WCA Program Workshop

Who are Wildlife Control Agents and Wildlife Control Technicians?

In North Carolina, any individual who engages in wildlife damage control or wildlife removal activities for compensation, including eviction or exclusion activities, must obtain a Wildlife Control Agent (WCA) license to do so. Attending and passing a 2-day, in-person WCA course is required for licensure. See below for information about upcoming WCA courses.

Employees working under a licensed Wildlife Control Agent who assists with wildlife control activities must obtain a Wildlife Control Technician (WCT) certification. WCT certification requires completing and passing an online training course. See below to register for WCT certification training.

Wildlife Control Agent Course

This course is for new Wildlife Control Agents (WCA). The course will provide you with the rules and regulations that govern the WCA program, information on euthanasia, safe handling of wildlife, and a variety of other information useful for WCAs. Agents must pass a closed-book examination and a background check before being licensed. Once you have received your WCA license and depredation permit books you may begin operating in a WCA capacity. Thank you for expressing an interest in this course, however, please understand that the demand for the Wildlife Control Agent Course is high. The course is first come first served.

Course Locations

WCA courses will be held at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, NC. The WCA course is subject to change to a virtual course via Zoom at any time. Lodging is not included in the registration fee.

How to Register

To secure your place in the course, visit Go Outdoors North Carolina and click ‘Go To Site‘ on the ‘Class & Event Registration’ tab. Locate the course by clicking the ‘Type’ dropdown to ‘Wildlife Control Agent Class’. Then change the “End Date” by clicking the calendar icon and choosing a date that is after the final day of the course. Once the event shows up, you can click ‘WCA Workshop’. There will be an option to register near the top of the page. You may first be prompted to log in to your customer record. If you do not have a customer record, you will need to create one first. You can then complete the registration process by paying for the class.

You are required to fill out the background check authorization form, sign and date it, and return it by fax (919-707-0292), email RAPS@ncwildlife.org or mail to 1707 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1700. The authorization form is attached to the event in Go Outdoors for you to download. Once we have received the background check authorization form you will receive an email from applicantinquiry@bib.com  with a username and password to complete a detailed background check at the email address provided on the form. Background must be received and completed by the Course Registration Deadline. The registration fee for the course includes the Prevention and Control of Wildlife on a flash drive, test, facility, lunch, and refreshment breaks for both days. Note: Lodging is not included in the registration fee.

Important Information about the WCA Course

• The course will begin promptly at 8:00 am and end at 5:00. All attendees should be on-site no later than 7:50 am. The actual check-in process may take some time due to the issuance of course materials.
• Once you have taken the examination you will no longer be required to remain on site.
• No money will be accepted on the day of the course.
• Reminder: All registration fees are nonrefundable and non- transferable
• There will be no additional registrants allowed into the class after the Course Registration Deadline for the course selected.

Wildlife Control Technician Certification

Anyone assisting a licensed Wildlife Control Agent with wildlife control activities must become a certified Wildlife Control Technician.  Wildlife Control Technicians shall not issue depredation permits.

Wildlife Control Technicians may only perform the following wildlife control or removal activities under the direct supervision of a licensed WCA:

• Placement of traps
• Euthanasia of wildlife
• Bat evictions,
• Alligator removal and relocation

Wildlife Control Technician Certification Course

Wildlife Control technicians must complete and pass the online WCT course. This course reviews laws related to wildlife control activities and methods for trapping, capture, and safe and humane handling of wildlife. A licensed Wildlife Control Agent must contact RAPS at (919) 707-0061 to register an employee for the Wildlife Control Technician course.