Education and exams

Written Exams

Written Exams

The written exams of the BBKA are known as modules.  There are 7 modules in total giving you a chance to test your knowledge on all aspects of apiculture.

Upcoming dates:

• 23^rd March 2024 with a closing date of 9^th February 2024
• 16^th November 2024 with a closing date of 30^th September 2024

The Modules are written examinations with each paper taking 100 mins (1 hr 40 mins). You can take up to 2 modules in each session and there are 7 modules to be studied.  Sample answer sheets for some of the Modules are available to guide candidates on the level of detail required in the examination.

Results from November examinations are normally available by 3rd week January.

Results from March examinations are normally available by 3rd week May.

Sets of past exam papers are available from the official  BBKA Shop | British Beekeepers Association and there are also online courses available for modules Correspondence courses | British Beekeepers Association (bbka.org.uk).

All details about exam closing dates etc and exam fees are vis this link for 2024

https://www.bbka.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=7a32e0f9-0fbc-44b7-8f26-e0a0cd6761c1

Syllabi for Written 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

Click here for the 2024 module Syllabuses Download.ashx (bbka.org.uk)

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.

It is recommended that you have at least 2 years’ experience of beekeeping before sitting a module exam.

To apply for the assessment, please contact Chris (chris.j.dale@btinternet.com). He will be able to email you a link to the application form. You can use this to apply and pay online. You will get a receipt by email to confirm we have your application.

Basic Assessment

Basic Assessment | British Beekeepers Association (bbka.org.uk)

Applications need to be submitted by the end of July 2024.
This may look a little daunting but we have a 100% pass rate and we do a practical training session a couple of weeks ahead of the practical exam in a local apiary. This training session will be scheduled in our series of 2024 activities. Contact Chris (chris.j.dale@btinternet.com) for more information or to get a link to enter the exam.

Honey Bee Health

A practical assessment suitable for members who wish to advance beyond their Basic Assessment

Aims

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.

If the demand is there, then we will run about 4 practical in apiary sessions for a few association members in early summer.

The Candidate will be able to demonstrate a range of beekeeping skills.

https://www.bbka.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=96fe5737-4089-4213-b430-a602448a93c2

Beginners Course 2024 (fully booked) 2025 bookings now being taken

The course consists of 7 classroom style 2 hour sessions (7 – 9pm) in Mytholmroyd plus some hands on apiary visits. Additionally you will be appointed a mentor for year one. To take the course you will need to be a member of HBKA. Please contact Paddy Walker our Education Secretary (paddygwalker@gmail.com) if you are interested and he can add you to the list. The cost of the course, including membership of HBKA, is around £140. Starting date for the course is 11th March 2025

Contact

In every respect, Chris will be happy to chat through all aspects of education, training and practical aspects of keeping bees.