Master Technician Program Overview
This career-advancing program is composed of a series of workshops investigating eight major pest groups - Ants, Bed bugs, Blood-Sucking Arthropods, Cockroaches, Occasional Invaders, Pest Flies, Rodents, and Termites.
At the completion of each pest group workshop, participants will receive a certificate designating them as a VPMA Master for the pest group they have completed. Once a technician has mastered four of the eight pest groups, they become a Master Technician. While 4 pest groups will earn an individual the Master Technician designation, most knowledge-seeking Master Technicians complete all 8 pest workshops to gain superior knowledge and control of just about any pest they may encounter in the field.
Earning a Master Technician designation sets a PMP apart from your standard technician. When mastering a pest group, a technician delves deep in to understanding the biology, behavior, and characteristics of each pest. For most of the pest groups in the program technicians learn to use a microscope and taxonomic key to learn how to accurately identify a specific pest. Proper ID can make a major difference to the treatment methodology and formulation selection to achieve the best control of certain pests. Once the biology and ID has been mastered, the rest of the course focuses on exploring all viable control methods, formulations, and tools available for the management of each pest group.
Recertification credits are applied for in the appropriate category for the pest species being taught.
Upcoming events are listed below, if they are scheduled.
Registration Fees:
Member rate: $230 per pest group or $438 for both pest groups
Non-member rate: $305 per pest group or $588 for both pest groups
August 2026
Tue
25
2026
August 25, 2026
1:00PM - 3:00PM
Virtual VPMA Board Meeting - August 25, 2026, 1:00 pm EST
Zoom link information emailed in RSVP confirmation
Virtual
VPMA will be holding a virtual Board Meeting. Guests are always welcome. This meeting is open to VPMA members and industry professionals who want to learn more about the organization and its work. Attending a meeting is a great opportunity to see the Board in action, hear about current initiatives, and discover ways to become more involved. You may even find yourself inspired to take on a leadership role as a future Board member or serve on a VPMA committee.
Details >
September 2026
Tue
22
2026
September 22, 2026
8:00AM - 5:00PM
VPMA Master Technician Series: Blood Feeding Arthropods
$230 for VPMA members and $305 for non-members Blood Feeding Arthropods.
Register for both BFA and Bed Bugs and receive a discount.
National Pest Management Association Headquarters - Fairfax, VA
The VPMA Master Technician: Blood Feeding Arthropods Workshop, offers an in-depth exploration of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes for pest management professionals. Led by Dr. Dini Miller and David Price, BCE the workshop covers critical topics, including the identification of blood-feeding arthropods, their biology, and behavior. Participants will also delve into the epidemiology of insect-borne diseases, non-chemical control methods, and strategies for using backpack blowers and preventing drift.
The program concludes with case studies on resistance in blood-sucking pests, providing attendees with practical insights and advanced knowledge to enhance their pest management skills.
Don't miss this opportunity to add this pest group to your Master Technician Tool Belt!
Click title above for a full description.
Details >
Tue
22
2026
September 22, 2026
5:00PM - 6:30PM
VPMA 4 x 4 Happy Hour - Northern Virginia
Free! Let VPMA Buy Your Team a Brew!
Commonwealth Brewing Co, 10426 Main St., Fairfax, VA 22030
VPMA is hitting the road with Social 4x4 happy hours designed to bring members together across Virginia. Join us in Northern Virginia for camaraderie, industry updates, and a chance to connect with VPMA leadership in your neck of the woods. Owners and managers, bring your crew and let VPMA treat you to a brew! All are welcome — RSVP so we can plan for enough seats and treats!
Details >
Wed
23
2026
September 23, 2026
8:00AM - 5:00PM
VPMA Master Technician Series: Beg bugs
$230 for VPMA members and $305 for non-members for Bed Bugs.Register for both Blood Feeding Arthropods and Bed Bugs and receive a discount.
National Pest Management Association Headquarters - Fairfax, VA
The VPMA Master Technician: Bed Bugs Workshop offers an in-depth exploration of bed bug management for pest management professionals. Led by Dr. Dini Miller and other industry experts, the workshop covers bed bug fundamentals, customer education, and the selection of optimal control methods based on population size and treatment conditions.
The program includes demonstrations and hands-on instruction featuring new barrier technologies designed to limit bed bug movement and improve exposure to treated surfaces. The workshop concludes with the development of bed bug assessment and pest management programs for specific situations, including strategies for documenting and reporting bed bug populations.
Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your bed bug expertise and add another important pest group to your Master Technician Tool Belt!
Click title above for a full description.
Details >

