The Associate Certified Entomologist Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does ESA conduct a Certification Program?
For years ESA has certified college-trained entomologists as
BCEs for scientific, professional and legal careers. You may already know
a BCE in your area – they are respected leaders in many fields, including
structural pest control; public health; and medical, veterinary, agricultural,
or regulatory entomology (click here to see a
roster of BCEs). The ACE program makes entomological certification
possible for those without formal education in entomology. If you have
extensive experience and knowledge in entomology through on-the-job training,
experience, and self-study, you may qualify to become an ACE.
Why should I become ACE Certified?
The trend is clear; many organizations such as schools,
hospitals, government agencies, factories, and food-handling facilities require
independent certification for their contractors. Having a certified
professional on staff can give your company the edge it needs to compete
successfully with other pest control providers. In addition, employees
will benefit from an increased sense of pride and accomplishment when they
achieve certification.
What are the benefits of ACE Certification?
- ACEs receive
a high-quality uniform patch to wear on their uniforms,
- ACEs receive
a static cling decal to display on store or vehicle windows,
- ACEs receive
a certificate of accomplishment for their office wall,
- ACEs can
display the letters ACE after their name (e.g., John Doe, ACE) to signify their
accomplishment,
- ACEs can
use the ACE logo in their promotional advertisements (employers can use the
logo as long as they have one or more Associate Certified Entomologists on
their full time staff),
- ACEs receive
a Code of Ethics that assures their employers and customers that they ascribe
to the highest ethical standards,
- ACEs receive
a free online subscription to the ESA Newsletter,
- ACEs receive a discounted rate to attend the ESA Annual Meeting, and
- ACEs receive,
upon request, advertising assistance in developing the most influential copy
for radio, television, and print advertisements to help promote their
certification and business.
Who can become an ACE?
Anyone can become an ACE, as long as they have a minimum of
7 years of verifiable pest management experience, a current pesticide
applicator's license, and the ability to pass a test of your knowledge of
structural pest control. The ACE exam rigorous and should not to be taken
lightly. It is designed to test practicing pest management professionals on the
practical aspects of applied entomology. The major categories of
competency covered by the exam include:
- Basic entomology
- Identification, life cycles, and practical control
measures for important structural pests
- Health impacts of pests
- Ecological principles pertaining to pest control
- Environmental impacts related to pest control
- Integrated pest management (IPM) principles
- Pesticide safety and health issues
- Pesticide technology, resources
- Organizations and associations of significance
to the pest control industry
- Laws and regulations affecting the industry
How do I prepare for the ACE exam?
Experienced operators who are committed to continuing
education and maintaining currency in their profession, should find the ACE
exam challenging, but fair. A set of topics on which the examination is
based is listed above. In addition to helping you know what to study, our
website provides a list of suggested references and
a PDF study guide. Review classes administered by certified entomologists may also be
available in your area, or online (coming soon). For more information about
review courses, contact ESA.
What does it cost to become an ACE?
Click here for the current fee
structure.
