Legislation Governing the Vector Control Industry
All vector control operators, vector control technicians and vector control workers are to comply with the following legislations relevant to the vector control industry.
- Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act (CVPA)
- Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA)
- Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act
Roles and responsibilities of the Vector Control Operator (VCO), Vector Control Technician (VCT) and Vector Control Worker (VCW)
The vector control industry plays an important role in safeguarding public health and mitigating vector borne diseases. It also helps protect properties and businesses from costly damages caused by pests and improves our quality of life by eliminating nuisance pests.
The Code of Practice for the Vector Control Operator, Technician and Worker spells out the roles and responsibilities of the VCO and its personnel (VCT and VCW). Click here to read the Code of Practice for the Vector Control Operator, Technician and Worker.
Vector Control Operator
The VCO shall commence vector control operations only after the issuance of certificate of registration and ensure that all VCT and VCW deployed to the clients’ premises are licensed/certified.
Any thermal fogging activity shall be notified via the ePortal (fogging schedule template can be found here) at least 24 hours before it is performed, and when thermal fogging is to be carried out on weekend or Public Holiday, notification is to be made two days in advance (refer to the instructions and FAQ on submitting fogging notification via ePortal). VCOs shall notify its client and the surrounding premises where they are likely to be affected, of any treatment carried out, in advance, and precautionary measures to take, such as removal of food, toys and pets from the premises prior to fogging.
VCO shall submit a comprehensive service report and recommendation to the client at agreed intervals and demonstrate service effectiveness by confirming that the results achieved are in accordance with the objectives in the plan as agreed with the client.
Vector Control Technician and Vector Control Worker
All VCT and VCW shall be licensed/ certified in order to carry out any vector control works. They are to be properly attired and equipped with appropriate footwear when working in or on designated service areas. Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required for the safe performance of work; always refer to the Safety Data Sheet of the pesticides for information on the appropriate PPE. It is mandatory for the VCT/ VCW to wear the appropriate PPE when carrying out fogging.
Any pesticide for the purpose of carrying out any vector control work needs to be registered and bears the NEA Registration Mark.
Engaging Vector Control Operator
It is important to make sure that the VCO engaged by the client is able to do the job well. The following information could be requested in the quotation or tender invitation in order to make an informed decision:
1. The number of trained technicians and workers in the pest control company, and their years of experience in vector management;
2. Methods and types of technology (e.g. surveillance tool) or equipment (e.g. machines to dispense pesticides) used for vector control; and
3. Past and current track record.
Client should specify the scope of works required for effective vector control in his contract. Client should also monitor the VCO's work to ensure all works are carried out properly in accordance with the specified scope of works, and that all vector control personnel are properly licensed/certified. All inspections, findings, and treatment works are to be recorded in the service report.
Registration of Vector Control Operators, Licensing of Vector Control Technicians and Certification of Vector Control Workers
Only companies registered with NEA as VCOs can be engaged to undertake vector control works. Employees of VCOs must be licensed as VCTs or certified as VCWs in order to carry out any vector control work.
New applicants for VCT licence/ VCW certificate who have:
- Previously held a full VCT licence/ VCW certificate that expired for more than 3 years; or
- Did not apply for full VCT licence/ VCW certificate within 3 years after obtaining the Joint ITE-NEA Certificate in Pest Management/Pest Control
are required to retake the Joint ITE-NEA Certificate in Pest Management/Pest Control to ensure that they are still equipped with the relevant knowledge pertaining to vector control and carry out the works safely and effectively.
Applicants who are renewing their VCO registration/VCT licence/VCW certificate must:
- Renew before their licence/certificate expire. A new application with the necessary supporting documents must be submitted if the licence/certificate has expired;
- Undergo assessment as and when deemed necessary by NEA, in order to apply for new or renew the VCT licence or VCW certificate.
Click on the respective link to apply or renew
VCO certificate of registration,
VCT licence and
VCW certificate.
Registered VCO
New applicants who are interested to be registered as a VCO must fulfil the following requirements:
- Registered with ACRA;
- Employ at least one VCT with at least 3 years of experience in vector control works;
- Pay a registration fee of $90.
Licensed VCT
New applicants who are interested to be licensed as a provisional VCT must fulfil the following requirements:
- At least 18 years old;
- Completed GCE ‘N’ levels or equivalent, or at least one year of working experience in vector control works;
- Pay a licence fee of $16.50;
- Prepare a photo ID meeting NEA's requirements:
- Recent coloured digital photograph with white background
- Dimension of 35 mm wide by 45 mm high
- Showing full face with visible upper shoulders and uniform lighting exposure
- No filter or modification of the face
- Image file in jpg, jpeg or png file extension and no more than 5 MB
*Note: A provisionally licensed VCT should quickly complete and attain the Joint ITE-NEA Certificate in Pest Management as soon as possible within their provisional licence validity to apply for a full VCT licence thereafter. The provisional licence may only be renewed once before its expiry. Strong justification and supporting documentation to show proof of enrolment or attendance of the joint ITE-NEA Certificate in Pest Management, are required for renewal.
Individuals who wish to apply for a VCT licence must fulfil the following requirements:
- At least 18 years old;
- Completed GCE ‘N’ levels or equivalent [Refer to the list of educational qualifications that can be considered, applicable for provisional VCT as well], or at least one year of working experience in vector control works;
- Successfully completed and attained the Joint ITE-NEA Certificate in Pest Management (Details of the course can be found here);
- Pay a licence fee of $28;
- Prepare a photo ID meeting NEA's requirement.
Certified VCW
New applicants who are interested to be certified as a provisional VCW must fulfil the following requirements:
- At least 18 years old;
- At least Primary 6 education or equivalent;
- Pay a certification fee of $13;
- Prepare a photo ID meeting NEA's requirement:
- Recent coloured digital photograph with white background
- Dimension of 35 mm wide by 45 mm high
- Showing full face with visible upper shoulders and uniform lighting exposure
- No filter or modification of the face
- Image file in jpg, jpeg or png file extension and no more than 5 MB
*Note: A provisionally certified VCW should quickly complete and attain the Joint ITE-NEA Certificate in Pest Control as soon as possible within their provisional certificate validity to apply for a full VCW certificate thereafter. The provisional certificate may only be renewed once before its expiry. Strong justification and supporting documentation to show proof of enrolment or attendance of the joint ITE-NEA Certificate in Pest Control, are required for renewal.
Individuals who wish to apply for a VCW certificate must fulfil the following requirements:
- At least 18 years old;
- At least Primary 6 education or equivalent [Refer to the list of educational qualifications that can be considered, applicable for provisional VCW as well];
- Successfully completed and attained the Joint ITE-NEA Certificate in Pest Control (Details of the course can be found here);
- Pay a certification fee of $22;
- Prepare a photo ID meeting NEA's requirement
Conditions of Licensing
Registered VCO/licensed VCT/certified VCW are subjected to conditions of licensing, which can be found here.
Sample copy of electronic VCO certificate of registration, VCT licence, VCW certificate
In line with the move by the Public Service sector towards digitalisation, by end of 2020, the National Environment Agency (NEA) will issue electronic licences and certificates in lieu of hardcopies. VCO, VCT and VCW could retain a copy of the electronic licence/certificate or print a hardcopy, for identification purposes.
Sample copy of electronic Certificate of Registration for VCO.
Sample copy of electronic Licence for VCT
Sample copy of electronic Certificate for VCW
Registry of vector control related services
A list of registered VCOs is available for download here.
A list of VCOs that provide Vector Control Services on ships is available here. This list is for reference only and is non-exhaustive. NEA neither endorses the companies, nor the views they express or the products/services they offer.