ACE Code of Ethics

PREAMBLE

The profession of Entomology is increasingly important to the welfare and progress of human society. Associate Certified Entomologists (ACE)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 ACEs.
 

OBLIGATIONS TO SOCIETY

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

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

OBLIGATIONS TO THE PUBLIC

2.1        The ACE 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 ACE 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 ACE 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 ACE will strive to advance the science and art of entomology, to guard and uphold its high standard of honor, and to conform to the principles of professional conduct.

3.2        The ACE 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 ACE 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 an ACE to defend the honor and prestige of the entomological aspects of the pest management profession that are encapsulated by the ACE program.

3.4        The ACE, when referring to the certification granted by the ESA, shall always use the full title of Associate Certified Entomologist or ACE, rather than abbreviating to Certified Entomologist or only Entomologist. The ACE will seek to inform others of the prestige of entomology and 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 ACE 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 ACE will undertake only those entomological assignments for which they are qualified.  The ACE 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 ACE 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 ACE 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 ACE will act fairly and justly toward vendors and contractors, selecting their products and services on the basis of merit and value.

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

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

5.2        The ACE 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 ACE 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 ACE will not injure intentionally the professional reputation, prospects, or practice of another pest management professional.  However, proof that another ACE 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 ACE 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 ACE who employs or supervises other pest management professionals will endeavor to encourage and provide opportunities for their professional development and advancement.