First Detector Online Courses
Our e-learning program brings First Detector training directly to your phone or computer. Each digital, multimedia module is followed by a ten question post-test, passable with a score of 70% or higher. You can learn to monitor for and report the presence of plant pests and pathogens by completing the certification track or curate your own curriculum from core courses and advanced training topics.
Educators:
If you are interested in authoring content for an e-learning module, please contact Rachel McCarthy at rachel.mccarthy@cornell.edu.
Accessing e-learning courses
To access e-learning courses, you must first sign in to your First Detector account or create a new account. If you have already signed in, you may access the e-learning modules here. Please note that these courses are not compatible with the Microsoft Edge browser.
First Detector Certification Courses
In this 6-course series, you will learn to monitor for and report signs and symptoms of exotic pests and pathogens that could harm U.S. plant resources. By passing each course's posttest with 70% or greater, you will complete certification requirements and find your certificate of completion under the "My Account" dropdown menu. Welcome to the First Detector team!
1. NPDN
Mission
2. Monitoring for
High-Risk Pests
3. Diagnosing
Plant Problems
4. Submitting
Diagnostic Samples
5. Photography
for Diagnosis
6. Disease and
Pest Scenarios
Advanced Training Topics
Asian longhorned beetle
1. ALB Identification
2. ALB History in North America
3. Host Selection, Impacts, Beetle Development
4. How ALB Kills Trees
5. ALB Detection
6. ALB Eradication
7. ALB vs EAB
8. What Can You Do?
emerald ash borer
1. Introduction
2. Ecology
3. Identification and Hosts
4. Monitoring
5. Management
6. Information Resources
miscellaneous
- Detecting Forest Pests in Warehouse Environments (not compatible with Microsoft Edge web browser; produced in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy)
- Asian Defoliators
- Boxwood Blight
- Emerald Ash Borer & Other Wood Borers