Examinations and Assessments

The Examination Board is responsible for the examinations framework of the BBKA and for setting written and practical examinations in support of the BBKA's desire to educate and set standards for beekeepers. The Examination Board is also responsible for the management of the correspondence courses to help beekeepers to train for BBKA examinations and qualifications.

We are very pleased to announce that Adam Russell and Tom Walton, both from Old Wives Lees, near Canterbury have been awarded their BBKA Junior Certificates for proficiency in Apiculture. The picture above shows them being presented with their certificates at the Kent Show at Detling in July. The presentation was made by David Wood, Chairman of the KBKA Honey Show committee.

How to go About Taken Examinations

Find out what examinations (written) and assessments (practical) are available by looking at the Framework Diagram or reading the Abridged Prospectus(see downloads below).

Taking the Basic Assessment in Beekeeping

The starting point and entry requirement for all other examinations and assessments is the Basic Assessment in Beekeeping; this practical assessment tests the basic skills and knowledge of the craft. 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 looks 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 at the hive. 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.

Under 16’s can take the Junior Certificate before the Basic if they prefer.

After the Basic Assessment

Following the Basic Assessment you can choose to take practical bee husbandry further by taking the General Certificate in Beekeeping Husbandry followed by the Advanced Certificate in Beekeeping Husbandry.

Other Practical Assessments available are Microscopy Certificate and Show Judge(see downloads below).

Written examinations are in the form of 7 separate Modules(see downloads below).

The closing dates for applications and examination dates are given on the Fees List. To apply for a Module Examination or Assessment, complete the Application Form and send it with the fee to your Area Examination Secretary(restricted file - BBKA members area download) or if an individual member, direct to the National Beekeeping Centre at Stoneleigh.

Our Correspondence Courses are available to help prepare for the Basic or for the Modules.

Framework for gaining BBKA Certificates in Beekeeping

Framework Diagram
[16KB PDF Acrobat 4.x Printable format]

Download BBKA Book List

The BBKA book list is a useful aid to those studying for any of the BBKA exams.
Book List Only
[35KB PDF Acrobat 4.x] Revised Sept-09

Examination Dates 2011

Module Examinations – 19th March 2011 (Applications in by 10th February 2011)
Advanced Certificate in Beekeeping Husbandry - 18th June 2011 (Applications in by 28th February 2011)
General Certificate in Beekeeping Husbandry and Microscopy Date by arrangement with the Examinations Board Secretary (Applications in by 28th February 2011)
Basic and Junior Certificate Date by arrangement with the Area Association Examinations Secretary (Applications one month before assessment)

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 (12 question papers) as well as the eight modules (5 question papers each) that form the route to the Intermediate Theory Certificate and then on to the Senior Theory Certificate.

The fee for each module is £45.00. You may also need to buy or borrow a few books which may be available in your beekeeping branch or county library.

Download Correspondence Course Application Forms

Basic Certificate
[192KB PDF V1.3 Acrobat 4.x] Revised Aug-10
Modular
[17KB PDF V1.3 Acrobat 4.x] Revised Aug-10

For further details contact the Correspondence Course Secretary Chris Utting at ‘Codden', Golf Links Road, Westward Ho!, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 1HH. Telephone: 01237 474 500 or E-mail:

The Examination Board for the National Diploma in Beekeeping (NDB) http://www.national-diploma-bees.org.uk

Articles for Download

There are a number of articles on the subject of taking the BBKA Basic Assessment Ivor Davis and Strategies for Exam Success Margaret Thomas previously published in BBKA News from our Education Information page.

Secretary: Val Francis
39, Beever Lane, Gawber, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S75 2RP.
Tel: 01226 286341 or E-Mail:

Page updated: 29-Aug-2010

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