CIT Code of Ethics

PREAMBLE

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is important to the welfare and progress of human society. Certified IPM Technicians (CIT)s have the position and authority to render effective service to humanity, in keeping with high standards of ethical conduct. In order that the honor and dignity of the profession be advanced and maintained, the Entomological Society of America (ESA) has established the following code to define the professional conduct and ethics, binding on CITs.

OBLIGATIONS TO SOCIETY

1          The CIT's knowledge and skills will be used for the betterment of human welfare.

1.2        The CIT will share in sustaining the laws, institutions, and burdens of the community.
 

OBLIGATIONS TO THE PUBLIC

2.1        The CIT will follow standard IPM guidelines in the performance of all of their professional duties – ensuring proper regard for the safety, health, and welfare of the public and environment; documenting findings as appropriate and required; and keeping all stakeholders informed of the process.

2.2        The CIT will be honest and impartial, and will preface any one-sided statements, criticisms, or arguments by clearly indicating on whose behalf they are made.

2.3        The CIT will express an opinion on an entomological subject only when it is founded on adequate knowledge and honest conviction, and will be factual in all estimates, reports, and testimonies.
 

OBLIGATIONS TO THE PROFESSION

3.1        The CIT will strive to advance the science and art of IPM, to guard and uphold its high standard of honor, and to conform to the principles of professional conduct.

3.2        The CIT will cooperate in edifying the profession by exchanging information with entomologists, and by contributing to the work of technical societies and the technical press, where disclosure of such information does not conflict with the interests of clients and employers.

3.3        The CIT will strive to promote the public’s awareness and perception of pest management, pest management professionals, and all facets of the pest management business, taking special care of their responsibilities as a CIT to defend the honor and prestige of IPM that are encapsulated by the CIT program.

3.4        The CIT, when referring to the certification granted by the ESA, shall always use the full title of Certified IPM Technician or CIT. The CIT will seek to inform others of will immediately report to the ESA any misuse or misrepresentation of the terms entomology, entomologist, Certified IPM Technicians, Board Certified Entomologist, Associate Certified Entomologist, Public Health Entomology Certificate, or derivatives thereof.

 

OBLIGATIONS TO EMPLOYERS AND CLIENTS

4.1        The CIT will act as a faithful agent or trustee for each employer or client, and will not knowingly engage in illegal work or unethical practice, or knowingly cooperate with any person so engaged.

4.2        The CIT will undertake only those IPM assignments for which they are qualified.  The CIT will obtain, or advise the employer or client to obtain, the assistance of specialists whenever the employer's or client's interests are so served best, and will cooperate with such specialists.

4.3        The CIT will indicate to the employer or client alternatives to recommended courses of action and the expected consequences of each recommended action and alternative.

4.4        The CIT will inform the employer or client of any financial interest, or other conflicting interest they have in any person, material, device, or concept which is or might become involved in a project or work for the employer or client.  Decisions regarding entomological or business services to be performed shall not be influenced by such interests.

4.5        The CIT will act fairly and justly toward vendors and contractors, selecting their products and services on the basis of merit and value.

4.6        The CIT will not disclose information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of present or former employers or clients without their consent.

4.7        The CIT will not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for the same service, or for other services pertaining to the same work, without the consent of all interested parties.
 

OBLIGATIONS TO FELLOW PROFESSIONALS

5.1        The CIT will give credit for pest management and entomological work or advice to whom it is due.

5.2        The CIT will promote solidarity and harmony with fellow pest management professionals, respect their judgment, and support them collectively and individually whenever possible against unjust claims and accusations.

5.3        The CIT will not accept any engagement to review the professional work of a fellow pest management professional (except in litigation and editing of technical or scientific papers) without the knowledge of such person, unless the person's connection with the work has been terminated.

5.4        The CIT will not injure intentionally the professional reputation, prospects, or practice of another pest management professional.  However, proof that another CIT ACE, PHE, or BCE has done anything unethical, illegal, or unfair in a professional capacity, should be communicated to the ESA as soon as possible.

5.5        The CIT will provide a prospective pest management employee with complete information on working conditions and the proposed status of employment, and during employment will keep the employee informed of any changes therein.

5.6        The CIT who employs or supervises other pest management professionals will endeavor to encourage and provide opportunities for their professional development and advancement.