About the ESA Certification Corporation

Advancing Professional Excellence in Entomology

The ESA Certification Corporation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization dedicated to certifying qualified professionals in the field of entomology. Based in Annapolis, Maryland, we have been setting the gold standard for entomological expertise since 1970. Our certification programs are backed by more than 125 years of insect science and supported by the Entomological Society of America, the world's largest organization serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists, with nearly 7,000 members worldwide.

Applied entomology is vital to supporting human welfare and societal progress. Our mission is to validate professional competence in entomology and ensure that certified professionals possess both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to thrive in today's specialized marketplace. We’re committed to meeting evolving industry needs while maintaining the rigorous standards that have made our certifications the benchmark for professional excellence for more than 50 years.

Credentials

Today, the ESA Certification Corporation offers four credentials for professionals who work with insects:

	Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE), a program for pest management professionals with strong training and experience in insect-related work, without requiring an advanced degree. The ACE International (ACE-I) program is also available for professionals outside the US.
	Board Certified Entomologist (BCE), a program for professional entomologists with degrees in entomology or a closely related field.
	Certified IPM Technician (CIT), an early-career program for professionals with one to four years of experience in pest control. Individuals must be qualified to apply pesticides in the jurisdiction they work in. There are no additional licensing requirements.
	Public Health Entomology Certificate (PHE), a one-time certificate (no renewal requirements) for those who work with pests that pose a health risk.

Governance

The ESA Certification Corporation operates under a dual governance model, powered by dedicated volunteers from the ESA community:

• Governing Board: Composed of ESA Governing Board members and the president of the Certification Board and responsible for budget approval, new program development, and administrative oversight.
• Certification Board: A distinguished group of certified entomologists from various specialties and each ESA Branch, which manages strategic priorities, eligibility criteria, and certification standards.
• Leadership: Includes an elected director, director-elect, past-director, and Governing Board liaison.
• Committees: Provide support to the Certification Board in many administrative functions such as examining eligibility, advancing awards, and evaluating certification renewals.

History

• 1970: American Registry of Certified Entomologists (ARCE) established by the Entomological Society of America (ESA)'s Standing Committee on Professional Training, Standards and Status to provide certification of professional status for qualified ESA members.
• 1973: ARCE renamed to American Registry of Professional Entomologists (ARPE) to avoid confusion with federal pesticide applicator certification terminology.
• 1976: ESA approves self-governance for ARPE with independent Special Council.
• 1977: ARPE Governing Council formed with own bylaws and elected officers.
• 1992: ARPE absorbed by ESA and renamed Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) program. ESA establishes new ESA Certification Board for the “entire entomology profession.”
• 2004: Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) program established for pest management professionals.
• 2010: ESA Certification Corporation, Inc., established as sister organization to ESA.
• 2010: Ad hoc liaison roles to U.S. military and National Pest Management Association added to Certification Corporation’s administrative structure.
• 2014: ACE-International (ACE-I) credential established for pest management professionals around the world in partnership with the National Pest Management Association.  
• 2020: Certified IPM Technician (CIT) credential established for early-career pest management professionals.
• 2021: Public Health Entomology (PHE) certificate established in partnership with American Mosquito Control Association.

Ready to advance your career? Explore our certification programs and join the thousands of professionals who have chosen to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in entomology.