CEPA Certified® Certification is the European certification scheme for pest management businesses, aiming to enhance the quality, safety, and reliability of the services provided. It is based on the European Standard EN 16636, which sets out clear requirements for the proper organisation and execution of pest control activities—such as insect control, rodent control, and integrated pest management—with a strong focus on public health, environmental protection, and the safety of clients and facilities. 

CEPA (Confederation of European Pest Management Associations) represents a broad European network of professionals in the pest management sector, promoting alignment on common requirements and best practices. For a pest control company, CEPA certification serves as tangible evidence of professionalism, compliance, and responsibility towards clients, partners, and society. 

What is CEPA Certification? 

CEPA Certification is a recognised scheme that assesses and confirms that a pest management company applies quality and safety requirements in accordance with EN 16636. In practice, this means that the company has documented procedures, appropriately trained personnel, correct use of methods and products, and mechanisms for monitoring and continuously improving its services. 

The certification is addressed to professionals and organisations providing services such as insect control, rodent control, preventive protection programmes, and integrated pest management for residential, commercial, industrial, and high-requirement facilities (e.g. food, pharmaceuticals, logistics). 

Benefits & Competitive Advantages of CEPA Certification 

CEPA certification is not just a “compliance label” — it is a tool for growth and differentiation. Indicative benefits include: 

  • Enhanced credibility & trust (brand trust): Clients more easily recognise the professionalism and consistency of a certified company. 
  • Competitiveness & differentiation: Immediate distinction from non-certified pest management providers, especially in B2B contracts. 
  • Improved access to demanding sectors: Food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic facilities, and sensitive infrastructures require documented quality and strict practices. 
  • Visibility & recognition: Certification is linked to promotion and reference mechanisms of the scheme (where applicable), strengthening the company’s reputation. 
  • Improved internal organisation: EN 16636 structures processes, roles, records, inspections, and continuous improvement — resulting in fewer errors and more consistent service quality. 

CEPA EN 16636 Requirements & Standard 

EN 16636 is designed to be applicable to pest control companies of different sizes, with a common denominator of safety, technical competence, and service quality. Its core principles focus on: 

  • Health & safety: Proper risk management, safe working practices, and protection of clients and site users. 
  • Environmental responsibility: Documented selection of methods and products, and reduction of environmental impact where feasible. 
  • Documentation & traceability: Clear records of activities, applications, reports, and findings. 
  • Personnel qualifications & competence: Training, skills evaluation, supervision of activities, and awareness of legislation and best practices. 
  • Regulatory compliance: Alignment with public health and environmental protection requirements, as well as specific client and sector requirements. 

CEPA Certification Process – Step by Step 

The path to certification is clear and can be practically organised into distinct stages: 

  1. Initial contact & information 
    Definition of the scope (activities, areas, customer types) and explanation of EN 16636 and CEPA scheme requirements. 
  1. Readiness self-assessment (gap check) 
    Review of existing procedures, records, and training, and identification of any gaps. 
  1. Submission of required documentation 
    Collection of policies, procedures, training records, sample service reports, etc. 
  1. Assessment & audit 
    Verification of compliance with EN 16636 through documentation review, practical implementation checks, staff interviews, and sampling of records. 
  1. Certification issuance & use of the mark 
    Upon successful completion, the company is entitled to promote its certification (in accordance with scheme rules) and is included in reference and visibility mechanisms where applicable. 

Required Documentation & Preparation 

To ensure a smooth assessment, the following should typically be available and up to date: 

  • Documented pest control procedures (from risk assessment to application and reporting). 
  • Health & safety policies, working rules, and personal protective measures. 
  • Personnel training and competence records, including defined roles and responsibilities. 
  • Sample client reports (visits, findings, recommendations, follow-up actions). 

Legal & Regulatory Framework 

The CEPA and EN 16636 approach aligns with the broader European framework aimed at protecting public health and the environment. Pest management directly affects areas where people work, products are stored, or goods are produced; therefore, technical competence, safety, and documentation are essential. For this reason, CEPA applies across all sectors with pest management needs, from standard business premises to highly critical facilities. 

CEPA vs ISO 9001 & Other Standards 

CEPA certification (EN 16636) is specialised in pest management, whereas ISO 9001 is a general quality management system standard applicable to any type of organisation. 

In practice, the two are complementary: 

  • ISO 9001 supports overall organisation, quality objectives, customer management, and continuous improvement. 
  • CEPA / EN 16636 focuses deeply on the technical and operational quality of pest management services. 

Certification Cost & Validity 

The cost of CEPA certification mainly depends on the size of the company, the scope of activities, the number of sites/branches, and service complexity. Typically, certification is valid for three (3) years, with periodic surveillance audits during the cycle and a renewal process at the end. 

With proper preparation, the process is efficient and does not disrupt day-to-day operations. 

Advantages for Small & Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) 

For SMEs in the pest management sector, CEPA acts as a strong credibility multiplier in the market: 

  • Provides a clear differentiator in tenders and offers. 
  • Supports the development of new partnerships, particularly in B2B contexts. 
  • Encourages a more “mature” operational model: procedures, roles, records, and training — all expected by demanding clients. 

Q-CERT as a Certification Body 

Certification Body Q-CERT supports companies in organising and assessing compliance through a clear, reliable, and effective certification process. With experienced auditors and a practical approach, we help pest management businesses translate EN 16636 requirements into implementable procedures and demonstrable evidence of compliance. 

If you wish to enhance your market image and strengthen customer trust through CEPA Certified®, contact us to guide you through the next steps. 

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions 

Companies providing pest management services (insect control, rodent control, preventive programmes, integrated pest management) that seek documented quality and credibility—especially when operating in demanding sectors.

The cost depends on the size of the company, the scope of certification, and the complexity of services. A quotation is provided based on the actual characteristics of your organisation.

If you are looking for sector-specific expertise in pest management, CEPA is the targeted choice. ISO 9001 is a general quality management standard, and in practice the two certifications often work in a complementary manner.

Continued compliance with the standard, up-to-date records, ongoing staff training, effective implementation of procedures, and successful completion of the renewal audit.

Why Q-CERT? 

Choosing Q-CERT for CEPA Certified® (EN 16636) certification is a guarantee of reliability, professionalism, and full compliance with European pest management requirements. CEPA certification confirms your organisation’s commitment to protecting public health and the environment, while delivering high-quality, well-documented, and safe pest management services. 

To obtain CEPA certification, contact Q-CERT and request a tailored quotation, adapted to the scope and specific needs of your activities 

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