Florida WDO (Termite) Exam study plan

Distinguish the three termite groups tested in Florida (subterranean, drywood, dampwood) by colony location, moisture needs, and nesting habit, stating at least four differences from memory

Label the castes (reproductives, workers, soldiers, alates) and their external features on a hand-drawn diagram of each group, including the pronotum shape, wing venation, and antennae type

Separate termites from look-alike ants and wood-boring beetles using at least five diagnostic characters (waist, antennae, wing length, frass type, body color)

Define swarm timing and flight behavior for the major Florida species so you can link a swarm date and location to a probable genus

Build a one-page identification key you can use without notes

Describe the biology of the Florida drywood termite, Formosan termite, eastern subterranean termite, and the Asian and powderpost groups as they affect inspection decisions

Explain how moisture, wood-soil contact, and construction type influence where each species is likely to be found

Convert identification knowledge into inspection expectations: for each group, list the evidence types (frass, shelter tubes, damage patterns, exit holes, carton nests) an inspector should look for

Practice reading damage patterns to infer species, using descriptions of galleries, pellets, and tunneling

Write a short comparison table linking species to evidence and to typical Florida locations

Map the full inspection sequence for a Florida home: exterior, attached structures, garage, attic, interior, crawlspace, and accessible areas, in a repeatable order

Identify the tools and conditions needed for a compliant inspection (flashlight, probing tools, moisture meter, ladder, access to attic and crawlspace) and describe how to document inaccessible areas

Explain the difference between a complete inspection and a limited inspection and how each is reported

Practice documenting findings so another person could locate the evidence from your written description alone

Draft the standard sections of a WDO/WDIR report from memory

Write a complete sample WDO/WDIR report, including the inspection date, areas inspected, areas not inspected with reasons, findings, and recommendations

Explain the purpose and correct use of the WDO/WDIR form compared with a treatment recommendation or a warranty document

Describe how to handle conducive conditions (wood-soil contact, leaks, debris, inadequate ventilation) in the findings and recommendations sections

State the recordkeeping obligations for inspection reports and how long records are retained

List the most common reporting errors that create liability and describe how to avoid each

Compare liquid soil-applied termiticides by class and mode of action, and explain the label factors that drive dilution, volume, and application method

Explain the purpose and placement of a continuous chemical barrier around a structure, including slab, crawlspace, and pier-and-beam construction

Describe baiting systems: station placement, monitoring intervals, active ingredient delivery, and how baiting differs from liquid barrier treatment

Explain localized and whole-structure treatment options for drywood termites, including fumigation, and the conditions that make each appropriate

Identify the safety requirements that apply to all treatments: label compliance, PPE, notification, and re-entry intervals

Write the pre-treatment and post-treatment steps for a soil barrier job, from site preparation through final documentation

Explain how treatment records, warranties, and renewal terms are created and what each must contain

Outline the legal duties that attach when a treatment is performed: label compliance, contract terms, warranties, and record retention

Describe how the law treats misrepresentation and incomplete reporting in a WDO context and how to avoid both

Link each treatment method to the documentation the law and rules require for it

Explain the licensing structure under Chapter 482, F.S., including the categories of pest control licenses, certified operator requirements, and the role of the qualifying employee or certified operator in charge

State the requirements for obtaining and renewing a license, including continuing education hours and recordkeeping

Describe the disciplinary grounds and prohibited acts that most often appear in enforcement actions

Explain the rules on contracts, warranties, and required disclosures for WDO work

Apply the rules to short scenarios: unlicensed activity, false inspection reports, and expired credentials

Take a full-length timed practice exam covering all four domains and record the score by domain

Review every missed question and write a corrected one-sentence rule or fact for each

Re-drill the two weakest domains with targeted questions until each is above 85%

Recite the inspection sequence, the report sections, and the treatment documentation matrix from memory

Assemble a final one-page summary sheet of the facts you missed most often