Courses and education

Learn how to become a beekeeper

In order to learn the craft of beekeeping by way of introduction, the best way is to find a branch near to your home which will run an 'introductory course to beekeeping' or taster days throughout the year.

Please see here to find your most local branch

Examinations and Assessments

As part of our charitable aims we raise the standards of beekeeping practices through a series of courses and exams
We have a long and well established exam course which is constantly being developed to keep up with new research in the field of beekeeping. Our exams start with a Basic covering basic skills and knowledge of the craft all the way up to becoming a Master Beekeeper.

Please log into the Members Area and select Examinations and Assessments for more information

Correspondence Courses

Further study for the BBKA examinations can be very satisfying but for some people, attending day or evening classes is not convenient. Correspondence courses are a form of distance learning enabling you to study beekeeping while working at your own pace. An arrangement will be made with a qualified tutor for you to send written answers to set questions that are designed to take you step by step through the syllabus.
These courses cover the Basic Certificate (12 question papers) as well as the seven modules (5 question papers each) that form the route to the Intermediate Theory Certificate and then onto the Advanced Theory certificate. There is also a course which covers the learning for the oral aspect of the Microscopy assessment.

Please log into the Members Area and select Examinations and Assessments for more information

Latest

Second Asian Hornet nest found & destroyed at Christchurch

A second Asian Hornet nest has been found near the first in Christchurch in Dorset.
Bermondsey Street Bees raises more than £1,000 for Apiary Project

Bermondsey Street Bees, based in London, have raised more than a £1,000 for the BBKA's Apiary & Education Project. The money mostly comes from a honey cocktails event they held with Aberfeldy Whisky.
What the beekeepers say - 2019

BBKA Spring Convention attracts hundreds of visitors each year. We try and get meaningful feedback and here is some straight from the beekeepers mouths.
Asian Hornet nest near Christchurch destroyed

An Asian Hornet nest has been found high up in an oak tree near Christchurch in Dorset and has been destroyed. More details on two other sightings in other parts of the country have been given.

Lecturers & Speakers

Enhance your meeting and extend your educational programme by booking a specialist beekeeping speaker. The specialisms of the speakers are listed within
Fund Research

BBKA welcome applications for University Research project funding in 2019 and 2020. Applications for funds of approximately £5000 -£10,000 are invited
Develop young beekeepers

BBKA works hard to raise the profile of beekeeping amongst young people through its schools programme and Junior certificates to ensure the next generation will be well equipped to do the important work we urgently need to continue
Champion bees

We advise government on their Pollinators Strategy and our network of local beekeeping associations support their communities to improve the environment for honeybees and other pollinators
Represent the views of beekeepers all over the UK

Backed by our 25,000 strong Membership we sit on DEFRA Boards to represent the needs of beekeepers and honey bees to make sure we are top of the Government Agenda in Environmental capacities

Swarm removal

Beekeepers are often approached about winged, flying creatures, especially in the spring and summer period, when they are their most active simply working and are no cause for alarm. We can only help if they are honeybees.
Find beekeeping near you

Please scroll over our BBKA map to find branches and members who can help you on your way to becoming a beekeeper.
Courses and education

Our charity raises the standards of beekeeping through its exam structure
Log in information
Should I keep bees?

Keeping bees healthy and productive requires knowledge and skill. Beekeeping is made much easier by belonging to a local Beekeepers Association (BKA), where you should be given advice, tuition and support.
The Asian Hornet

If you suspect you have sighted an Asian Hornet please find more information here about what to do next!
Gardening for bees

With the National Pollinators Strategy in full swing we could all do more to plant our gardens in optimisation for our hungry honeybees.
Honey

Honey bees are the only insect which makes food that is harvested by humans. Honey is hailed as and used by humans as a super-food because of its rich antibacterial properties, which has helped to boost the immune systems of those who take it in its raw form for thousands of years.
Asian Hornet Traps

News from the Government about the best traps to help catch and identify Asian Hornets over the coming season
Modules