What Is the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE)?

The Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) certification is widely regarded as the gold standard and the highest level of professional credentialing available in the field of entomology. Administered by the Entomological Society of America (ESA), this prestigious designation is specifically designed for individuals who have formal, degree-level education in entomology or a closely related biological science, combined with practical, real-world experience.

Historically, the certification program traces its roots back to the American Registry of Professional Entomologists (ARPE), which was later integrated directly into the ESA to standardize and elevate the profession. The primary purpose of the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) program is to assure the public, employers, and government agencies that the credential holder possesses a comprehensive, scientifically rigorous understanding of insects and their management.

Earning the BCE credential is not merely about passing a single test; it is an extensive process that validates your expertise across broad entomological concepts as well as deep, specialized knowledge in specific sub-disciplines. Whether dealing with urban pest control, agricultural crop protection, or medical vector management, a Board Certified Entomologist is recognized as a leading authority capable of making critical, science-based decisions to protect public health, property, and the global food supply.

Who Should Take the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE)?

The Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) certification is not an entry-level credential. It is tailored for highly educated professionals who are committed to a long-term career in entomology and pest management. If you are looking to distinguish yourself from your peers, command a higher salary, or qualify for advanced leadership roles, the BCE is the credential to pursue.

The target audience for the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) exam includes:

• Technical Directors in Pest Management: Professionals who design Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols, train technicians, and oversee the scientific accuracy of pest control operations for large companies.
• Agricultural Consultants and Extension Agents: Experts who advise farmers, agribusinesses, and government agencies on crop protection, pesticide resistance, and invasive species management.
• Public Health Officials and Vector Control Specialists: Scientists working for mosquito abatement districts, state health departments, or the CDC, focusing on the prevention of vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus, Zika, and Lyme disease.
• Military Entomologists: Armed forces personnel responsible for protecting troops from disease-carrying insects and managing pests on military installations worldwide.
• Researchers and Academics: University faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and private-sector R&D scientists developing new pest control technologies or studying insect ecology.

Industries that place a high premium on the BCE certification include structural pest control, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, public health, government regulatory agencies (such as the EPA and USDA), and forensic science.

Exam Format & Structure

One of the most unique and challenging aspects of the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) certification is its dual-exam structure. Unlike many credentials that rely on a single, generalized test, the BCE requires candidates to pass two distinct examinations: the Qualifying Exam and at least one Specialty Exam.

1. The Qualifying Exam

The Qualifying Exam is designed to test a candidate’s foundational knowledge of general entomology. It ensures that regardless of your specialty, you possess a deep understanding of insect biology as a whole.

• Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice questions.
• Number of Questions: Typically around 150 questions.
• Time Limit: Candidates are generally allowed up to 3 hours to complete the exam.
• Passing Score: The cut score is typically 70% to 75%, though candidates should always verify the current passing threshold on the official ESA BCE page.

2. The Specialty Exam(s)

After (or alongside) passing the Qualifying Exam, candidates must pass at least one Specialty Exam. You can choose the specialty that best aligns with your career path. The format is similar to the Qualifying Exam—multiple-choice, computer-based, and generally allowing 3 hours for completion. The available specialties include:

• Medical and Veterinary Entomology
• Urban and Industrial Entomology
• Plant-Related Entomology
• General Entomology (for those whose work spans multiple disciplines)
• Regulatory Entomology

Both exams are fixed-form (not computer-adaptive), meaning every candidate taking a specific version of the exam will see the same number of questions, and the difficulty does not change based on previous answers.

Where and How to Register for the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE)

Registering for the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) is a multi-step process that involves an application phase and a testing phase. Because of the strict eligibility requirements, you cannot simply pay a fee and take the test the same day; you must be approved by the ESA first.

1. Submit the Application: Visit the official ESA Certification portal. You will need to create an account, fill out the BCE application form, and pay the initial application fee.
2. Provide Documentation: You must upload official university transcripts proving your degree, a current CV or resume detailing your professional experience, and contact information for professional references who can vouch for your entomological expertise.
3. Application Review: The ESA Certification Board will review your application. This process can take several weeks. Once approved, you will receive an authorization to test.
4. Schedule the Exam: The ESA utilizes online proctoring services (such as ProctorU) as well as designated testing centers. This allows candidates to take the exam from the comfort of their own home or office, provided they have a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a quiet, secure environment. Alternatively, exams are often offered in-person at the annual ESA meetings.

