EAS Master Beekeepers Certification Program
Overview

The purpose of the Master Beekeeper certification program is to identify and certify people who have a detailed knowledge of honey bee biology, expertise in the proper practices of beekeeping, and can present this information to the beekeeping and non-beekeeping public in a detailed, accurate, clear and authoritative manner. The goal of this program is to certify that those who are awarded the Master Beekeepers Certificate are competent at a college level in the four areas where they are tested.

The certification program will be conducted in conjunction with the annual EAS Conference. Certification will be coordinated by personnel who are designated by the Master Beekeeper Organization.

ELIGIBILITY: Any experienced beekeeper is eligible to apply for certification as a Master Beekeeper. Persons interested in applying should have a minimum of 5 years as a serious beekeeper in some aspect of apiary management such as a very dedicated hobbyist, a commercial beekeeper, working for a commercial beekeeper or as an apiary inspector. Also, it is recommended that applicants have completed the equivalent of a college level course in beekeeping. An applicant should be well read in apicultural literature. In addition, a letter of nomination in support of the individuals seeking Master Beekeeper Certification must be submitted by the application deadline. This letter may be supplied by a current master beekeeper, professional beekeeping specialist or current president of a local, state or regional beekeeping organization with whom the applicant has a long standing personal association. The letter can be submitted with the application or can be sent separately but must be received by the application deadline.

APPLICATION: Persons wishing to take the Master Beekeeper Certification Exam should submit the application by mail to : Susan Farris, EAS Secretary, 142 Cemetery Rd., Mocksville, NC 27028 or by email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The application can be downloaded here. If you are unable to download the application, write the Secretary or send an email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it asking for an application. The deadline for application is July 1st. All applications and letters of nomination must be received by July 1st deadline. The number of applicants accepted may be governed by the facilities available for testing. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

RETAKING A SECTION OF THE EXAM: A section of the exam can be retaken. It is not necessary to repeat sections of the exam which have already been passed. A new rule on stating intentions to retake a section of the exam will be in effect as of 2011: you must notify the Secretary of your intentions by the cut-off registration date for the EAS convention. Notification may be by mail at the address shown above or by email email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  If you do not state your intentions by the designated date, you will not be permitted to re-take that part of the exam.

REFERENCES: Master Beekeeper applicants will be provided an outline of examination subjects and a list of references to study in preparation for the examination.

FEES: Applicants who are accepted as candidates for certification are charged a fee which cover the cost of supplies and expenses for testing. The certification program costs $100. As each individual exam is passed, it will not have to be repeated. If an individual fails an exam, they are charged $25 for each section retaken.

PAYMENT FOR EAXAM:  Payment must be received by the treasurer by noon on the day before the exam. You may pay the treasurer at the registration desk at the convention.

TESTING: Tests for certification will be conducted in conjunction with the annual EAS Conference. Testing will consist of:

1. a written examination on knowledge of all aspects of beekeeping
2. a laboratory practical examination on recognition of diseases, equipment and proper practices and
3. an apiary performance test on the proper explanation of beekeeping practices and on handling of bee colonies.
4. An oral examination on knowledge and ability to communicate effectively to both beekeepers and public.

CERTIFICATE: Each candidate who is qualified and passes the EAS Master Beekeeper test will receive a certificate suitable for framing and a lapel pin showing certification as a Master Beekeeper.

The Eastern Apicultural Society of North America, Inc. (EAS) is an international nonprofit educational organization founded in 1955 for the promotion of bee culture, education of beekeepers, certification of Master Beekeepers, and excellence in bee research. EAS is the largest noncommercial beekeeping organization in the United States and one of the largest in the world.