CALIFORNIA BRANCH 2 FIELD REPRESENTATIVE EXAM 2025/2026 | COMPLETE
STUDY GUIDE WITH OFFICIAL QUESTIONS, CORRECT ANSWERS, AND DETAILED
RATIONALES | STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL BOARD (SPCB)/GRADE A+ ASSURED
Question 1
Which cockroach species found in California is capable of flight, in addition to the
American cockroach?
A) German cockroach
B) Brown Banded cockroach
C) Oriental cockroach
D) Turkestan cockroach
Correct Answer: B) Brown Banded cockroach
Rationale: While the German and Oriental cockroaches typically do not fly, the male Brown
Banded cockroach has fully developed wings and is capable of flying, especially when disturbed
or in warm temperatures.
Question 2
Morphological identification of the Pharaoh ant involves counting antennal segments. How
many segments does a Pharaoh ant antenna possess?
A) 10
B) 11
C) 12
D) 13
Correct Answer: C) 12
Rationale: Pharaoh ants are identified by their 12-segmented antennae, which finish with a
distinct three-segmented club at the tip.
Question 3
When performing a pest control treatment during rainy or drizzling conditions, which
formulation is most appropriate to avoid runoff and ensure efficacy?
A) Wettable powder
B) Granules
C) Dust
D) Emulsifiable concentrate
, 2
Correct Answer: C) Dust
Rationale: Dust formulations are less likely to be washed away immediately by light rain
compared to liquid sprays, and they can be applied into voids and dry crevices where moisture
does not penetrate.
Question 4
Which ant species is physically distinguished by having grooves (striations) on its head and
thorax?
A) Carpenter Ant
B) Argentine Ant
C) Pavement Ant
D) Pharaoh Ant
Correct Answer: C) Pavement Ant
Rationale: The Pavement ant (Tetramorium caespitum) is identifiable under magnification by
the parallel furrows or grooves running longitudinally on its head and thorax.
Question 5
A registered Field Representative changes employment companies. Within what timeframe
must they notify the Structural Pest Control Board?
A) 5 days
B) 10 days
C) 15 days
D) 30 days
Correct Answer: B) 10 days
Rationale: Licensees are legally required to notify the Registrar of the Structural Pest Control
Board in writing within 10 days of any change in employment or change of address.
Question 6
What is the average number of eggs found within a single Brown Banded cockroach egg
capsule (ootheca)?
A) 4-8
B) 10-12
, 3
C) 14-16
D) 30-40
Correct Answer: C) 14-16
Rationale: The Brown Banded cockroach ootheca typically contains between 14 and 16 eggs.
This is fewer than the German cockroach but more than the larger American cockroach.
Question 7
Silverfish are often found in residences feeding on wallpaper glue. What is the primary
nutrient they are seeking?
A) Protein
B) Starch/Cellulose
C) Fats/Oils
D) Keratin
Correct Answer: B) Starch/Cellulose
Rationale: Silverfish require carbohydrates and starches. They feed on paper, book bindings,
and wallpaper paste (glue) because these materials are rich in starch and cellulose.
Question 8
Which spider is identified by a distinct violin-shaped marking on the cephalothorax (dorsal
side of the neck)?
A) Black Widow Spider
B) Wolf Spider
C) Brown Recluse Spider
D) Hobo Spider
Correct Answer: C) Brown Recluse Spider
Rationale: The Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) is known as the "fiddle-back" or "violin"
spider because of the dark brown violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax, with the neck of
the violin pointing toward the rear.
Question 9
In a severe rodent infestation, what is the maximum distance traps should be spaced apart?
, 4
A) 6 feet
B) 10 feet
C) 20 feet
D) 25 feet
Correct Answer: B) 10 feet
Rationale: For severe infestations, particularly with mice which have limited ranges, traps
should be placed no more than 10 feet apart to ensure the rodent encounters the device during its
normal foraging.
Question 10
Which federal agency is responsible for regulating the transportation of pesticides on
public highways?
A) EPA
B) OSHA
C) Department of Transportation (DOT)
D) Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)
Correct Answer: C) Department of Transportation (DOT)
Rationale: The Department of Transportation sets standards for the safe transport of hazardous
materials, including labeling, vehicle placards, and container security during transit.
Question 11
How many hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) must a Branch 2 Field
Representative complete to renew their license?
A) 8 hours
B) 12 hours
C) 16 hours
D) 20 hours
Correct Answer: C) 16 hours
Rationale: To maintain licensure, a Branch 2 Field Representative is required to complete 16
hours of continuing education every renewal period.
