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Post by Site Admin on Oct 28, 2008 21:04:28 GMT 1
Is the RSPH level 2 exam too hard?
Does it discourage newcomers?
Is it important to have a high standard for newcomers?
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Post by waspe on Oct 28, 2008 22:10:48 GMT 1
i didnt thing it was hard but if you do your homework it should,nt be.
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Post by nick on Oct 29, 2008 8:05:10 GMT 1
As an entry level qualification, set quite realistically. But on its own its not enough to become a Professional Pest controller.
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Post by blatta on Oct 29, 2008 12:40:31 GMT 1
1. No.
2. If it is that hard that it discourages some people then that is life. Does it matter that we discourage a certain number? Are they the sort that would stay in the industry and be good at their jobs anyway? I believe the exams for becoming a Neurosurgeon are quite hard and it does put me off taking them! Should they be made easier? Would I make a good Neurosurgeon........? Will I now go down to a DIY store and buy some instruments and have a go? - but that is another story!!
3. Yes it is important to have a high standards and newcomers should not be taking the exam anyway. It should be set for people who have been in the industry for approx 6 months (still newcomers on the grand scheme of things I know!) and it is set as a general exam covering a wide area of pest control. There will be people who fail it that are good at what they do, but I am afraid that is the case with any system designed to measure and test abilities. Lewis
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Post by agitatedagitator on Oct 29, 2008 14:54:50 GMT 1
No it is not too hard
Lewis is right - it may discourage some people who are "not right" for the industry anyway
HOWEVER, it may also discourage some non-academic types who would excel in the industry - but then ANY written exam/qualifications for ANY industry will do the same
Evidence of Experience "in the field" coupled with the exam would be my preferred option - more expensive and also more subjective I know - but that would stop idiots like me that can't tell a fungus gnat from an elephant from passing and being allowed to call themselves "Professional & Qualified Pest Controller"
Now, where did I put that DDT cannister.......... aah, behind my trusty Lindane ;D
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Post by exitpest on Oct 29, 2008 18:15:04 GMT 1
I think it is set a the right level, but the practical experience is the key. I also think risk assessments and data records should be included as these are essential in this claim culture we live in. Andy
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Post by djtim on Oct 29, 2008 19:43:04 GMT 1
If you are not good with words and exams you can usually have a transcriber to put your answers down for you as long as you give the answers verbally.
I agree with the lack of any practical content. The RSPH Level 2 doesn't equip you for the real practical pest control world.
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Post by Site Admin on Oct 29, 2008 20:12:34 GMT 1
It isn't suppposed to.
It is supposed to demonstrate that you have a basic understanding of pest control, to enable you to then go out and gain more practical experience.
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Post by andyb on Oct 29, 2008 22:25:02 GMT 1
This is entry level only, proof that you have made the effort to reach the basic standards required. Experience is gained over time with the help of Pesters that are in the main stream. The help that I got stands me in good stead when I have needed it, working together makes life so much easier. RSPH level 2 should be the starting point. You don't need a degree in pest control but a good undersatnding of all things pest and how they function. Onwards and upwards, you are either in this game because you have a passion for it or you think that it is an easy life, those with passion will succeed those that think it is a money spinner are in for a nasty shock. CPD well worth a look if you want to get on in the industry.
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Post by djtim on Oct 30, 2008 0:11:31 GMT 1
I agree but I think it should be. You can get trained and qualified in other trades and be able to work straight away because of the practical content of the course. It may not always be possible to get experience with another company in your geographical area.
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Post by exitpest on Oct 31, 2008 18:14:35 GMT 1
Once I passed my Level 2, Peter Fielding put me in touch with a LA in Manchester. So I shadowed a few pesties for a couple of weeks, that gave me some great practical experience, those guy's know where to get a free cup of tea They were really helpful, I found the conversation they had with the tenants very interesting, they had the gift of the gab. Which is the main part of our job, we have to explain reassure and make sure they clients understand what we are doing. Now thats a course in it's own Andy G
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Post by djtim on Oct 31, 2008 23:00:42 GMT 1
I agree with all that Andy.
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