To Whom it may concern,

As a certified applicator in Virginia for more than thirty-years, I am an advocate for engaging PCO's to push beyond being a registered technician, to hold certifications in all disciplines that pertain to their job.  Public Health has routinely been the most challenging for technicians, in part due to a sizeable amount of content on the exam that may not be relevant to their work.  

We at American Pest support VPMA's petition for rulemaking to create a two-tier Category 8, separating area-wide and non-area wide (mosquito control).  Our hope is to have trained, knowledgeable team members that want to advance their careers in part through proper licensing, including Category 8.

We appreciate the Boards consideration of this matter.

Respectfully,

Conrad Lyons, ACE

American Pest