be maintained and updated regularly. A searchable list is available online at vpmaonline.com and will also be made available upon request by calling 877/875-8722.
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Short Term Benefits
- This WDI Inspector Certification strengthens a pest management company's position to do WDI inspections. It will hopefully take business away from non-PMP industry inspectors.
- This is excellent training for pest management companies to offer their technicians and inspectors.
- This program will provide a standardization of the inspections for wood destroying insects in Virginia; therefore inspectors will be consistent in their reporting.
- Improved inspection knowledge and commitment will result in additional treatment business.
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Long Term Benefits
- The successful implementation of this program will prevent regulators from having to get involved in the PMP inspection business.
- The standardization of the WDI inspection industry will improve the image of the pest mamagement industry as a whole.
- This program will change real estate inspection practices and will improve relations with Virginia Realtors.
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General Requirements of the Program
Who is eligible?
Prior to making application for the VPMA WDI Inspector Certification Program, the applicant must have completed:
- The VDACS, or respective state, Registered Technician Training and posses a Commercial Applicators Registered Technician Certificate
or,
- State Certification Commercial Applicators Certificate
and
- The applicant must be employed by a Pest Management Company with a valid VDACS Pesticide Applicators Business License.
NOTE: Persons who are not eligible for VDACS or other state certification due to the conviction of a pesticide law infraction or license revocation are not eligible for VPCA WDI certification.
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What is required for the application for the VPCA WDI Inspector Certification Program?
- Employer's pesticide business license number.
- Individual VDACS Registered Technician Number or Certification Number.
- The required fee for the training course.
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When is the Training offered?
VPMA sponsored training courses will be offered periodically and announced at least 60 days in advance to allow potential registrants sufficient time to make application and submit the required application fee. Only VPMA authorized course training will qualify for an individual to receive the VPMA WDI Inspector Certification.
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How is the VPMA Certification obtained?
The VPMA WDI Inspector Certification Program consists of required classroom and self-study (items 1 and 2 below) training that will include coverage of subjects pertaining to performing Wood Destroying Insect Inspections; including but not limited to:
- Wood Destroying Insect biology, habits and damage,
- Wood decay fungi,
- Construction techniques,
- WDI inspection tools and inspection instructions,
- Properly Completing NPCA-1 WDIR,
- Graphing structures,
- Real Estate practices in Virginia
At the conclusion of the classroom training, a written examination will be issued to the attendees. A passing score of 75% or higher is required on the written exam to obtain the VPMA WDI Inspector Certification. Each applicant will have 2 hours to complete the written examination.
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What if the written exam is not passed?
The VPMA WDI Inspector Certification will not be issued if the written exam is not passed on the initial testing. The applicant will be eligible to retake the examination one additional time after 30 days, but not to exceed six months following the initial testing date. The re-testing will be performed by an authorized proctor of the VPMA at a location to be determined based upon the geographic location of the applicant in the state.
Applicants applying to retake the written examination will be required to remit a $25.00 administrative fee prior to the processing of the re-examination application.
If the written examination is not passed on the retest, the applicant will be required to retake the classroom training and written examination at the full course fee, less $25.00.
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How will an applicant know if the examination was passed?
Upon completion of the course and written examination, the examinations will be graded. The applicants will be notified of their test score by mail within 30 days of the testing date.
Applicants being re-tested will be notified by mail within 30 days of the re-testing date.
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How does an applicant demonstrate that they have earned the VPMA WDI Inspector Certification?
Upon successful completion of the VPMA WDI Inspector Certification Program and written examination, the applicant will receive a VPMA WDI Inspector Certification identification card and certification number from VPMA. This number will be maintained on file at the VPMA headquarters.
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What if a VPMA Certified WDI Inspector changes companies or employers?
As with the VDACS certification, the certificate is issued to the individual. As long as the certificate holder is employed by a qualifying pest management company, the certificate is valid.
It shall be the sole responsibility if the VPMA Certified WDI inspector to notify the VPMA of address and/or employer changes.
VPMA WDI Inspector certificate holders not employed by a licensed pest management company will have their certification status changed to inactive pending re-employment with a qualifying licensed pest management company.
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How long is the Certification valid?
The VPMA WDI Inspector Certificate shall be valid for a period of two years from the date of issue and will be renewable by June 30th in the expiration year.
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What are conditions of the VPMA WDI Certificate?
All VPMA WDI Inspector Certificate holders agree to abide by the VPMA code of ethics and maintain a Valid VDACS Commercial Applicators License or Registered Technician Certificate. Failure to maintain a valid licensure with VDACS will result in the suspension of the VPMA WDI Inspector Certificate until such time as the individual certificate with VDACS is reinstated and proof of such reinstatement is provided to the VPMA headquarters.
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What if there is a grievance against a VPCA Certified WDI Inspector?
Any grievance filed against a VPMA WDI Certified Inspector shall be handled in strict accordance with the VPMA Grievance Committee Procedures as stated in the VPMA Constitution and Bylaws.
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Registration
VPMA Certified WDI Inspector Workshops - Fall 2007
Date and location to be announced.
Registration Form
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