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FAQ

General Questions

Do you offer any discount?

  • Yes, we have the following discount offers:

Membership (cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer):

  • A huge 15% discount on all training courses!
  • Access to bespoke training materials
  • Access to a range of inclusive resources in our new members area (coming soon)
  • Two meetings a year with specially selected keynote speakers and refreshments.
  • All of this for the one-off annual fee of £60 (plus VAT) per year.

Course Bundles (cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer):

Please see our website.

We have frequent discount codes

Please join the email subscribers so you know when these are available or see us at events and ask for the discount code.

If I lose my certificate, how do I get a replacement?

  • You would need to contact the awarding body for a replacement yourself, unfortunately this is something we can not do on your behalf due to GDPR.

How do I go about booking a course?

Where is Vicky Anderson Training based? 

  • Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 2TD
  • What 3 words – perfumed.irritated.defrost

Will I be notified the venue address upon booking?

  • Yes

Can training take place at my site?

  • Yes, as long as you have the suitable facilities and machine needed (please note that prices will vary for offsite training, depending on the number of candidates, location and course type).
  • Speak to a member of staff in the office about your training requirements.

What awarding bodies do you offer?

  • Lantra, City & Guilds, NPORS & In-house

Are you on a public transport route?

  • No

How far away is the local train station?

  • 5miles, approx. 15mins car journey.

I do not drive, can I be dropped off for my training course?

  • Yes, but unfortunately we do not have the facilities for your driver to wait for you.

Pesticides

What is included in the published price?

  • The prices of the pesticide courses include the training and the assessment and certification.

Where will I be trained?

  • The Pesticide training and assessments take place usually at our Training Centre at Beech Hill, DL6 2TD in North Yorkshire. If you have specific requirements, the training can be arranged at your site. Please call us on 01609 882 408 or email us at office@va-training.co.uk

What will I need to bring to a course?

  • The full list of items required is specific to the course you will be attending and is listed on your booking confirmation letter.

Who will train my course?

  • All our Pesticide courses are trained and assessed by fully qualified Lantra or City and Guilds/NPTC trainers and assessors.

Will there be a test at the end of my course?

  • These tests are called assessments. PA1/Safe Use of Pesticides assessment takes place the same day as your training. Generally other Pesticide assessments take place on a separate day to your training course.

What certificate will I get?

  • If you are successful at your assessment, you will achieve a Level 2 Lantra or City and Guilds/NPTC certificate.

What qualification will I achieve?

  • If you are successful at your assessment, you will achieve a Level 2 Lantra or City and Guilds/NPTC qualification.

How long does this qualification last?

  • Pesticide courses are lifelong qualifications. However, we do recommend that you complete refresher courses to ensure you are up to date with any regulation changes or change to pesticide products. Please follow this link to know more about Pesticide Refreshers.

What are the different qualifications offered by City and Guilds/NPTC?

  • Pesticide Application (PA) has several qualifications available.
    • PA1 – Safe Use of Pesticides
    • PA2A – Mounted / Trailed Boom Applicator
    • PA2F – Wicked Wiper (Weed Wiper)
    • PA3 – Variable Geometry Boom or Broadcast Sprayers
    • PA4S – Slug Pellet Applicator
    • PA4G – Granular Applicator
    • PA5 – Boat Mounted Equipment
    • PA6A (Land) & PA6AW (Land & Water) – Handheld / Knapsack Applicator
    • PA7 – Application of Pesticides from the Air
    • PA8 – Safe Mixing and Transferring of Pesticides
    • PA9 – Application of Pesticide Mists, Fogs and Smokes
    • PA10 – Dipping of Plant material in Pesticides
    • PA11 – Treatment of Seeds with Pesticides
    • PA12 – Application of Pesticides to Plant Material During a Continuous Flow Process
    • PASC – Specialist Equipment

What is the minimum age for Pesticide Training?

  • 16 years old.

