FEPA PA1 and PA6 Safe Use of Pesticides Practical (NPTC)

Course overview

These courses are designed for Sprayer Operators (Agricultural Equipment Operators) and all those whose work involves the use of pesticides.

Practical instruction is carried out by highly-qualified tutors at our extensive ornamental grounds, using both hand tools and equipment. Merrist Wood has developed an excellent reputation for horticultural expertise and coupled with our award-winning Learning Philosophy, we are able to offer a practical education, tailored to your needs.

PA1 is a theory-based unit and must be passed in conjunction with the practical-based unit PA6.

While this is a three day course, training days may not run consecutively.  

PA1 (2 days) £250

PA6 (1 day) £345

PA1 and PA6 are currently run as detailed below:
Day 1: PA1 Training and Exam
Day 2: PA6 Training
Day 3: PA6 Assessment (half of the students)
Day 4: PA6 Assessment (second half of the students)
You will only attend 3 days in total.

PA1 covers the following:

  • Codes of practice for plant protection products
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Read and interpret product labels and literature
  • Personal safety
  • Records that should be kept of spraying operations
  • Environmental issues

This is a theory-based unit and assessed by computer-based multiple-choice questions.

Trainees must be at least 16-years old and have a reasonable standard of literacy and numeracy.

 

PA6 is designed for sprayer operators and all those whose work involves the use of pesticides.

The PA6 course includes:

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Interpreting product information (product labels)
  • Select an applicator appropriate to the requirements of the job
  • Select application rate
  • Calculate area to be treated
  • Carry out calibration procedure
  • Apply material safely and efficiently
  • Weather conditions

 

Please bring your own personal protective equipment: overalls, wellington boots, protective gloves and face shield. Candidates must have passed the PA1 module

Through theoretical sessions for PA1 and through practical sessions and practical assessment for PA6.

Prior to attending the course, you are required to provide a passport photo for your NPTC E-Card. Please email this to NPTC@activatelearning.ac.uk

 
 

If you would like to be issued with a photo ID card then please supply a photo at the time of application.

*PPE Equipment:
  • A set of Type 5/Type 6 coveralls suitable for low-pressure spraying
  • A pair of Nitrile gloves, minimum 0.5mm thick, unlined, and 300mm long
  • A pair of unlined wellington boots
  • A face shield suitable for use with chemicals
 
* All of these products are available at Screwfix or online at www.pitchcare.com
 
 
Important Arrival Information
  • Please park in the student car park at the Harris Centre.
  • Head to the Harris Centre reception to sign in and collect your lanyard. (Reception opens at 8:30am)
  • Once registered, please drive or walk back down the drive and park in the Equine car park. Walk to the Green Arboriculture building, to the far workshop, where you will be met by your tutor. The building is marked in light blue on the attached map.
  • Classes begin at 9:00am, so please allow enough time to sign in and arrive for the start of your course.
  • See the map for all location details.

There are limited catering facilities/vending machines on site, therefore you are more than welcome to bring a packed lunch.

 

NPTC Card/ID

Your certificate and NPTC card will be issued directly from City & Guilds, not from Merrist Wood College. A link to your certificate will be emailed to the email address supplied at enrolment. To enable you to have an NPTC card, you are required to supply a head-and-shoulders photograph to the Contact Centre once you have enrolled. Your passport photo needs to be provided at the time of enrolment. You are also required to bring in a form of photo ID to obtain your student lanyard and NPTC card.

Please ensure you bring all relevant certificates on your first day.

Please see the link below for information to read before you start the course.
Course Starts in 90 Days

Mon 14 September 2026

Enrol now

Enrol now

Enrol now

Enrol now

Enrol now

Enrol now

Alternatively enrol by phone quoting OC02CS1A030Q

Meet the tutors

We want our learners to feel welcome, safe and at ease when attending our classes, especially if this is your first time attending an adult education class or if you're coming back to education after a break.
If you're interested in one of courses, meet our tutors first! You'll see they have similar passions and interests and, most importantly, the right qualifications to help you make the most of your time and money.

View all tutors

You may also like

View more courses