Scheduling Tip: Do not schedule your exam until you have completed your core studying. Once your application is approved, you typically have a set window (often one year) to complete both the Qualifying and Specialty exams.

Exam Fees & Costs

Pursuing the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) certification requires a financial investment. The costs are divided into application fees, exam fees, and eventual maintenance fees. The ESA offers significantly discounted rates for active ESA members, making it highly advantageous to join the society before applying.

Note: Fees are subject to change. Always verify current pricing on the official ESA website.

• Application Fee: This non-refundable fee covers the cost of reviewing your transcripts and references. For ESA members, this is typically around $45. For non-members, it can be upwards of $180.
• Exam Fees: You must pay a fee for each exam you take. The Qualifying Exam and the Specialty Exam are billed separately. These generally range from $50 to $75 per exam for members, and higher for non-members.
• Study Material Costs: The ESA does not mandate a specific paid course, but candidates often spend between $100 and $300 on recommended textbooks, such as the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control or standard university entomology textbooks.
• Retake Fees: If you fail an exam, you will need to pay a re-testing fee, which is usually equivalent to the initial exam fee.

While the upfront costs may seem substantial, many employers in the pest management and agricultural sectors will sponsor or reimburse employees for these expenses, given the immense value a BCE brings to the organization.

Eligibility Requirements & Prerequisites

The Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) has some of the most rigorous prerequisites of any pest management certification. Unlike the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE), which relies heavily on field experience and does not require a degree, the BCE is strictly for degree-holding professionals.

The ESA operates on a sliding scale that balances your level of formal education with your years of practical experience. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Ph.D. in Entomology (or a related field): 0 years of additional experience required. You are eligible to apply immediately upon graduation.
• Master’s Degree in Entomology (or a related field): Requires 1 year of professional work experience in entomology.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Entomology: Requires 1 year of professional work experience in entomology.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field (Biology, Zoology, Agriculture, etc.): Requires 2 years of professional work experience in entomology, plus proof of substantial coursework in entomology (typically at least 16 semester hours of entomology-specific classes).
• Bachelor’s Degree in an Unrelated Field: Requires 3 years of professional work experience in entomology, plus proof of at least 16 semester hours of entomology coursework.

During the application process, your “professional experience” must be verified. This can include work in pest control, academic research, military service, or agricultural extension. The ESA certification board strictly reviews transcripts to ensure the scientific rigor of your coursework.

What Does the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) Cover?

Because the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) consists of two exams, candidates must prepare for an incredibly broad range of topics, followed by a deep dive into their chosen specialty. Here is a detailed breakdown of the content domains covered.

The Qualifying Exam Content Domains

This exam ensures you are a well-rounded entomologist. Key topics include:

• Insect Taxonomy and Systematics: Identifying insect orders and major families. Understanding evolutionary relationships, dichotomous keys, and the principles of binomial nomenclature.
• Morphology and Anatomy: Detailed knowledge of the insect exoskeleton, head, thorax, abdomen, mouthparts, wing venation, and internal systems (digestive, nervous, respiratory, and reproductive).
• Physiology and Biochemistry: How insects process nutrients, the mechanics of molting (endocrinology/hormones like ecdysone and juvenile hormone), diapause, and pheromone communication.
• Ecology and Behavior: Population dynamics, predator-prey relationships, symbiotic relationships, mating behaviors, and social insect structures (eusociality in Hymenoptera and Isoptera).
• Toxicology and Pest Management: Modes of action of major pesticide classes (e.g., organophosphates, pyrethroids, neonicotinoids), mechanisms of pesticide resistance, and the foundational principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Specialty Exam Content Domains (Examples)

Your specialty exam will drill down into the specific pests, environments, and regulations of your field.

• Urban and Industrial Entomology: Focuses heavily on structural pests. You must know the biology and control of termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, stored product pests, and commensal rodents. It also covers structural building codes, sanitation, and specific urban pesticide applications.
• Medical and Veterinary Entomology: Focuses on arthropods that impact human and animal health. Expect deep questions on mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, lice, and myiasis-causing flies. Crucial topics include vector competence, zoonotic disease cycles (malaria, dengue, Lyme disease, heartworm), and epidemiological surveillance.
• Plant-Related Entomology: Focuses on agricultural and horticultural pests. Covers crop damage identification, economic thresholds, biological control agents (parasitoids and predators), plant-pest interactions, and agricultural pesticide regulations.

Study Materials & Preparation Tips

Preparing for the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) is akin to studying for a comprehensive university final exam. Because the scope is so vast, a structured, long-term study plan is essential.

Recommended Study Materials

While the ESA does not publish a single “BCE Study Guide” that guarantees a passing score, they provide a recommended reading list. Essential texts include:

• Borror and DeLong’s Introduction to the Study of Insects: This is the undisputed bible for the Qualifying Exam. It is essential for taxonomy, morphology, and general biology.
• Mallis Handbook of Pest Control: The ultimate resource for the Urban and Industrial Specialty exam. It covers the biology, behavior, and control of almost every structural pest.
• Medical and Veterinary Entomology (by Gary Mullen and Lance Durden): The go-to textbook for the Med/Vet specialty exam.
• Entomology and Pest Management (by Larry Pedigo): Excellent for understanding IPM, economic thresholds, and agricultural/plant-related entomology.

Preparation Tips

1. Create a Long-Term Timeline: Most successful candidates spend 3 to 6 months studying for the exams. Do not attempt to cram. Allocate specific weeks to specific insect orders or physiological systems.
2. Form a Study Group: Connect with other professionals preparing for the exam. The ESA often facilitates networking opportunities. Explaining complex concepts like the insect nervous system to peers is a highly effective way to solidify your own knowledge.
3. Use Flashcards for Taxonomy: Memorizing insect orders, families, and their distinguishing characteristics requires rote memorization. Digital flashcard apps can be incredibly helpful for this domain.
4. Review the Official Content Outlines: The ESA provides detailed outlines of the exam domains. Use these as a checklist to ensure you haven’t overlooked any major topics.

Retake Policy & What Happens If You Fail

Failing a section of the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) exam is not uncommon, given the rigorous, academic nature of the questions. If you do not achieve a passing score on either the Qualifying Exam or your Specialty Exam, the ESA has a structured retake policy.

Typically, candidates must wait a minimum of 30 days before they are allowed to retake the failed exam. This waiting period is designed to give you adequate time to review your weak areas and study the material more thoroughly. You will only need to retake the specific exam you failed; if you pass the Qualifying Exam but fail the Specialty Exam, your Qualifying Exam score remains valid.

Be aware that a retake fee applies for each subsequent attempt. The ESA does not usually place a hard lifetime limit on the number of times you can attempt the exam, but your application window (often one year) may expire, requiring you to reapply if you do not pass within that timeframe. Always review your score report carefully—it will often provide a breakdown of your performance by domain, highlighting exactly where you need to focus your remedial studying.

Career Opportunities & Salary Expectations

Achieving the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) designation is a massive career catalyst. It signals to the industry that you are a top-tier expert. This credential opens doors to high-level management, specialized consulting, and advanced technical roles.

Common Career Paths

• Technical Director / Staff Entomologist: Large pest control companies (like Orkin, Terminix, or Rentokil) employ BCEs to write treatment protocols, ensure regulatory compliance, and handle complex, high-liability pest infestations.
• Industry Consultant: Many BCEs start their own consulting firms, offering expert witness testimony in legal cases (e.g., bed bug lawsuits), or advising food processing facilities on auditing standards.
• Public Health Vector Control Director: Overseeing county or state-wide mosquito abatement programs, managing large budgets, and directing public health responses to disease outbreaks.
• Agrochemical Research Scientist: Working for companies like Syngenta, Bayer, or Corteva to develop and field-test new insecticides and biological controls.

Salary Expectations

Salaries for Board Certified Entomologists vary widely based on industry, geographic location, and specific job title. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and industry surveys, entomologists and zoologists earn a median annual wage of around $70,000. However, a BCE credential often pushes professionals into the upper percentiles.

Technical Directors in the private pest management sector frequently earn between $80,000 and $130,000+ per year, often accompanied by bonuses, company vehicles, and profit-sharing. Consultants and expert witnesses can command hourly rates of $200 to $400+ for their specialized knowledge.

Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) vs. Similar Certifications

The pest management and entomology fields offer several certifications. Understanding how the BCE compares to others is crucial for choosing the right path for your career.

Certification	Governing Body	Key Prerequisites	Approximate Cost	Validity / Renewal
Board Certified Entomologist (BCE)	ESA	Degree in Entomology/Bio + 1-3 years experience	$150 – $300+ (varies by membership & exams)	3 Years (120 CEUs)
Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE)	ESA	No degree required; 5+ years verifiable pest control experience	$395 (Standard)	3 Years (18 CEUs)
QualityPro Certification	NPMA	Company-level cert; requires business standards & employee training	Varies by company size	Annual Renewal
GreenShield Certified	IPM Institute	Focus on IPM and reduced-risk chemical applications	Varies by facility/business	Annual Evaluation

Key Takeaway: The BCE is the academic and scientific pinnacle for individuals with degrees. The ACE is the equivalent high-level credential for practitioners who have built their expertise through years of hands-on field experience rather than formal university education. QualityPro and GreenShield are primarily business-level credentials, though they require knowledgeable staff (often ACEs or BCEs) to implement their standards.

Maintaining Your Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) Certification

Earning the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) credential is just the beginning; maintaining it requires an ongoing commitment to the profession. The ESA mandates participation in the Professional Maintenance and Certification (PM&C) program to ensure that BCEs stay current with the rapidly evolving science of entomology, new pest threats, and updated regulatory frameworks.

The BCE certification operates on a three-year renewal cycle. During this three-year period, a BCE must accumulate a minimum of 120 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). If a candidate fails to meet this requirement, they must retake the certification exams to maintain their status.

CEUs can be earned through a variety of professional activities, including:

• Attending scientific conferences, such as the ESA Annual Meeting or regional pest management association conferences.
• Publishing peer-reviewed research papers, extension bulletins, or trade magazine articles.
• Delivering presentations, training sessions, or academic lectures on entomological topics.
• Participating in webinars, online courses, and approved self-study programs.
• Serving on professional committees or boards related to entomology.

In addition to the CEU requirement, BCEs must pay an annual renewal fee to the ESA to keep their certification active and their name listed in the official BCE registry.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE)

Can I take the BCE exam if I don’t have a college degree?

No. The Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) certification strictly requires at least a Bachelor’s degree. If you do not have a degree but have significant experience in the pest management industry (5+ years), you should pursue the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) certification instead, which is designed specifically for experienced professionals without formal entomology degrees.

Do I have to take the Qualifying Exam and the Specialty Exam on the same day?

No, you are not required to take them on the same day. In fact, many candidates choose to space them out to allow for focused study on general entomology first, followed by a dedicated study period for their chosen specialty. Once your application is approved, you generally have a set window to complete both exams.

Is the BCE certification recognized internationally?

Yes. While administered by the Entomological Society of America, the BCE is recognized globally as a mark of excellence in the scientific and pest management communities. Military entomologists and international agricultural consultants frequently hold the BCE credential.

Can I hold more than one BCE Specialty?

Absolutely. Once you have passed the Qualifying Exam, you can take as many Specialty Exams as you wish. For example, a professional working in public health and municipal pest control might choose to hold specialties in both Urban/Industrial Entomology and Medical/Veterinary Entomology. You must pay the exam fee for each specialty you pursue.

Are the exams open book?

No. Both the Qualifying Exam and the Specialty Exams are closed-book, strictly proctored examinations. You are not allowed to use textbooks, notes, or outside internet resources during the test.

What happens if I change careers, does my BCE expire?

Your BCE remains valid as long as you continue to pay your annual maintenance fees and submit your 120 CEUs every three years. If you leave the industry and fail to maintain your CEUs or pay the fees, your certification will lapse, and you will no longer be permitted to use the “BCE” designation after your name.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) is a rigorous but incredibly rewarding journey. It requires a deep understanding of biological sciences, a commitment to environmental stewardship, and the dedication to pass two challenging examinations. By achieving this credential, you place yourself in the upper echelon of pest management and agricultural professionals, opening the door to leadership roles, higher salaries, and the respect of your peers.

If you meet the educational and experiential prerequisites, there is no better way to solidify your expertise and advance your career. The key to success is giving yourself ample time to study, utilizing the right textbooks, and taking advantage of practice exams to familiarize yourself with the testing format.