Below are the links to the BBKA’s website that will give the up to date syllabi for both the Practical Assessments and the Modules. These are reviewed regularly and any changes from previous years are highlighted in bold. It is worth checking that you have downloaded the most recent version. As well as a reading list, you can purchase past papers, see example answers for some of the modules and some hints on exam technique on the site.
Practical Assessments
Junior Certificate for under 18 year olds
Basic To provide new beekeepers with a goal which will give them a measure of their achievement in the basic skills and knowledge of the craft. It is hoped that it will be a springboard from which to launch into the more demanding assessments.
General Husbandry To encourage all new and many existing beekeepers to improve their understanding and practice of beekeeping.
Advanced Husbandry Certificate 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.
Honey Bee Health Certificate 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. 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.
Honey Bee Breeding 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.
Microscopy Certificate 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
Show Judge Take your experience in showing honey and honey products to the next level
Master Beekeeper Hold the Advanced Certificate in Beekeeping Husbandry and Advanced Theory Certificate
Module Exams
The Modules are designed to give beekeepers the opportunity to study the craft of apiculture further with the goals of obtaining an Intermediate Theory Certificate and an Advanced Theory Certificate. Even if you have no desire to take the actual exams, studying the modules will give you a lot more insight into best practice and why your bees behave they way they do! Module 1 is invaluable for new beekeepers to progress quickly improving how they look after their bees. Module 3 would certainly assist you with spotting any health issues and would greatly help you in passing the honey bee health certificate.
If you are interested in joining a Module 1 Study group over Zoom, please email the Education Secretary.
Click here for updated Syllabi for 2024 Modules 1-8
Module 1 – Honey Bee Management
Module 2 – Honey Bee Products and Forage
Module 3 – Honey Bee Pests, Diseases and Poisoning
Module 5 – Honey Bee Biology
Module 6 – Honey Bee Behaviour
Module 7 – Selection & Breeding of Honey Bees
Module 8 – Beekeeping and Honey Bee Management
Module 8 must be the last module to be taken, otherwise they can be tackled in any order.
After passing modules 1, 2, 3 and one other from 5, 6 and 7 you are awarded the Intermediate Theory Certificate and after passing all modules you are awarded the Advanced Theory Certificate.
Exams, Assessments, Fees and Application Form
Reading List The BBKA gives a recommended reading list but it is advisable to read outside of the list if you can.
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 your written answers to set questions that are designed to take you through the syllabus.
These courses cover the Basic Certificate (7 question papers) as well as the seven modules (5 question papers each) that form the route to the Intermediate Theory Certificate and then on to the Senior Theory Certificate. There is also a course which covers the learning for the oral aspect of the Microscopy assessment.
The fee for each module approximately £60.00. You may also need to buy or borrow a few books, which may be available in your beekeeping branch or county library.