Will I need a PA1/Safe Use of Pesticides qualification to buy pesticides?

  • Yes, your certificate means you can buy pesticides, but you cannot apply them without the correct qualification.

Can I complete a Pesticide course if I am pregnant?

  • Yes, the PA1/Safe Use of Pesticide courses are completely theory based. Our other pesticide courses use water as a simulated pesticide. However, there is lifting required as part of the course and assessment. If you are pregnant, this could have an impact on your ability to complete the practical parts of the course and/or assessments.

I have dyslexia/am not very good at reading and/or writing, should I attend the course?

  • If you have been diagnosed with dyslexia, please inform us at booking and we may be able to make a reasonable adjustment. We are able to provide a certain amount of assistance to those who struggle with reading and/or writing. Please ensure you inform us at the time of booking.

How are the tests (assessments) assessed?

  • All tests (assessments), apart from PA1 – Safe use of Pesticides, are completed on a 1 to 1 basis with the assessor. The assessor will ask theory questions related to the training. You can refer back to your learning materials, should this be required. The practical part of the assessment includes calibration of the machine/knapsack and spraying.
  • The PA1 – Safe use of pesticides is completed as an online test on a laptop computer at the training centre.

How often are the courses run?

  • PA1/Safe Use of Pesticides, PA2/Mounted Boom Sprayer and PA6/Handheld Knapsack courses are run monthly.

I want to do a pesticide course, but I cannot see it listed on your website, what should I do?

  • Please contact us directly via email office@va-training.co.uk or telephone – 01609 882 408 to discuss what course you would like to complete.

How do I complete my PA1/Safe Use of Pesticides test (assessment)?

  • The test (assessment) is run at the end of training day. You get 60mins to complete an online assessment that will be taken under exam conditions using a computer/laptop.

If I am non-competent at any of my PA Assessments, what do I do?

  • They can be re-sat, please speak to a member of staff in the office.

I do not have any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), can I purchase some from you for my course?

  • You are able to purchase PPE from ourselves for your courses. However, to ensure we have exactly what you need, you will need to inform us no later than two weeks before your course date.

Why do I need a pesticide qualification?

  • As of 2015 the law changed, anyone who uses pesticides as a professional must have relevant qualification for their application method they are using. A professional is anyone who applies pesticides to your land as part of your business or on any other land as part of your business.

What are Grandfather Rights?

  • The Grandfather rights are no longer available, as these were retired some time ago.

Can I just do my PA1 Course and be able to use pesticides?

  • The PA1 Course does not allow you to apple pesticides, you would need the relevant application unit to do so.

What is the difference between PA6A/Safe Application of Pesticide to Land using Handheld Equipment and PA6AW/Safe Application of Pesticide to Land and Water using Handheld Equipment?

  • PA6A/Safe Application of Pesticide to Land using Handheld Equipment – if the application of pesticides to land up to 1 metre from the top of a bank/water body.
  • PA6AW/Safe Application of Pesticide to Land and Water using Handheld Equipment – if the application of pesticide is within 1 metre from the top of a bank/water body. To apply pesticides near to water you will need to contact the Environment Agency for approval. An Aquaherb01 will ned to be completed, however you will need to ensure that the product has aquatic approval and that you have the correct application methods for the work you are planning to carry out. BUT YOU WILL LEARN THIS ON YOUR COURSE.

I completed by PA courses/assessments in the 1980’s can I still use my tickets?

  • If they are a City & Guilds/NPTC qualification and you still have the certificate, then yes, they are a lifelong qualification. However, if you did you PA training with the Agricultural Training Board (ATB) and did not complete your assessment with City and Guilds/NPTC to earn a qualification, you will need to complete the full qualification again.

Do I need a ticket to use weed killer?

