Prepare for the ACE exam with some of the top PMPs in your area. Most class participants feel that the interactive class setting provides a higher level of confidence going into the exam.
Prep classes for the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) exam will be offered in both December (Dallas) and January (College Station). Both classes provide an opportunity to take the ACE exam on the second day. The December class will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas as part of IPM Experience House. The January class will be held as part of the annual Texas A&M University Urban Pest Management Conference and Workshop in Bryan, TX.
With over 1,000 ACEs nationwide, the Certification program of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) is the fastest growing certification program for PMPs.
We find that the biggest hurdles for PMPs wanting certification include uncertainty about how to prepare for the ACE exam, and fear of test-taking. That’s where the ACE Prep Class comes in. The Dallas class, December 20-21, is a one-and-a-half day course followed by an opportunity to take the ACE exam on the afternoon of day 2. The College Station class, held Jan 16, is an abbreviated, one-day class, with opportunity for exam-taking on Jan 17. Both classes will be team-taught by Drs. Mike Merchant and Bob Davis.
Classes provides a review of fundamental entomology and basic knowledge requirements for the exam. The training is intended as either a kick off for the studying process, or as a last minute review and confidence building class (not a substitute for comprehensive studying).
Test taking success rates are much higher with good preparation.
Costs for the class
Registration for the Dallas class is available online and costs $100 ($150 after 12/18; click here for agenda and registration). Snacks and water are provided at the Dallas class; lunch is on your own. As part of the IPM Experience House curricula, the Dallas class also includes some extra time with microscopes and specimen viewing.
For the College Station class you must register for the full Texas A&M Urban Pest Management Conference and Workshop (click here for more information). According to Lisa Jordan, Conference administrator, the pre-registration price of $200 is good through December 7 (late or onsite registration is $225). If you want to take the ACE exam at the Conference you will also need to apply for the ACE program and pay the fees ahead of time.
Size of the prep class is limited to 30 students. Up to 4 CEU credits will be available for those providing license numbers. In addition, you have the option to purchase the highly recommended: ACE Study Guide “IPM for the Urban Professional: A Study Guide for the Associate Certified Entomologist.” Entomological Society of America -$49
How Do I Get Certified?
So what’s involved with getting certified? First you have to qualify. To become an ACE, you must:
Have five years experience in pest control (three years for those with an entomology degree);
hold a current U.S. pesticide applicator’s license; and agree to sign the ACE code of ethics.
If you think you qualify, you can apply through the ESA/ACE website. The application fee is $355 for ESA members and $395 for non-ESA members.
After being approved by the ESA, you will need to study to take the ACE exam. Information about how to study for the exam and what study materials are recommended can be found on the ESA website. Note that if you plan to take the exam after either of these classes, prior study is highly recommended. The Prep Class is not a prerequisite for taking the exam.