The N. C. 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 is a joint venture of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association (NCSBA), the N. C. Department of Agriculture (NCDA), and the Apiculture and Cooperative Extension programs at the North Carolina State University (NCSU). Any resident of North Carolina with an interest in bees is invited to participate in the program, which is currently free of charge. Non-residents are also encouraged to take part, although no special arrangements will be made for testing or other programming outside of the state.

The MBP consists of four ascending levels of beekeeping expertise. The Certified level is the entry level of the program for participants with basic knowledge of honey bees and bee management. The Journeyman level are beekeepers with demonstrated competence in the craft. 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. 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.

Each successive level requires that certain minimum criteria be met, which are summarized below.

	Tests			Service and Experience
Level	Written	Practical	Oral	Beekeeping Experience	Public Service	Other
Certified	X	X	-	-	-	-
Journeyman	X	X	-	2 years	5 units	-
Master	X	X	-	3 years	10 units	1
Master Craftsman	X	X	X	2 years @ Master level	15 units	1,2,3

1 = Demonstrate expertise in sub-specialty; 2 = Present a program at an NCSBA annual meeting; 3 = Participate in an NCSU-sponsored research project

 

The purpose of the program is to increase simultaneously the breadth and depth of knowledge within each of these areas, and to reflect that understanding back to other beekeepers and the public. Participants are objectively assessed and recognized for these valuable endeavors. To enroll in this free program, or to gain more information on the N. C. MBP, call your local county extension agent, NCDA inspector, or visit the following web site:

NCSBA: http://www.ncbeekeepers.org/master.htm

MBP forms

Request for tests form for beekeeping short courses

(NOTE: this form is required to be completed and submitted before any tests will be administered)

 

Study guide for the Certified Written exam (Beekeeping Note 3.13)

Forms required to complete the Journeyman level

Forms required to complete the Master level

Forms required to complete the Master Craftsman level

 

Public service

Volunteerism is a fundamental aspect of the NC Master Beekeeper Program. It is also important to many beekeepers who choose not to be MBP participants. Serving the public and other beekeepers is highly commended, and all such service ought to be recorded, compiled, and celebrated.

The following is a service provided by the Apiculture program at NCSU to keep track of such public service. Keeping such records will give credit where credit is due, since many beekeepers volunteer their time and energies with little or no recognition. It will also facilitate the administration of the MBP , and serve as evidence of the impact that beekeepers have on the public’s understanding of honey bees and beekeeping-related issues.

Example: Mr. Eddie Munster, currently a Journeyman beekeeper, provided a workshop at a local beekeeping club. A total of 28 people, primarily other beekeepers, participated in his workshop on package installation at the Wake County Field Day. Although the field day ran from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, Eddie also accounted for his half-an-hour travel to and from the event.

Click here to download the Public Service Forms.

PLEASE NOTE: Those in the MBP are still required to submit the summary form of public service credits (see above); these cards are only used to document each year's activity of beekeepers who perform public service, which is an important aspect of reporting all of the volunteerism conducted by beekeepers in the state.