  • Yes, pesticides are the umbrella term for the following:
  • herbicides (weed killers)
  • insecticide (insects)
  • fungicides (fungi)
  • molluscicides (slugs and snails)
  • vertebrate control agents (not rodenticides)
  • wood preservatives
  • growth regulators

Do you supply the Knapsack for the PA6/Safe Use of Pesticides using Handheld Equipment course?

  • It is recommended that you bring your own clean, triple washed knapsack, but we do have some knapsacks that you can hire at the cost of £30+VAT per person.

To complete a PA2A/Safe Application of Pesticide using Vehicle Mounted Boom Sprayer Equipment – do I need an ATV or Tractor ticket first before I attend the course?

  • This is not mandatory for you to have an ATV/tractor certificate but you will be driving a quadbike/ATV to complete the course.

Chainsaw

What do I need to bring for my course?

  • You need to bring the following with you:

Pen & Notebook

Packed lunch & any cold drinks (hot drinks and biscuits are provided)

Chainsaw, Fuel (if applicable) & maintenance tools

Personal Protective Equipment – including chainsaw trousers, gloves and face shield as well as chainsaw helmet and steel toe capped boots.

Suitable clothes for the weather.

I do not have the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), can you supply this?

  • Yes, you can hire PPE and Chainsaw from us for a small cost (please speak to a member of staff in the office).

 Which Awarding Body will my course be regulated by?

  • We mainly run Lantra Courses, but we can offer City & Guilds (NPTC) (please speak to a member of staff in the office).

Minimum Age for the course.

  • 16 years old.

How long does my qualification last?

  • It is recommended that occasional user’s refresher every 3 years and professional users every 5 years.
  • After this you will need to complete a refresher course.

How long is a refresher course?

  • A refresher course is a 1-day course (you must have previously completed a certificate of competence or a Level 2 qualification with the chainsaw)

What is the duration of a chainsaw cross cut and maintenance course (Novice – Basic)?

  • 2 days.

Will I be able to go onto a Felling course with this qualification?

  • Yes, if the Level 2 Award in Chainsaw Crosscut & Maintenance has been achieved then this qualification gives you the pre-requisite needed to go onto the small felling (up to 380mm)

Do I need experience for this course?

  • No, you do not need any experience.

Where is this course run?

  • At our training centre: Beech Hill Farm, DL6 2TD

Telehandler

What is the minimum age for the course?

  • 16 years old.

Do I need experience in operating the machine?

  • No, you do not need any experience you will learn everything you need to know on this course

I have been using this machine for years without a ticket, do I need one?

  • Yes, if you had an accident, you are not complying with HSE directives.

What attachments are candidates trained on?

  • At our training centre we have the following attachments: Bucket, Forks & Bale Spike.

Is there a test?

  • Yes, there is a practical assessment and a multiple-choice question paper to complete.

Is there a practical test?

  • Yes

Which Awarding Body will my course be regulated by?

  • We mainly run Lantra Approved courses but we can offer City & Guilds, NPORS and In-house.

Do I need a driving license to operate this machine?

  • No, as long as the machine is not driven on the road.

How often do I need to refresh my ticket/certificate?

  • Lantra every 5 years.
  • Inhouse every 3 years.

What do I need to bring with me for the Course?

  • You ned to bring the following with you:

Pen & Notebook

Packed lunch & any cold drinks (hot drinks and biscuits are provided)

  • Suitable clothes for the weather

ATV Sit In and Sit Astride

What is the minimum age for the course?

  • 16 years old.

Do I need experience operating the machine?

  • No, you do not need any experience you will learn everything you need to know on this course

I have been using this machine for years without a ticket, do I need one?

  • Yes, if you had an accident, you are not complying with HSE directives.

Do I need a driving license to operate this machine?

  • No, as long as the machine is not driven on the road.

How often do I need to refresh my ticket?

  • Every 5 years.

Which Awarding Body will my course be regulated by?

  • Lantra

What do I need to bring with me for the Course?

