Level Two:
Apprentice BeekeeperThe Apprentice Beekeeper class will focus on hive health and management. This includes information on how to check the health of your hive, how to monitor for pests and diseases, honeybee biology, swarm management, queen replacement, and other IPM recommendations.
The Midwest Master Beekeeper certification program consists of six levels:
- Beginner Beekeeper
- Apprentice Beekeeper
- Journeyman Beekeeper
- Junior Master Beekeeper
- Master Trainer
- Master Beekeeper
By the end of this first course, individuals will be able to help experienced beekeepers in the management of hives.
Anyone can take the first three level classes for more information on beekeeping without taking any examinations. However, to move to the fourth level, examinations for the prior classes must be completed. For Basic Beekeeper, individuals must have one year of experience rearing bees before taking an exam to move up to the next level. Experienced beekeepers can test up through the first two levels of the program if they have three or more years of experience.
The Apprentice class is for any individual interested in learning beekeeping. There is no minimum age for the program, but children age 12 and younger may find examination questions difficult.