Certification requires completion of an SPCC approved training, participation in at least three HBR jobs, and passing a certification exam. The SPCC Honey Bee Control and Removal workgroup published a Certification Manual to help prepare for the exam. A link to the HBR Certification Application, the HBR Manual, and other important resources will follow at the end of this article. The application must be accompanied with a check or money order for the $100 certification fee for new certified operators. New certified operators must also provide a copy of a secure and verifiable document and complete the O.C.G.A. § 50-36-1(e)(2) Affidavit for the verification of their lawful presence. More information on acceptable secure and verifiable documents and the affidavit are linked below. For those adding HBR to their certified operator license, no fee is required. It is important to note that the final SPCC approved HBR training currently scheduled to occur prior to the compliance deadline will be October 20 at the UGA Structural Pest Control Training Center in Griffin.
     Before engaging in honey bee removal, a company license in the operational category of HBR is required. Structural pest control companies that are already licensed can use the Add a Category Form to add HBR to their license. Like the other categories, a Designated Certified Operator (DCO) in HBR is required. New companies will need to submit an HBR Company License Application. They must have a DCO in HBR, provide proof of insurance, and pay $170 in fees before a company license will be issued. There is not a Registered Employee license in HBR. Anyone engaging in HBR must be certified in the category or under the direct supervision of someone who is.
     The HBR license is limited to the control and removal of honey bees. Control of other bees requires a Household Pest Control (HPC) license. A license in HBR does not allow for the use of pesticides. Using pesticides to control a colony of honey bees still requires a license in HPC.
Chapter 620-9 of the Rules of the Structural Pest Control Commission also outlines requirements for performing a removal, including contract requirements and minimum standards that a removal must satisfy. The rule will also be linked below.
     If you have any questions about the new license category, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Structural Pest Division!
 
HBR Certification Application
HBR Manual
HBR Exam Registration
Verification of Lawful Presence
O.C.G.A. § 50-36-1(e)(2) Affidavit
October 20 SPCC Approved Training Sign-Up
Add a Category Form
HBR Company License Application
Rules of the SPCC Chapter 620-9