This information applies to the BCE General Entomology Specialty exam, which is not to be confused with the BCE Qualifying Exam. To become a BCE specializing in general entomology, you must pass the qualifying exam as well as this specialty exam. After you have been accepted into the program, confirm with your proctor a date when you are ready to take the exam and inform the ESA Certification Coordinator by email to bce@entsoc.org. The Coordinator will e-mail instructions one week prior to the scheduled test date  to you and your proctor.

To become a BCE specializing in Pesticide Development, Analysis and Toxicology, you must pass the qualifying exam as well as this specialty exam.

To become a BCE specializing in medical entomology, you must pass the qualifying exam as well as this specialty exam.  After you have been accepted into the program, confirm with your proctor a date when you are ready to take the exam and inform the ESA Certification Coordinator by email to bce@entsoc.org. This exam is given online, the Coordinator will e-mail instructions one week prior to the scheduled test date to you and your proctor.  If your exam date changes please notify the Certification Coordinator at your earliest convenience.

To become a BCE specializing in Plant-related entomology, you must pass the qualifying exam as well as this specialty exam.

To become a BCE specializing in regulatory entomology, you must pass the qualifying exam as well as this specialty exam. You must have applied and been accepted into the BCE program prior to taking this exam. After you have been accepted into the program, confirm with your proctor a date when you are ready to take the exam and inform the ESA Certification Coordinator by email to bce@entsoc.org. The Coordinator will e-mail instructions one week prior to the scheduled test date  to you and your proctor.

You must have applied and been accepted into the BCE application process prior to taking this exam.  After you have been accepted into the program, confirm with your proctor a date when you are ready to take the exam and inform the ESA Certification Coordinator by email to bce@entsoc.org. The Coordinator will e-mail instructions one week prior to the scheduled test date  to you and your proctor. This exam is administered online.  If your exam date changes please notify the Certification Coordinator at your earliest convenience.

To become a full BCE, a candidate must pass the General Qualifying Exam and at least one Specialty Exam. For full study information, please click on a link below:

Core (Qualifying) Exam

Specialty Exams:

Selecting a proctor is an important step in a person's journey to become certified. The proctor needs to be a person of high ethical standing whose commitment to excellence and the science of entomology is above reproach.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to locate a proctor, though ESA HQ can assist on occasion. First choice for a proctor should always be a BCE. All proctor choices must be reviewed and approved by ESA HQ.

To become a BCE, each applicant must complete the BCE qualifying exam, in addition to fulfilling the other requirements. In addition, those seeking full certification must take at least one specialty examination of their choice. One specialty examination is included in the initial examination fee.  Additional specialties require an additional fee. Generally, all BCE examinations are administered online through the proctor's computer. Click here for details on how to take an examination.

***PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BCE CORE AND MED/VET EXAMS WILL BE UPDATED FOR ANY NEW EXAM TAKERS STARTING ON SEPT. 1, 2018. PLEASE VISIT THE RESPECTIVE PAGES FOR THOSE EXAMS FOR A LIST OF UPDATED STUDY REFERENCES.***