Master Beekeeper Program

The NC Master Beekeeper Program is an educational and public service program in beekeeping which is sponsored by N.C. State University (Entomology/Apiculture Extension), the N.C. State Beekeepers Association, and the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture. The program is administered by NCSU Entomology/Apiculture Program and is the oldest, continuously active, Master Beekeeper program in the United States. It is a multilevel program with over 3,500 individuals enrolled at some level of the program. Details of the program administration are here.

Participation

Any resident of N.C. with an interest in bees is invited to participate in this program. Non-residents who have an interest in bees may also participate; however, all of the educational offerings in support of the program as well as all of the testing is conducted within North Carolina. At the present time there is no cost to program participants. Check with your local beekeeping group or county Cooperative Extension Service, as well as this site, to see when training programs (short courses) are being offered or attend any of the annual meetings of the N.C. State Beekeepers Assoc. to attend training sessions and take the various tests.

Requirements summary for each level:

Journeyman Beekeeper	A beekeeper who has demonstrated good beekeeping skills and knowledge
a written test a practical test (oral identification of various tools, objects, and pictures relating to honey bee biology and beekeeping) two years of beekeeping experience 5 units of public service credit

Master Beekeeper	A beekeeper who has demonstrated extensive expertise in beekeeping and a number of specialized areas in beekeeping
a written test a practical test (demonstrate excellence in selected beekeeping specialties) 3 years of beekeeping experience 10 units of public service credits

Master Craftsman Beekeeper

The highest level of the program composed of Master Beekeepers who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, public and media interactions, a substantial commitment to beekeepers and beekeeping, and who have passed an oral examination. The Master Craftsman designation is awarded for five year active appointments and then the individual is moved into an emeritus appointment unless recertified by earning an additional 15 units of public service credit and demonstrating that they have kept current on matters affecting bees and beekeeping.

an oral examination (comparable to the oral exam for a student in a Master of Science program at a university)
two years as a Master Beekeeper
present a program at a state bee meeting
demonstrate communication skills
practical test (demonstrate excellence in a minimum of seven required beekeeping specialty areas)
participate in an NCSU sponsored research project
earn 15 units of public service credits
recertification every 5 years to maintain "active" status

TESTING AT BEEKEEPING SCHOOLS AND SHORT COURSES

Administrators of Master Beekeeper Program written tests following bee schools and short courses across the state must submit this form at least 4 weeks before the testing date. No testing will be authorized or tests issued without a completed form and signature of agreement to the terms and conditions by the responsible test administrator.

North Carolina State Beekeepers Association

The NC Master Beekeeper Program

Participation

Requirements summary for each level:

TESTING AT BEEKEEPING SCHOOLS AND SHORT COURSES

Congratulations to the current occupants of the highest two levels: