New Study Guide for ACE Exam

A little over a year ago, the Entomological Society of America (ESA) asked if I would be interested in helping assemble a study guide for PMPs preparing to take the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) exam.  The idea for a formal study guide had been kicked around for several years because of the frequent requests by PMPs for help knowing how to prepare for the test.  I think at that time we all envisioned a brief outline of some of the key points one would have to study to successfully pass the ACE exam.  After discussions with my future co-author, the energetic and highly competent Richard Levine, we began to wonder what we had gotten ourselves into.  It turns out that there is a lot of stuff to know if you are going to be an ACE.  As a result, the book kept growing to its final size of over 200 pages.

This week ESA began accepting orders for the new study guide. IPM for the Urban Professional: A Study Guide for the Associate Certified Entomologist is available at an introductory price of $69 for ACEs or ESA members through the ESA website. Cost for ACE applicants is $49 with the introductory price.

If you are already a BCE or ACE and would like to put on a prep class for employees or fellow PMPs in your area ESA is offering a deal.  You get a free copy of the book with a purchase of 10 or more study guides for your prep class. I know this sounds a little like a late night TV ad, but WHILE SUPPLIES LAST early orders will receive a free copy of the Handbook of Household and Structural Pests, edited by Roger Gold and Susan Jones. I value this book on my shelf not just because of the detailed pest information, but also because of the useful cross references it provides for deeper study.

We knew from the beginning that the ACE study guide was no substitute for a good field guide like Smith and Whitman's NPMA Field Guide to Structural Pests.  And it doesn't carry the detail and documentation you find in the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control.  But I think we did a pretty good job of reviewing key concepts of IPM and the science of entomology, and how they apply to pest control. After having read most of the handbooks for PMPs, I think this one covers some new ground and provides just enough detail to help you face the ACE exam with confidence.

The study guide went to press yesterday, and will be officially available at PestWorld 2015 in Nashville.

ACE Prep Class and Updated ACE Exam to be offered at A&M Workshop

The newly updated Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) exam, along with a Prep Class for prospective ACEs, will be offered next month in College Station at the Texas A&M University Urban Pest Management Conference and Workshop.

With over 700 ACEs nationwide, the Certification program of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) is the fastest growing certification program for PMPs.  This year, in addition to seeing record growth, the ESA has partnered with the National Pest Management Association to make prep courses, to prepare for the ACE exam, more widely available.

In Texas, however, you need go no further than our own Texas A&M University Conference to take the Prep Class. Dr. Bob Davis and I will be reviewing fundamental knowledge requirements for the exam. The training is intended as a last minute review and confidence building class, but does not really substitute for your comprehensive studying.  Four CEUs will be awarded for attending the six-hour class.

Registration is required for the Conference to attend the Prep Class.  According to Laura Nelson, Conference administrator, this is the last week to take advantage of the pre-registration price of $200 ($225 after this week, or at the door).  If you want to take the ACE exam at the Conference you will also need to apply for the ACE program and pay the fees ahead of time.

On the second day of the Conference, January 9, the [optional] ACE exam is offered for anyone who wants to take it.

How Do I Get Certified?

So what's involved with getting certified?  First you have to qualify. To become an ACE, you must:

• Have seven years experience in pest control (three years for those with an entomology degree);
• hold a current U.S. pesticide applicator's license; and 
• agree to sign the ACE code of ethics.

If you think you qualify, you can apply through the ESA/ACE website. The application fee is $125 for ESA members and $150 for non-ESA members.  

Next you will need to study to take the ACE exam.  Information about how to study for the exam, and what study materials are recommended can be found on the ESA website.  Note that if you plan to take the exam at the Conference, prior study is highly recommended.  The Prep Class is not a prerequisite for taking the exam.

Big Changes in the ACE program

There are some big changes in the ACE program that will be inaugurated at our own A&M workshop.  Beginning Jan 1, there will be a newly updated and improved ACE exam.  In addition, all new and existing ACEs will begin to be required to document proof of continuing education every three years. This step was deemed necessary by the Board to ensure that ACEs maintain their training and keep up with advances in the field.  Everything you want to know about these changes and more can be found on the Certified Entomologist blog.