  • You ned to bring the following with you:

Pen & Notebook

Packed lunch & any cold drinks (hot drinks and biscuits are provided)

  • Suitable clothes for the weather

Rodent Control

I want to be able to buy rat bait but have been told I need a certificate. How do I get a certificate?

  • The Rodent Control certificate has an online learning part which is to be completed at home prior to the test.
  • The test then must be completed at our training centre (DL6 2TD) under exam conditions.

 Is the learning face to face or online:

  • The learning is online (to be completed in your own home), this takes between 4-6hours to complete and can be broken down into small chunks – it does NOT have to be completed in one sitting.
  • You can log on as many times as you like to the online learning.

Can I bring any notes into the test with me, when I attend the training centre?

  • No, you can not bring any notes into the test room with you. However, the test is what is known as an ‘open book’. A 90-page technical guidance document is provided within the test to help you answer the questions online.

How many questions do I need to get right to pass?

  • You need to gain 80% to pass the assessment.

How long am I allowed to complete the test?

You get 60mins to complete the test.

When do I get to know if I have passed or failed?

  • You get to know straight away once the test has finished; a note will appear on your computer screen to say either ‘Achieved’ or ‘Not Achieved’

 Can I resit if I fail?

  • Yes, you can re book the test for another day (there is an additional fee to pay for the resit).

Which Awarding Body will my course be regulated by?

  • Lantra.

 Is this a lifelong Qualification?

  • Currently (Dec 2025) there is no requirement to refresh this qualification, but this may not continue.

Game Meat Hygiene Small & Large

Game Meat Hygiene Certificate how do I get this qualification?

  • You would need to complete the online learning (at home) which takes approx. 1 hour. Then complete an invigilated online assessment at our training centre (DL6 2TD) under exam conditions. You get 60mins to complete the assessment.

How many questions do I need to get right to pass?

  • The assessment is broken down into 2 part ‘Common Practice’ & ‘Small Game’ or ‘Large Game’ (we would need to know which one you would like to sit before the assessment). the assessment has 40 questions in total: 20 common practice and 20 either small or large game. You need to gain 75% in both sections to pass.

Can I bring any notes into the assessment with me?

  • No unfortunately not this is a ‘closed book exam’.

When do I get to know if I have passed or failed?

  • You get to know straight away once the assessment has finished; a note will appear on your computer screen to say either ‘Achieved’ ‘Not Achieved’

Can I resit if I fail?

  • Yes, you can re book the assessment for another day (there is an assessment fee to pay for the resit).

Which Awarding Body will my course be regulated by?

  • Lantra.

Animal Transport Certificate of Competence

Animal Transport Certificate of Competency (Short Journey), what animals does this cover?

  • There are 7 modules: Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Goats, Horses, Poultry & Game Birds.
  • Each module is completed separately – apart from Cattle & Sheep can be combined or individual.

What is a short journey?

  • If you are going to transport animals over a distance of 65km or under 8 hours in duration in any one journey.

Can I do my Long Journey’s certificate of competence with Vicky Anderson Training?

  • Unfortunately at this moment in time (June 2024) we do not offer this certification.

Is there any face to face or online learning available?

  • Yes, there is online learning (at home) available which is chargeable.

How do I book my assessment?

Where does my assessment take place at?

  • At our training centre (DL6 2TD), an online invigilated assessment.

How long does the assessment take?

  • You get 60mins to complete your assessment per module.

Do I get my results straight away?

  • Yes, the office can give you a print out of your results within a few minutes of completing your assessment.

Can I bring any notes into the assessment with me?

  • No unfortunately not this is a ‘closed book exam’.

When do I get to know if I have passed or failed?

  • You get to know straight away one the assessment has finished; a note will appear on your computer screen to say either ‘Achieved’ ‘Not Achieved’

Can I resit if I fail?

  • Yes, you can re book the assessment for another day (there is an assessment fee to pay for the resit).

Which Awarding Body will my course be regulated by?

  • City & Guilds.
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