Starting Jan 1, 2025, BCE applications will be reviewed and approved based on the following updated eligibility criteria:
Educational Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent), majoring, in a biological or life science, to include at least 4 term length (semester, trimester, quarter) courses/research credits in Entomology. Entomology course work can be completed outside of a degree, provided they are offered by an accredited institution (online coursework counts). For those with an advanced degree, the same requirements hold true. If your advanced degree meets the requirements, your undergraduate degree does not need to, e.g.: you hold a bachelor’s degree in Business, but an Master’s in Entomology; that is sufficient to meet the requirements.
- Biology (Marine, Environmental, Vector, Plant, Wildlife, Vertebrate, Invertebrate, etc.)
- Biochemistry
- General Zoology
- Ecology (Marine, Environmental, Vector, Plant, Wildlife, Vertebrate, Invertebrate, etc.)
- Environmental Sciences
- Agronomy
- Forestry
- Ecology
- Invertebrate Biology
- Invertebrate Ecology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology or Molecular Science
The Certification Board sets education, work experience, competency, and ethical standards for admittance to the Certification Program. Ethical standards are enforced by requiring that all BCEs must agree to adhere at all times to the Board Certified Entomologist Code of Ethics. Those who don't meet full eligibility may apply for alternative BCE status options.
All applications must include:
- Application filled out completely
- Two letters of professional reference
- Application fees (which include first attempt at the exams)
- Academic transcripts
- Current CV
*The below information is only valid through 12/31/20204*
Requirements for BCE Certification are as follows:
- For those who hold a PhD in entomology or a related field, (such as biological sciences, zoology, ecology, etc) the requirements are at least one (1) year, following your Ph.D., of full-time work experience in the field, a copy of academic transcripts, a current CV, two contacts for letters of reference (or a minimum of two completed letters of reference), required fees, and a willingness to abide by ethical standards set in the BCE Code of Ethics (below).
- For those who hold a Masters degree in entomology or a related field, (such as biological sciences, zoology, ecology, etc), the requirements are at least two (2) years, following your Masters, of full-time work experience in the field, a copy of academic transcripts, a current CV, two contacts for letters of reference (or a minimum of two completed letters of reference), required fees, and a willingness to abide by ethical standards set in the BCE Code of Ethics.
- For those who hold a Bachelor's degree in entomology or a related field, (such as biological sciences, zoology, ecology, etc), the requirements are at least three (3) years, following your Bachelor's, of full-time work experience in the field, a copy of academic transcripts, a current CV, two contacts for letters of reference (or a minimum of two completed letters of reference), required fees, and a willingness to abide by ethical standards set in the BCE Code of Ethics.
- Non-degreed applications are not eligible for BCE status and are instead encouraged to pursue ACE certification. Please see the requirements for BCE eligibility above.
All applications must include:
- Application filled out completely
- Two letters of professional reference
- Application fees (which include first attempt at the exams)
- Academic transcripts
- Current CV
Relevant coursework that will be considered is as follows:
- General Biology
- General Zoology
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Biology
- Environmental Sciences with Biology Emphasis
- Vector Biology
- Plant Biology
- Ecology
- Plant Ecology
- Animal Ecology
- Wildlife Biology or Wildlife Ecology
- Vertebrate Biology
- Vertebrate Ecology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology or Molecular Science
- Pest Management
- Biology and Biochemistry
- General Chemistry
If you are unsure about whether your coursework qualifies, please feel free to email a copy of your transcripts to bce@entsoc.org for review before submitting the full application.
BCE Alternative Application & Renewal Options
BCE Interns
This option is reserved for individuals who have met the education requirements but not the experiential requirements to apply for BCE. The basic requirements include, proof of any level of education (including transcripts), 2 letters of reference, and a CV or resume. Learn more.
BCE Administrative
For those who spend more of their active work hours on administrative work rather than applied work, BCE-Administrative is a good option. The requirements are the same as for regular BCEs, but on an ongoing basis, the CEUs that make up the Professional Maintenance and Certification Report will be less rigorous. Current BCEs who wish to apply to become BCE-Administrative should contact the ESA Headquarters. The requirements for application is that the BCE must have over 2/3 of their time allotted to managerial, policy, and personnel functions. Once approved as a BCE Administrative, the BCE will need to refer to themselves as a BCE-Administrative, BCE (Admin.), or similar designation so as to no longer infer full certification that implies the normal CEUs were attained. When reporting CEUs, a BCE-Administrative is held to a lesser standard. Some (possibly all) of their CEUs may reflect education and participation in non-science areas relating to management and administration.
Contact ESA if you have questions.
BCE Emeritus
Formerly called, BCE-Retired, a BCE-Emeritus is a BCE who remains in good standing, but is no longer actively working in the field of entomology. Any retired BCE who has at least 10 consecutive years or 15 years cumulative years of certification may apply for BCE-Emeritus status. BCE Emeriti are exempt from submitting CEU reports. Please click here for more information or to apply. Once approved as a BCE Emeritus, the BCE will need to refer to themselves as a BCE-Emeritus, BCE (Emeritus), or similar designation so as to no longer infer full certification that implies CEUs were attained. Contact ESA if you have questions.
Inactive Status
A BCE can choose to “sit out” of the program for a period not to exceed two years through written petition to the Certification Board. During this time, the BCE may not use the letters “BCE” after their name without also adding “Inactive”. The purpose of this status is to allow a person to attend to family or personal emergencies that preclude their active work as a BCE without jeopardizing their overall and ultimate status as a BCE. Upon returning to active status, back dues will be owed and collected and, in some instances, a new PMC report would need to be submitted. During the period of inactivity, the BCE will not be allowed to hold office nor vote in ESA elections. To apply, please contact the ESA Certification Coordinator.