HCBA and NCSBA Beekeeping

Typically, the HCBA beekeeping schools take place in the winter and early spring. If you are interested in becoming a beekeeper and you missed out on the beekeeping schools, there are a couple things you can do:

Find a Mentor in our HCBA Association.
Join our local beekeepers Association- HCBA membership form.

Check out one of these excellent online study guides

Field Guide to Honey Bees and Their Maladie - an very informative guide by the PennState University Extension

NC Master Beekeeping Program

HCBA Education Coordinator - Allen Blanton

Preparing new Beekeepers for their NCSBA Certification tests.

The North Carolina Master Beekeeper Program (MBP) is the largest program of its kind in the country. Established in the fall of 1982, its purpose is to provide an infrastructure whereby beekeepers can improve their beekeeping skills and knowledge on a continuous basis within a system that objectively and formally acknowledges those accomplishments. It also serves as a means of providing valuable information to beekeepers and the public through various outreach services.

The MBP consists of four ascending levels of beekeeping expertise. Each successive level requires that certain minimum criteria be met, which are summarized in the following areas: Tests, Service and Experience, Level, Written, Practical, Oral, Beekeeping Experience, Public Service, and Other. Visit the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association (NCSBA) for more information on Bee Schools.

Tyree Kiser teaching club members about swarm prevention.

NCSBA Certified Level

The Certified level is the entry level of the program for participants with basic knowledge of honey bees and bee management. Prepare yourself for each certification tests.

Review the Certified Web Quiz about “frequently missed questions.

The North Carolina Journeyman level is comprised of beekeepers with demonstrated competence in the craft of beekeeping. Each successive level requires that certain minimum criteria be met, which are summarized below.

Prepare yourself for each certification tests.

• 2 years - 5 units

Review the Journeyman Web Quiz about frequently missed questions.

NCSBA Journeyman Level

NCSBA Master Level

The Master level beekeeper should be able to function as a sideline or commercial beekeeper, if he or she desires, and have some expertise in several sub-specialties of apiculture. In accordance with the NC State Beekeepers Association, this level encompasses the certified and journeyman levels, plus additional requirements.

• 3 years - 10 units

Review the Master Web Quiz about frequently missed questions.

The Master Craftsman level is the highest attainable in the program, and is reserved only for those participants who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, public service, and honey bee management skills. Master Craftsman beekeepers have exemplified their skills in beekeeping and possess the following credentials as listed on the NCSBA site for Master Craftsman.

NCSBA Master Craftsman Level

Haywood County Beekeepers Association

of the NC State Beekeepers Association

HCBA and NCSBA Beekeeping

Typically, the HCBA beekeeping schools take place in the winter and early spring. If you are interested in becoming a beekeeper and you missed out on the beekeeping schools, there are a couple things you can do:

Check out one of these excellent online study guides

NC Master Beekeeping Program

HCBA Education Coordinator - Allen Blanton

Preparing new Beekeepers for their NCSBA Certification tests.

NCSBA Certified Level

NCSBA Journeyman Level

NCSBA Master Level

NCSBA Master Craftsman Level

Haywood County Cooperative Extension

589 Raccoon Road

Waynesville, NC 28786

Mailing Address

Haywood County Beekeepers Association

P.O. Box 1391, Clyde, NC 28721

Meetings

First Tuesday each month

Time: 7:00 PM