Expert training: Rodent control with rodenticides – course with examination & certificate (1 day online + 3 days in person)

Relevant expertise in rodent control: Your authorization for the professional use of rodenticides

Rats and mice cause significant hygiene, material, and reputational damage in businesses—they can usually only be effectively controlled with rodenticides. The use of these products is strictly regulated by law: anyone who professionally uses bait containing anticoagulant active substances requires a government-recognized expertise certificate under the Hazardous Substances Ordinance—and anyone who professionally kills vertebrates (including with snap traps) additionally requires the expertise certificate under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act.

With our course for obtaining the relevant expertise certificate, you acquire both qualifications in a compact format: 1 online day + 3 in-person days with a theoretical and practical examination. After passing the examination, you are authorized to purchase rodenticides independently and use them within the scope of their approval—and can demonstrate this to authorities, clients, and auditors.

The training is conducted by our experienced training partner.

Why the relevant expertise is now mandatory

The requirements have become significantly stricter in recent years:

• Since January 1, 2025, the sales regulations of the Biocidal Products Implementation Ordinance (ChemBiozidDV) have applied: rodenticides are subject to a self-service ban and may only be supplied to persons who can demonstrate their authorization to use them (relevant expertise). Without the relevant expertise certificate, purchasing professional rodenticides is effectively no longer possible.
• With the new version of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (in force since December 5, 2024), the requirement to hold the relevant expertise certificate for biocidal pest control products is clearly regulated in Section 15c in conjunction with Annex I No. 4.4 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance—demonstrated by a government-recognized course with an examination.
• For commercial pest control, the requirement to hold the relevant expertise certificate already applies today. Only occasional rodent control on one’s own agricultural operation is still subject to a transitional period (currently until July 28, 2030, Federal Council decision of June 12, 2026)—early training ensures legal certainty and the ability to act.

Who is the course suitable for?

• Employees and career changers in professional pest control
• Facility management companies, building service providers, and property management companies with their own pest monitoring
• Hygiene and quality assurance managers in food production, catering, hospitality, logistics, and agriculture
• Municipal services (e.g. public works departments, waste management, sewer maintenance)
• Anyone who wants to legally purchase, place and document rodenticides

Participation requirements: Minimum age 18, good command of German. 

Course structure

Module 1 – Online (1 day): “Killing vertebrates” under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG) Fundamentals of animal welfare law, criteria for animal-welfare-compliant stunning and killing, anatomy/physiology and behavior of rats and mice, suitable killing methods and their correct application, aspects of species protection law (BNatSchG). Conveniently from your workplace or home.

Module 2 – In-person (3 days) – various locations: “Use of rodenticides” Legal principles (GefStoffV, TRGS 523, EU biocides legislation, ChemBiozidDV, CLP/REACH, waste and transport law), active ingredients and mode of action of anticoagulant rodenticides, risks to humans, non-target organisms and the environment, risk mitigation measures (RMM) and good professional practice, infestation assessment and baiting strategy including technical calculations (bait requirements, baiting density), tamper-resistant bait stations, documentation, first aid and antidotes, practical exercises.

Examination: The course concludes with a theoretical and practical examination in accordance with the authorities’ requirements. 

Dates in 2026

Additional dates available on request – please contact us. Places are limited. 

Your certificate

After successfully participating and passing the examination, you will receive:

• Certificate of expertise for controlling rodents with rodenticides in accordance with Section 15c para. 3 in conjunction with Annex I No. 4.4 GefStoffV (officially recognized course)
• Certificate of expertise in “Killing vertebrates” under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG) – also serving as the basis for an application for a permit under Section 11 TierSchG for the commercial control of vertebrates
• Proof of authorization to use purchase rodenticides requiring proof of expertise (ChemBiozidDV)

Validity: The required expertise must be refreshed by attending a recognized refresher course at least every six years (Annex I No. 4.4 para. 5 GefStoffV). We will remind you in good time and offer suitable refresher courses. 

Legal fundamentals at a glance

The course provides the required expertise based on the following regulations:

1. EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No. 528/2012 Rodenticides are biocidal products requiring authorization in product type 14 (main group 3, “Pest control products,” Annex V). The authorization specifies, among other things, the user category: the general public, professional users, or trained professional users. Anticoagulant rodenticides for professional use are generally reserved for the “trained professional user” category—and therefore trigger the qualification requirement.

