Lifelong learning: Why ongoing training is essential for every PMP

Why every PMP should be a lifelong learner

Ongoing training is for more than checking a box on your license renewal form. Those continuing education credits (CEUs) are essential, but they are the bare minimum that you should have. True pest management professionals (PMPs) go beyond that. They seek out new training, look for industry updates, and seek out practical insights to sharpen their skills and knowledge to serve their customers better.

Think of it this way: Pests never stop adapting, so neither can we. Staying current with new safety standards, treatment methods, and pest biology isn’t just about compliance; it’s about confidence and knowing your craft as a PMP. It’s about being ready for the next challenge, whether that’s a new invasive species you encounter or a shift in how customers want their services performed.

Key takeaways

• CEUs are the minimum: Continuing education credits are necessary for compliance, but true professionalism requires seeking training beyond the required minimum.
• Pests never stop: PMPs must be lifelong learners because pests never stop adapting to new environments and challenges.
• Microlearning boosts retention: New formats like online microlearning can boost retention rates by as much as 25 percent to 60 percent, offering flexible training on the go.
• Mix your training: The best approach is to mix valuable in-person conferences with online resources to fill in knowledge gaps year-round.

Embracing variety in training

Fortunately, PMPs can opt for training that matches their preferred style of learning. Classroom, in-person, and online methods are readily available.

For instance, The Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Management Operations is an industry-leading reference book offered in print. This year, PMP expanded its training options by launching PestControlU.net in partnership with PMP Hall of Famer Dr. Bill Robinson (Class of 2024).

The benefits of online resources and microlearning

Pest Posse TV is another online resource designed to make learning and growing in pest control easy and engaging. Built by PMPs for PMPs, members get access to new live training courses every month on real-world pest control issues you may be facing. These aren’t stuffy or fluffy lectures; they’re hands-on sessions from two industry veterans with more than 60 years of combined experience.

You also get to join a community where you can connect, ask questions, and swap ideas with others who understand what it’s like to be in the trenches every day.

Another Pest Posse TV membership benefit is the microlearning format of the training courses. Instead of sitting through hours of content, you can watch or even listen to short, focus-based lessons that fit into your schedule, not someone else’s. Studies show online learning can boost retention rates by as much as 25 percent to 60 percent, compared with 8 percent to 10 percent for traditional classroom training.

With the Pest Posse TV mobile app, training becomes flexible and convenient, allowing you to apply what you learn right away in the field. Because it’s available anywhere, you can stay sharp whether you’re in the office, on the road, or between service calls each day.

Filling the gaps

I’m not saying in-person training doesn’t matter. Face-to-face conferences bring real value, too. You get hands-on learning, networking with other industry professionals, and the kind of conversations that spark new ideas. The best approach is to mix in-person conferences when you can and use online training to fill in the gaps year-round.

In the end, ongoing training is about pride in your craft. A career as a PMP is built on problem-solving, which requires a sharp mind. So, keep learning, keep growing, and use every tool available because the pests aren’t taking a day off, and neither should you from your growth.

Brusca is co-owner of The Pest Posse.