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Practical Assessments

Junior Certificate

Under 18 and want to test your beekeeping knowledge? Then this could be the one for you
The Junior certificate consists of 4 elements
  • 10 minutes of oral questions
  • Present your beekeeping diary 

Basic Assessment

To take the Basic Assessment you should have managed at least one colony of bees for a minimum of 12 months
The Basic Assessment syllabus can appear daunting at first glance but closer inspection will show that it merely lists the basic things which all beekeepers should know.

General Husbandry Certificate

Have you been beekeeping for 5 years and passed your Basic Assessment? Then this is the next practical step
This assessment is designed for beekeepers who prefer the practical approach rather than the written examinations. 
On the day, your assessment is conducted by two BBKA Assessors and consists of
  • Inspection of the candidates apiary, equipment and honey handling equipment;
  • Manipulation of one or more colonies of the candidates bees;
  • Demonstration of a method of selective queen rearing. 

General Husbandry Guidelines for candidates

Advanced Husbandry Certificate

So, you have the General Certificate in Beekeeping Husbandry and want to pass on your knowledge

Open only to those who have passed the General Certificate in Beekeeping Husbandry. This assessment is designed for beekeepers aspiring to lecture and demonstrate the craft of beekeeping to others. 
The Assessment will be conducted at a suitable location and will consist of the following tasks:
  • Manipulation of one or more colonies as required by the Assessor
  • Short presentation on a practical topic to a small audience
  • Demonstration of dissection for acarine and nosema analysis
  • Discussion and practical on methods of queen rearing
  • Discussion on other aspects of beekeeping as given in the syllabus 

Microscopy Certificate

Never has bee health and disease diagnosis been more important

This assessment provides a qualification and measure of achievement for those beekeepers with an interest  in pollen, anatomy, and disease relevant to the honey bee.
Knowledge and skills are tested through a number of practical tasks and oral questioning.  The candidate will need to prepare 6 pollen slides and 4 anatomy slides during the year prior to the assessment.  For the assessment, which lasts between 2 and 2½ hours, the candidate will need to provide 2 suitable microscopes and equipment necessary to carry out dissections and make slides. Full details are in the syllabus.
Prospective candidates should have passed the Basic Certificate

Show Judge Certificate

Take you experience in showing honey and honey products to the next level

In order to commence the assessment you must meet a number of entry requirements and hold the Basic Certificate. For full details please download the syllabus.

Candidates wishing to take the Show Judges Assessment must apply for a record book from the Examinations Board Secretary to record the following over a five year period

  • Stewarding for a number of BBKA Judges at county or national level or honey shows with more than 100 entries;
  • Judging at a number of Honey shows where 3 of the shows are assessed by 3 different BBKA Show Judges;
  • A final supervised judging and viva voce;
  • Record of awards at honey shows at third prize or higher at County or National level;
  • Record of other relevant experience such as Show Secretary.

Show Judge Certificate Syllabus

Honey Bee Breeding

A practical assessment to promote the skills required to improve stocks of local bees

A new certificate introduced for 2018 as part of the BBKA's work to promote the use and improvement of local bees amongst its members. The assessment is equally applicable to honey bee breeders who work alone and to those who work as part of a group.

Aims
To encourage an improvement in the skills and methodology applied to the selective breeding of honey bees that are adapted to local conditions and have desirable characteristics.

The Candidates will be able to demonstrate a range of beekeeping skills related to queen rearing, honey bee breeding and selection.

Honey Bee Health

A practical assessment suitable for members who wish to advance beyond their Basic Assessment

A new assessment available from 2018 to help beekeepers who have already passed their Basic Assessment acquire some of the skills needed at the General Husbandry level.

Aims
To encourage beekeepers who have been awarded the BBKA Basic Certificate and have at least three years of beekeeping experience to improve their understanding and practice of beekeeping.

The Candidate will be able to demonstrate a range of beekeeping skills.

Master Beekeeper

Do you hold the Advanced Certificate in Beekeeping Husbandry and Advanced Theory Certificate

As a Master Beekeeper you can now study for the National Diploma in Beekeeping

Fees & Applications

Download the Fees and Application Forms for each of the courses -

Fees_2020.pdf

Examination Dates

BBKA Examinations and Assessments are taken at specific times of the year. All assessments are taken by suitably qualified Assessors.

To take the Basic Assessment you should have managed at least one colony of bees for a minimum of 12 months.
The Basic Assessment syllabus can appear daunting at first glance but closer inspection will show that it merely lists the basic things which all beekeepers should know.

The assessment is completely practical/oral and takes place mainly at the hive in a local apiary. To apply for the assessment, complete the Application Form and send it with the Fee to your Area Examination Secretary or if an individual member, direct to the National Beekeeping Centre at Stoneleigh.

The Area Examination Secretary will organise the assessment and contact you with details