2. German Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV), new version dated 05/12/2024 – Section 4a

• Qualification requirement (Section 15c para. 1 and 3 in conjunction with Annex I No. 4.4): Required for pest control products in main group 3 that are classified as acutely toxic Category 1–3, CMR Category 1A/1B, or STOT SE/RE Category 1, or for which the user category “trained professional user” has been specified. Proof is provided by successfully completing an officially recognized course with a theoretical and practical examination.
• Expertise (Section 15b): Generally required for the professional use of biocidal pest control products—the qualification builds on this expertise (see our expertise training courses).
• Notification requirement (Section 15c para. 2 in conjunction with Annex I No. 4.2.1): Employers must notify the competent authority of the first use of the relevant biocidal products (or their resumption after an interruption of more than one year) at least six weeks before the start—in North Rhine-Westphalia, the district government.
• Mandatory further training (Annex I No. 4.4 para. 5): Refresher training must be completed at least every six years through a recognized further training course.

3. TRGS 523 “Pest Control” / LASI requirements The Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances specify protective measures and course content. The federal states (LASI) have also published uniform requirements for qualification courses on rodenticides (teaching units, practical components, examination), which this course follows. A separate TRGS on rodenticide qualification (TRGS 541) is in preparation.

4. German Biocidal Products Implementation Ordinance (ChemBiozidDV), Sections 10–13 – since 01/01/2025 Regulates supply: no self-service for rodenticides; supply only by qualified personnel and only to purchasers with verified authorization to use them. Your proof of qualification is therefore also your “purchase authorization” for professional rodenticides—including in our shop.

5. Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG)

• § 4 para. 1: A vertebrate may only be killed by someone who possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to do so.
• § 4 para. 1a: Anyone who regularly kills vertebrates in the course of their professional or commercial activities must demonstrate specialist knowledge to the competent authority.
• § 11: Commercial control of vertebrates requires a permit — the proof of specialist knowledge from Module 1 forms the basis of the permit application.

6. Supplementary regulations (course content) Infection Protection Act (officially ordered control measures), Federal Nature Conservation Act/species protection, Occupational Safety and Health Act and risk assessment, CLP and REACH Regulations, waste and dangerous goods legislation, as well as the risk mitigation measures (RMMs) from BAuA product approvals.

The role of the district government

In North Rhine-Westphalia, the district governments are the competent authorities for notifications, permits, and certificates of competence relating to activities involving biocidal products; recognition of specialist knowledge courses is handled centrally by the North Rhine-Westphalia State Office for Health and Occupational Safety (LfGA). Specifically, this means:

1. You complete the officially recognized course and pass the examination.
2. Your company must notify the competent district government of the (initial) use of biocidal products requiring specialist knowledge at least six weeks before the start (for Werl/Soest District: Arnsberg District Government; the relevant factor is the location of your company’s registered office).
3. Keep your proof of specialist knowledge ready for authorities, auditors, and the procurement of rodenticides.

We will be happy to provide you with an overview of the responsible authorities and notification forms after the course.

Specialist knowledge or expert knowledge — what do I need?

Expert knowledge (e.g., our online courses “Expert Knowledge: Ants”) qualifies you to use biocidal products professionally that are approved for “professional users.” Specialist knowledge is the higher qualification level: it is mandatory as soon as products are used that, due to their classification or approval, are reserved for “trained professional users” — this applies in particular to anticoagulant rodenticides. In short: When it comes to bait against rats and mice, there is no way around specialist knowledge.

Included in the price

• Participation in Module 1 (online) and Module 2 (3 in-person training days)
• Theory and practical examination, including examination fee
• Training materials (digital/print) 
• Certificates/proof of competency after passing the examination
• Refreshments and drinks during the in-person training days 

Not included: travel and accommodation.

Organizational details

• Delivery: by our external training partner  After booking, you will receive the registration confirmation with access details (Module 1) and travel information (Module 2).
• Both modules are required: The complete proof of competency requires participation in Module 1 and Module 2 as well as passing the examination.
• Invoicing with VAT shown; company bookings for multiple participants available on request.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

I only use snap traps – do I still need the course? Anyone who regularly kills vertebrates professionally or commercially requires proof of competency under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG), Module 1, in all cases – including when using purely mechanical methods. Hazardous-substances competency (Module 2) is additionally required as soon as rodenticides are used.

How long is the competency valid? It must be renewed at least every six years by completing a recognized refresher course (Annex I No. 4.4 Paragraph 5 of the GefStoffV).

I am a farmer – does a transitional period apply to me? The transitional period for occasional control of harmful rodents on your own farm was most recently extended until 28/07/2030. The competency requirement already applies to commercial pest control and all other users. It is worth undertaking the training early – course places are limited.

Can I buy rodenticides from Kaeferling Pro after completing the course? Yes. With your proof of competency, you meet the requirements for supplying products under the ChemBiozidDV and can purchase rodenticides subject to competency requirements from us.

Does the course replace the training to become a certified pest controller (IHK)? No. The competency course provides the legally required minimum qualification for controlling harmful rodents with rodenticides – the IHK training is the comprehensive professional qualification.