CIT Exam Prep Course
Pass Your CIT Exam With Confidence
Study smarter with the official ESA CIT Exam Prep Course
Your fast track to becoming a Certified IPM Technician—no advanced degree required! Unlike more advanced credentials, the CIT is specifically designed for professionals with one to four years of experience in pest control without advanced degree or complex licensing requirements.
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 CIT Exam Prep Course brings everything you need to know into one structured, expert-led online course. 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 CIT Exam Prep Course
Who Should Take This Course
The CIT Prep Course is designed for pest management professionals (PMPs) who are early in their careers and ready to validate their expertise. To sit for the CIT exam, you must have at least one year of pest management experience and be qualified to apply pesticides in your jurisdiction. The course assumes you already have hands-on experience with common household pests.
The CIT 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 CIT Exam Prep Course can be a key part of your learning journey. The course is a purpose-built study resource that translates IPM science, pest biology, and practical field procedures 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 the five knowledge domains covered on the CIT exam, including:
- Overview of the CIT credential
- Inspection techniques and best practices
- Monitoring methods and action thresholds
- Insect identification and biology
- Integrated pest management (IPM) principles and strategy
- Pesticide safety, regulations, and compliance
- Chemical tools and applications
- Full CIT exam introduction and preparation strategy
The CIT 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.
Learn From Experts
Learn from two credentialed entomology experts with decades of combined experience across training, commercial pest management, and technical leadership.
Kristen Stevens, Ph.D., BCE
Board Certified Entomologist and industry training leader with senior roles at Fox Pest Control, Cook's Pest Control, and Clegg's Pest Control—all PCT Top 100 companies. Kristen founded Metamorphosis Educational & Career Consulting to deliver transformative professional development for the pest management industry and holds an M.S. in entomology from the University of Florida.
Bob Gilbert, Ph.D., BCE, PHE, ACE
Board Certified Entomologist with a background spanning academic research and commercial pest management. Bob earned his M.S. from Clemson University, holds his Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) certification and Public Health Entomology (PHE) certificate. He currently leads entomology, safety, and training operations at Blue Sky Pest Control in Arizona.
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 needed, 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
$75
CIT Applicant
*Does not include the CIT application fee, which starts at $70. Ready to get started? Apply for your CIT.
$95
ESA Member
*Does not include ESA membership dues, which start at $60-175. Explore benefits and become a member today.
$125
Non-Member
Enroll in the CIT Exam Prep Course
Individuals may purchase the course and the CIT application fee together to receive the discount. If you have any questions, please reach out to ESA.
“The CIT prep course is excellent! The course will help me stay competent, current, and effective.”
- Travis Helmstetler, ACE, PHE