ACE Exam Resources & Study Material

Study Guides

There are four main recommended study materials for the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) exam, and any number of additional resources that can help prepare applicants. 

  1. IPM for the Urban Professional: A Study Guide for the Associate Certified Entomologist  
  2. Online ACE Exam Prep Course by the Entomological Society of America (ESA) or the National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
  3. NPMA's Field Guide to Household Pests (available as an app or physical copy)
  4. Ace the ACE Podcast (Apple Podcasts, Spotify)

Familiarity with information in these references, along with solid hands-on experience in the pest control industry, and participation in ongoing continuing education should adequately prepare prospective ACE candidates to take the certification exam.

Additional resources to consider include:

  • Bennet, G., J. Owens, and R. Corrigan [eds.]. 1997. Truman's Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. 6th ed. Questex Media, Duluth, MN.
  • Gold, R. E., and S. C. Jones [eds.]. 2000. Handbook of Household and Structural Insect Pests. Entomological Society of America, Annapolis, MD.
  • Hedges, S. A. 1996. Field Guide for the Management of Structure-Infesting Flies. G.I.E. Publishing, Cleveland, OH.
  • Hedges, S. A. 1998. Field Guide for the Management of Structure-Infesting Ants. G.I.E. Publishing, Cleveland, OH.
  • Hedges, S. A., and M. S. Lacey. 1996. Field Guide for the Management of Structure-infesting Beetles. Vols. I (Hide and carpet beetles/ wood-boring beetles) and II (Stored product beetles/occasional and overwintering beetles). G.I.E. Publishing, Clevland, OH.
  • Koehler, P. and Pereira, R. General Household Pest Control. University of Florida IFAS.
  • Kramer, R. 1998. PCT Technician's Handbook. G.I.E. Publishing, Cleveland, OH.
  • Mallis, A. 1997. (8th Edition) and 2004 (9th Edition) Mallis Handbook of Pest Control. G.I.E. Publishing, Cleveland, OH.
  • Ware, G. W. 2000. The Pesticide Book. Thompson Publications, Fresno, California.