STUDY GUIDE WITH OFFICIAL QUESTIONS, CORRECT ANSWERS, AND DETAILED
RATIONALES | STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL BOARD (SPCB)/GRADE A+ ASSURED
Question 1
Which cockroach species found in California is capable of flight, in addition to the
American cockroach?
A) German cockroach
B) Brown Banded cockroach
C) Oriental cockroach
D) Turkestan cockroach
Correct Answer: B) Brown Banded cockroach
Rationale: While the German and Oriental cockroaches typically do not fly, the male Brown
Banded cockroach has fully developed wings and is capable of flying, especially when disturbed
or in warm temperatures.
Question 2
Morphological identification of the Pharaoh ant involves counting antennal segments. How
many segments does a Pharaoh ant antenna possess?
A) 10
B) 11
C) 12
D) 13
Correct Answer: C) 12
Rationale: Pharaoh ants are identified by their 12-segmented antennae, which finish with a
distinct three-segmented club at the tip.
Question 3
When performing a pest control treatment during rainy or drizzling conditions, which
formulation is most appropriate to avoid runoff and ensure efficacy?
A) Wettable powder
B) Granules
C) Dust
D) Emulsifiable concentrate
, 2
Correct Answer: C) Dust
Rationale: Dust formulations are less likely to be washed away immediately by light rain
compared to liquid sprays, and they can be applied into voids and dry crevices where moisture
does not penetrate.
Question 4
Which ant species is physically distinguished by having grooves (striations) on its head and
thorax?
A) Carpenter Ant
B) Argentine Ant
C) Pavement Ant
D) Pharaoh Ant
Correct Answer: C) Pavement Ant
Rationale: The Pavement ant (Tetramorium caespitum) is identifiable under magnification by
the parallel furrows or grooves running longitudinally on its head and thorax.
Question 5
A registered Field Representative changes employment companies. Within what timeframe
must they notify the Structural Pest Control Board?
A) 5 days
B) 10 days
C) 15 days
D) 30 days
Correct Answer: B) 10 days
Rationale: Licensees are legally required to notify the Registrar of the Structural Pest Control
Board in writing within 10 days of any change in employment or change of address.
Question 6
What is the average number of eggs found within a single Brown Banded cockroach egg
capsule (ootheca)?
A) 4-8
B) 10-12
, 3
C) 14-16
D) 30-40
Correct Answer: C) 14-16
Rationale: The Brown Banded cockroach ootheca typically contains between 14 and 16 eggs.
This is fewer than the German cockroach but more than the larger American cockroach.
Question 7
Silverfish are often found in residences feeding on wallpaper glue. What is the primary
nutrient they are seeking?
A) Protein
B) Starch/Cellulose
C) Fats/Oils
D) Keratin
Correct Answer: B) Starch/Cellulose
Rationale: Silverfish require carbohydrates and starches. They feed on paper, book bindings,
and wallpaper paste (glue) because these materials are rich in starch and cellulose.
Question 8
Which spider is identified by a distinct violin-shaped marking on the cephalothorax (dorsal
side of the neck)?
A) Black Widow Spider
B) Wolf Spider
C) Brown Recluse Spider
D) Hobo Spider
Correct Answer: C) Brown Recluse Spider
Rationale: The Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) is known as the "fiddle-back" or "violin"
spider because of the dark brown violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax, with the neck of
the violin pointing toward the rear.
Question 9
In a severe rodent infestation, what is the maximum distance traps should be spaced apart?
, 4
A) 6 feet
B) 10 feet
C) 20 feet
D) 25 feet
Correct Answer: B) 10 feet
Rationale: For severe infestations, particularly with mice which have limited ranges, traps
should be placed no more than 10 feet apart to ensure the rodent encounters the device during its
normal foraging.
Question 10
Which federal agency is responsible for regulating the transportation of pesticides on
public highways?
A) EPA
B) OSHA
C) Department of Transportation (DOT)
D) Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)
Correct Answer: C) Department of Transportation (DOT)
Rationale: The Department of Transportation sets standards for the safe transport of hazardous
materials, including labeling, vehicle placards, and container security during transit.
Question 11
How many hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) must a Branch 2 Field
Representative complete to renew their license?
A) 8 hours
B) 12 hours
C) 16 hours
D) 20 hours
Correct Answer: C) 16 hours
Rationale: To maintain licensure, a Branch 2 Field Representative is required to complete 16
hours of continuing education every renewal period.
