Haywood County Beekeepers Chapter of the NC State Beekeepers Association

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Master Level

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. In accordance with the NC State Beekeepers Association, this level encompasses the certified and journeyman levels, plus additional requirements.

3 years - 10 units

Review the Master Web Quiz about frequently missed questions.

Bees, Beekeepers and the Community

Learning about bees can be quite fun and one of the goals of Haywood County Beekeepers Charter is to help the public become comfortable around bees. Though they can be agitated at times, in general bees are quite easy to handle. Just avoid disturbing their hive too much. Thus, our beekeepers will host booths at various events through the community for the purpose of exposing others to these pollinating insects who offer so much to our environment. The next time you visit a festival and there is a bee display, visit the booth, you will not bee… disappointed.

Certified Level

The Certified level is the entry level of the program for participants with basic knowledge of honey bees and bee management. Prepare yourself for each certification tests. Review the Certified Web Quizzes about “frequently missed questions.

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Master Craftsman Level

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. Master Craftsman beekeepers have exemplified their skills in beekeeping and possess the following credentials as listed on the NCSBA site for Master Craftsman.

Journeyman Level

The North Carolina Journeyman level is comprised of beekeepers with demonstrated competence in the craft of beekeeping. Each successive level requires that certain minimum criteria be met, which are summarized below.

Prepare yourself for each certification tests.

2 years - 5 units

Review the Journeyman Web Quiz about frequently missed questions.

Typically, beekeeping schools take place in the winter and early spring. If you are interested in becoming a beekeeper and you missed out on the beekeeping schools, there are a couple things you can do:

Find a Mentor in our HCBC chapter.
Join our local beekeepers chapter- HCBC membership form.
Check out one of these excellent online study guides:
Field Guide to Honey Bees and Their Maladie - an very informative guide by the PennState University Extension
Beekeeping in Tennessee - an excellent guide for beginning and experienced beekeepers.

Hive Tips Mentors Swarm Prevention Swarm Removal Video Buzz

The North Carolina 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 consists of four ascending levels of beekeeping expertise. Each successive level requires that certain minimum criteria be met, which are summarized in the following areas: Tests, Service and Experience, Level, Written, Practical, Oral, Beekeeping Experience, Public Service, and Other. Visit the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association (NCSBA) for more information on Bee Schools.