Plant Protection Competence Certificate

Anyone who professionally applies, sells, or advises on plant protection products in Germany must hold a competence certificate (Sachkundenachweis) under the Plant Protection Act. This applies to farmers, gardeners, landscapers, forestry workers, and retailers of plant protection products.

The certificate is issued as a credit card-format ID (Scheckkarte) by the state plant protection service after you prove your qualification, typically through a relevant vocational training or university degree with documented plant protection content. Once issued, the certificate is valid indefinitely, but you must complete an approved continuing education course every three years to maintain it. If you fail to complete the required training, the authority can withdraw your certificate.