Becoming a Board Certified Entomologist (BCE)

Step 2: Application

Becoming a BCE is a rigorous undertaking and all those who are interested in certification are encouraged to take it seriously. The application procedure is as follows:

1. Applicant submits an application with applicable payment, a minimum of two letters of reference, a CV, and transcripts, if required. Non-degreed applicants will also be asked to submit a current PMC report. Further, the applicant signs a statement agreeing to abide by the BCE Code of Ethics. The application fee is generally collected at this time as well. Each applicant also selects their Specialty (click here for a list of Specialties).
2. It is strongly recommended that the applicant submit reference letters with their application. Failure to do so will dramatically slow down the application process. If letters of reference are not included, the applicant will need to submit a minimum of two names (including method of contact) for ESA to acquire the letters of reference. The ESA Certification Coordinator will then contact the associates and ask them to vouch for the applicant. If the letters were submitted with the application, the references may be contacted for verification.
3. The full application and supporting materials are forwarded to the Chair of the BCE Examining Committee for review.
4. If the review is successful, the applicant is contacted with a letter of welcome to the program. If the review is not successful, the applicant has the opportunity to withdraw from the program and receive half of his/her fees in return.
5. The applicant selects a proctor for his/her examination and, together with their proctor, selects a testing date. This information must be communicated back to the Certification Coordinator, who establishes access for the applicant to take the test(s).
6. Once a test date is selected, the Certification Coordinator sends examination instructions to the proctor.
7. The applicant takes the test(s) on the proctor's computer and, upon submission, is shown his/her score, though final verification of the scores is not complete until reviewed by the Chair of the Examination Committee.
8. The Chair of the Examination Committee contacts the applicant and welcomes them to the BCE program (if they passed) or offers suggestions on how to improve their score for the next test date. If re-testing is required, the test must be taken no sooner than 90 days, but no more than 365 days later, or else re-application to the program may be required.
9. Upon becoming a BCE, the applicant is now entitled to use the moniker “BCE” or “Board Certified Entomologist” in all materials for him/herself and company materials that reference the applicant.
10. A BCE welcome kit will be mailed to the new BCE by the Certification Coordinator.
11. If the applicant became a BCE in the first 3 quarters of the year (January 1 -- September 31) they will need to renew their certification annually, beginning with the next year. If the applicant successfully passed his or her exams in the fourth quarter of the year (October 1 -- December 31) dues for the following year will not be required and annual renewals will start one year later.
     

If you are ready to take a step to further your career, please complete your application to the BCE program. You can apply online or through the mail.  A BCE application includes the following items:

• The application itself. You can either use the online form (coming soon), print out the PDF version or download a copy of the MS Word version. For the MS Word version, please right-click here, and 'save target as', choosing a file location on your local drive. The Intern application is only in PDF format.

• A minimum of two reference letters, or points of contacts for references,

• A CV or resume,

• A copy of your college transcripts (those who have more than 7 years of verifiable experience in the Specialty selected are exempted from this requirement), the application fee, and

• A willingness to adhere to the BCE Code of Ethics.
   

Please submit all materials to the Certification Coordinator, at the address below:

BCE Program
Entomological Society of America
Attention:  Membership Services
10001 Derekwood Lane, Suite 100
Lanham, MD  20706
(New phone) 410-263-3622
bce@entsoc.org

Other steps in the process to become a BCE:

Step 1: Determine eligibility

Step 3: Study for your examinations

Step 4: Select a proctor

Step 5: Take your exam(s)

Step 6: Maintain your certification