Pest Control Veterans Test Their Skills During ACE Exam Training Class

EL PASO, Texas — Pencils scratched away and hands were raised continually throughout the day as nine applicants tried out the first offering of a new class designed to prepare pest management professionals to pass the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) certification exam. Passing the ACE exam is required for certification under the Certification Board of the Entomological Society of America.

“It turned into a back-to-school day for the participants,” said Dr. Bob Davis, a Board Certified Entomologist working for BASF Specialty Products and one of the organizers of the event. The class was held March 30 during the Texas Pest Control Association’s annual Greater El Paso Workshop. 

“The class covered most of the topics pest management professionals need to pass the ACE examination. The fact that everyone was serious about learning made the whole experience fun for us too,” said Davis. “This was the first of what we hope will be many training courses to prepare PMPs to be certified. We told the guys that they were the guinea pigs today.”

Despite having extensive experience in pest control, nearly everyone found they had both something new to learn and lots of old neglected knowledge that just needed a little refreshing. 

“It’s a bit humbling to realize what you don’t know,” said Dennis Maloney, an IPM consultant and trainer from Amarillo, Texas. “Rarely have I been in a class with so many qualified teachers.  I highly recommend the experience.”

In addition to Davis, six other volunteers pitched in to conduct the training.  They included Dr. Mike Merchant, professor and entomologist with Texas Cooperative Extension, along with sales representatives Martyn Hafley of FMC Corporation, Ronnie Holder of BASF Specialty Products, Scott Smith of Bell Laboratories, Dean May of Whitmire-Microgen, and Ross Eckstein of DuPont Professional Products. 

At the conclusion of the 6-hour training, participants were given the opportunity to take the ACE exam. 

“The exam was challenging, but fair,” said Maloney. “I definitely recommend downloading the ACE study guide, getting the study books and studying, studying, studying… before taking the exam.”

The ACE certification program, begun in 2004, is a credentialing program for pest control professionals with at least seven years experience in the pest control industry.  According to Davis, all ACE applicants must provide proof of experience, agree to subscribe to the ACE code of ethics, must have an active pesticide applicator’s license and earn at least a 75% on the exam. 

For questions about the ACE certification program, or to request a full-day ACE prep class as part of a continuing education program, contact the Entomological Society of America by calling (301-731-4535) or visiting the certification program website at www.entsoc.org/certification