Module 4 - Regulated Non-Quarantine and Protected Zone Pests

Authorised Professional Operator Assessment Module 4 - Regulated #Non-Quarantine and #Protected Zone #Pests

Since 14 December 2019, all plants for planting require a plant passport when moved from one professional operator to another professional operator or sold online to final users. Plant passports attest to compliance with the plant health requirements and can only be issued by professional operators who are authorised to do so by the Department. Professional operators play a key role in detecting harmful plant pests and protecting Ireland’s favourable plant health status.

The new authorisation process includes this online training course and an on site inspection by a Department inspector.

The process will be as follows:

1. Professional Operators view training modules via the link available at
2. Professional Operators answer multiple choice questions on the content of the training
modules. The assessment is available on the EU Survey website at
and the result will be generated automatically. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
3. Upon successful completion of the course, operators will be provided with confirmation of
their result by email. Full name, full email address and Plant Health Registration number of
the Professional Operator will be required to complete the training.
4. Professional Operators complete an application form to be authorised to issue plant
passports and return to the Department together with a copy of the confirmation email referred to at point 3.
5. A Department inspector will conduct an on-site assessment to confirm that the operator has the necessary equipment and facilities to perform examinations and the capacity to carry out the measures necessary to prevent the presence and spread of harmful pests.
6. If the inspection stage is successful, a certificate of authorisation to issue plant passports will be provided to the Professional Operator.