NWDBA provides Master Beekeeper training in conjunction with the Washington State Beekeepers Association (WASBA). Updates for the 2019 season include a brand new course offering called Beginning Beekeeping as well as updates to the WASBA Apprentice & Master certification courses to reflect significant changes in beekeeping.
Beginning Beekeeping
This course is for the person who is thinking about getting started in keeping honey bees as a hobby offering the opportunity to decide if beekeeping is something that a person wants to do and providing basic information on how to maintain a colony successfully the first year. The course is offered through a local beekeeping association.
No requirements
Upon satisfactory completion of the WASBA Beginning Beekeeper course and submission of application, the student will receive a certificate of completion acknowledging Beginning Beekeeper status.
Cost: $100 for non-members // $80 for members
Time/Dates: March 23rd & 30th 8:30am-1:30pm both days, both days are required
Location: 1305 Pine Avenue, Snohomish (our regular meeting location)
Apprentice Beekeeping Certification
This course is intended for the beekeeper with at least one year’s experience keeping bees and who wants to learn more about options and techniques in the successful management of colonies, building from the practical experience gained in the previous year(s). The course is offered through a local beekeeping association.
- Member of the Washington State Beekeepers Association
- Member of a local Association
- Successful completion of the Beginning Beekeeping course and one year of keeping bees.
Upon satisfactory completion of the WASBA Apprentice requirements and submission of application, the student will receive a certificate of completion and patch acknowledging Apprentice status.
The NWDBA is awaiting updated material and guidance from WASBA, we will begin offering classes at that time.
Journeyman Beekeeping Certification
This course is intended for the serious beekeeper who wants to learn more about beekeeping for their own knowledge and/or become a sideliner or commercial beekeeper. The course is offered through a local beekeeping association.
- Member of the Washington State Beekeepers Association.
- Member of a local association.
- Taken and passed the Apprentice Beekeeper Course or equivalent and kept colonies for at least 3 years.
- Maintain a beekeeping journal for a minimum of 2 years.
- Earn at least 35 service points.
- Mentor a new beekeeper.
- Take and pass the WASBA Journeyman Beekeeper Course with a score of no less than 85%.
- Take and pass the Journeyman Field Test Report with a score of no less than 90%.
Practical Field Test Requirements
Upon satisfactory completion of the WASBA Journeyman requirements and submission of application, the student will receive a certificate of completion and patch acknowledging Journeyman status.
Click here for questions about the Journeyman Beekeeping certification.
Master Beekeeping Certification
The Master level program is for the committed beekeeper who wants to be involved in an independent study on beekeeping related topics with the intent of not only furthering their own knowledge but also expanding the information currently available on honey bees and beekeeping.
Requirements for attaining the Master Beekeeper Level:
- Achieve Journeyman status.
- Member of WASBA
- Member of a local association.
- Either engage in a pre-approved research project, or satisfactorily complete an accredited university-level Master beekeeping program.
- Submit required documentation on Progress Form.
Upon satisfactory completion of the WASBA Master Beekeeper course and submission of the completed Progress Form, the student will receive a certificate of completion and a patch acknowledging WASBA Master Beekeeper status.
Click here for questions about the Master Beekeeping certification