Updated ACE Code of Ethics (Guest Post)

By 2015 ESA Certification Board Director Dr. Laura Higgins, BCE

By unanimous vote yesterday, the Certification Board updated the ACE Code of Ethics which is binding on all ACEs and ACE aspirants. The Code of Ethics is seen as a living document and may change over time, though the intent will always be to ensure that ACEs and those who wish to become ACEs continue to be of the highest ethical caliber and represent the best in our industry.

For the most part, the recent changes to the Code of Ethics were cosmetic and merely served to simplify and clarify the language. For example, in the previous version of the Code, every time the ACE was referred to, it was listed as "Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest Control," a cumbersome structure to be sure. In the new version, that has been simplified to "ACE" in 25 different instances.

The most substantive changes came to Sections 3.4, which was a relatively new addition to the Code, having been added only in November 2013, as discussed here. Whereas the previous version of this Section only dealt with the ways that an ACE refers to themselves, this latest update adds a burden on the ACE to report back to ESA any misuse of the terms entomologist or certified entomologist.

It is the belief of the ESA Certification Board that only by obtaining a degree in entomology (whether a Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate) can one become an entomologist. The ACE is the only legitimate path currently in existence for an individual to become an Associate Certified Entomologist.

Any pest management professional who claims to be a "Certified Entomologist" but (a) does not have a degree in the science, or (b) is not certified as an ACE or a BCE is not recognized as a certified entomologist in the eyes of the ESA Certification Board.

This is not a change from past practices, actions, nor beliefs of the Certification Board, it is merely a codification of long-standing policy of the Board.

To review the current ACE Code of Ethics, please click here.

The specific changes to the Code are detailed below with additions indicated in blue and deletions noted by strike-through:

Preamble: The profession of entomology is increasingly important to the welfare and progress of human society. Associate Certified Entomologists-Pest Control (ACE)s have the position and authority to render effective service to humanity, in keeping with high standards of ethical conduct. In order that the honor and dignity of the profession be advanced and maintained, the Entomological Society of America (ESA) has established the following code to define the professional conduct and ethics, binding on Associate Certified Entomologists-Pest ControlACEs.
1.1: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest Control'sACE’s knowledge and skills will be used for the betterment of human welfare.
1.2: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will share in sustaining the laws, institutions, and burdens of the community.
2.1: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will have proper regard for the safety, health, and welfare of the public in the performance of all of his or her professional duties – ensuring proper regard for the safety, health, and welfare of the public and environment; documenting findings as appropriate and required; and keeping all stakeholders informed of the process.
2.2: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will be honest and impartial, and will preface any one-sided statements, criticisms, or arguments by clearly indicating on whose behalf they are made.
2.3: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will express an opinion on an entomological subject only when it is founded on adequate knowledge and honest conviction,; and will be factual in all estimates, reports, and testimoniesy.
3.1: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will strive to advance the science and art of entomology, to guard and uphold its high standard of honor, and to conform with to the principles of professional conduct.
3.2: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will cooperate in edifying the profession by exchanging information with fellow entomologists, and by contributing to the work of technical societies and the technical press, where disclosure of such information does not conflict with the interests of clients and employers.
3.3: The ACE will strive to promote the public’s awareness and perception of pest management, pest management professionals, and all facets of the pest management business, taking special care of his/her responsibilities as an ACE to defend the honor and prestige of the entomological aspects of the pest management profession that are encapsulated by the ACE program.The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest Control will defend the prestige of the entomology and pest control professions and will report to the Entomological Society of America any persons or organizations using the words entomologist, entomology, or derivatives thereof in a manner implying performance or supervision by a Board Certified Entomologist, or by an Associate Certified Entomologist, when such is not true.
3.4: The ACE, when referring to the certification granted by the ESA, shall always use the full title of Associate Certified Entomologist or ACE, rather than abbreviating to Certified Entomologist or only Entomologist. The ACE will seek to inform others of the prestige of entomology and will immediately report to the ESA any misuse or misrepresentation of the terms entomology, entomologist, Associate Certified Entomologist, Board Certified Entomologist, or derivatives thereof. The Associate Certified Entomologist – Pest Control, when referring to the certification granted by the Entomological Society of America, shall always use the full title of Associate Certified Entomologist or ACE, rather than abbreviating to certified entomologist or only entomologist.
4.1: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will act as a faithful agent or trustee for each employer or client, and will not knowingly engage in illegal work or unethical practice, or knowingly cooperate with any person so engaged.
4.2: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will undertake only those entomological assignments for which he or she is qualified. The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will obtain, or advise the employer or client to obtain, the assistance of specialists whenever the employer's or client's interests are so served best, and will cooperate with such specialists.
4.3: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will indicate to the employer or client alternatives to recommended courses of action and the expected consequences of each recommended action and alternative.
4.4: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will inform the employer or client of any financial interest, or other conflicting interest, he or she has in any person, material, device, or concept which is or might become involved in a project or work for the employer or client. Decisions regarding entomological or business services to be performed shall not be influenced by such interests.
4.5: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will act fairly and justly toward vendors and contractors, selecting their products and services on the basis of merit and value.
4.6: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will not disclose information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of present or former employers or clients without their consent.
4.7: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for the same service, or for other services pertaining to the same work, without the consent of all interested parties.
5.1: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will give credit for pest management and entomological work or advice to whom it is due.
5.2: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will promote solidarity and harmony with fellow pest management professionals, respect their judgment, and support them collectively and individually whenever possible against unjust claims and accusations.
5.3: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will not accept any engagement to review the professional work of a fellow pest management professional (except in litigation and editing of technical or scientific papers) without the knowledge of such person, unless the person’s connection with the work has been terminated.
5.4: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will not injure intentionally the professional reputation, prospects, or practice of another pest management professional. However, proof that another ACECertified Entomologist has done anything unethical, illegal, or unfair in a professional capacity, should be communicated to the Entomological Society of AmericaESA as soon as possible.
5.5: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE will provide a prospective pest management employee with complete information on working conditions and the proposed status of employment and during employment will keep the employee informed of any changes therein.
5.6: The Associate Certified Entomologist-Pest ControlACE who employs or supervises other pest management professionals will endeavor to encourage and provide opportunities for their professional development and advancement.