NPTA Certificated Field Biologist (CFB) Exam Specification

 

Qualification Components

Pre-requisites:

    • RSPH L2 Pest Management
    • At least 2 years’ pest management experience

Pre/Post-requisites

    • Level 2 Health and Safety
    • Level 3 Food Safety
    • These can be achieved either before or after the written exam

 

Written Exam:

Insect Identification (20%)

    • Provide both common and scientific names of 20 specimens
    • Score 0.5% for common name and 0.5% for scientific name
    • Time: 20 minutes

Trend Analysis Exercise (20%)

    • Candidate to analyse data and graphs to suggest issues, causes and cures
    • Guide Time: 45 mins

Pest Risk Assessment (20%)

    • Scenario provided. The candidate has to consider threats, and propose monitoring programme
    • Guide Time: 45 mins

Long Answer Question (20%)

    • Question to assess depth of candidate knowledge and thinking around a specified topic
    • Guide Time: 30 mins

Short Answer Questions (20%)

    • Topics could include: pest biology, monitoring techniques, control options, folder/portal contents, pesticide science, heat mapping
    • Guide Time: 30 mins

Exam Pass Mark

    • Pass Mark 65% (with 50% minimum in all sections)
    • Distinction 85%
    • A distinction is only available on the first sitting of the exam

 

Assignments (Portfolio):

1 FB type report from each of 5 different types of site:

    • Food or drink manufacturing facility (at least 1)
    • Bottling plant
    • Wet or dry pet or animal feed manufacturer
    • Food warehouse or distribution centre
    • Large catering facility
    • Large food retail outlet
    • Large public or private sector institution, such as prison or hospital (max 1)
    • Pharmaceutical manufacturer (max 1)
    • Food packaging manufacturer (max 1)

Please identify the type of site, but redact any information that could identify the client

Content to be clear and concise and consist of:

Overview

    • Type of site
    • Date and time of visit
    • Site address (redacted)
    • Site contact (redacted)
    • Standards applicable
    • Summary of Findings and Recommendations

Body

    • Numbered Findings, with photos (close-up and location)
    • Prioritised Recommendations for both Client and PC Company
    • Actions Taken (or space for Actions Taken)
    • Date of Completion (or space for Completion Date)

Appendices

    • Trend Analysis
    • Pest Risk Assessment
    • Check List
    • Site Plan
    • At least one of each of the above 4 appendices across the 5 reports

These can be submitted either before or after the exam

These are awarded a pass/fail. If a fail, they can be resubmitted following feedback and adjustment

 

Viva (Oral Exam)

    • This can be done via TEAMS/ZOOM
    • It is arranged after completion of all the other qualification components
    • It is awarded a pass or fail

 

Certificate only supplied after successful completion of all the qualification components

Please contact office@npta.org.uk if you wish to only sit the exam or only go on the course. Exam only cost is £300 + Vat

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