ACE Exam Prep Course
Pass Your ACE Exam With Confidence
Study smarter with the Official ESA ACE Exam Prep Course
You've spent years in the field. Now it's time to make it official. The Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Certification is one of the most respected certifications in the pest management industry. Earning your ACE takes more than just experience, it takes strategic preparation.
Developed by the Entomological Society of America (ESA), the world’s largest organization for insect scientists, supported by 125 years of research and 7,000 members worldwide, the ACE Exam Prep Course brings everything you need to know into one structured, expert-led online course. Whether you've been in pest management for five years or 20, this course bridges the gap between what you know in the field and what the exam expects you to demonstrate on paper.
Enroll in the ACE Exam Prep Course
Who Should Take This Course
The ACE Exam Prep Course is designed for pest management professionals (PMPs) who are ready to take the next step in their careers. To sit for the ACE exam, you must have at least five years of verified industry experience. The course assumes you already have a solid foundation.
The ACE exam is not an exam you can cram for. It tests for a wide body of knowledge, and preparation matters. ESA recommends a minimum of 40 hours of self-study, regardless of experience level, and the ACE Exam Prep Course can be a key part of your learning journey. The course is purpose-built study resource that translates pest management science, terminology, and regulatory concepts into clear, accessible language so you can walk into that exam fully prepared.
What You'll Learn
This self-paced online course walks you through all 12 knowledge domains covered on the ACE exam, including:
- Overview of the ACE program
- Integrated pest management (IPM) principles and strategy
- Inspection techniques and best practices
- Monitoring methods and action thresholds
- Control method selection and application
- Insecticides: types, modes of action, and use
- Pesticide safety, regulations, and compliance
- Insect classification
- Insect morphology, biology, and behavior
- Major structural pest groups
- Complex real-world scenarios including mystery bites, medical issues, and delusional infestations
- Full ACE exam introduction and preparation strategy
The ACE Exam Prep Course builds off concepts covered in IPM for the Urban Professional: A Study Guide for the Associate Certified Entomologist and features new content developed in 2025, reflecting industry advancements in the past decade. This is not a field guide or technician handbook. It is designed to give you clarity, structure, and confidence going into exam day.
Learn From the Experts
Learn from four credentialed entomology experts with decades of combined experience across research, military, commercial, and technical sectors.
Morgan Manderfield, BCE
Senior Entomologist at Ecolab's Pest Elimination division, with expertise in pest elimination device development, lab and field testing, and PMP training. Board Certified Entomologist and member of Pi Chi Omega.

Mustapha Debboun, Ph.D., BCE
Colonel (Ret.), Board Certified Medical & Veterinary Entomologist, ESA Fellow, and Honorary Member. Author of over 135 peer-reviewed articles and five co-edited books, with entomological work spanning 36 countries.

Lee McPhatter, Ph.D.
MAJ (Ret.), Medical & Veterinary Entomologist and Research Methodologist at Liberty University. Specialist in the biology, behavior, and management of disease-transmitting arthropods.

Anna Iversen, BCE
Board Certified Entomologist with 20+ years in commercial pest management, food safety, and technician training. Currently US Technical Director for Pelsis, supporting multiple leading pest management brands.
Designed With Accessibility in Mind
This online, self‑paced course is built to be welcoming and easy to follow, no matter your educational background. You don't need an advanced degree—just a desire to learn. Whether you prefer visual presentations, hands‑on exercises, structured reading, or self‑assessment, the course offers multiple ways to engage with the material at your own pace. You can go as fast or as slow as you like, repeat sections as often as you need, and choose the learning style that works best for you.
Build Your Own Custom Cohort
While this course is designed for individual use, group access is available upon requests. We can create custom cohorts for companies that feature administrator access to tools to track and monitor employee progress. Sign up to learn more or request a group cohort.
Registration Rates
$125
ACE Applicant
*Does not include the ACE application fee, which starts at $355. Ready to get started? Apply for your ACE.
$150
ESA Member
*Does not include ESA membership dues, which start at $60-175. Become a member today.
$175
Non-Member
Enroll in the ACE Exam Prep Course
Individuals may purchase the course and the ACE application fee together to receive the discount. If you have any questions, please reach out to ESA.