Journeyman is the second level in the Master Beekeeper Program.
In order to become a Journeyman Beekeeper, you must:
- Maintain an uninterrupted membership in the NCSBA since receiving the Certified Beekeeper Level of the MBP, or three consecutive years of membership prior to being qualified to take any Journeyman Exam. Membership must be maintained through the Journeyman certification process or the three-year rule referenced above will be applied.
- Hold a Certified level Beekeeper certification for a minimum of one year before being permitted to take any Journeyman Level Beekeeper Exam.
- Pass a written examination, administered by an NCSBA MBP representative at one of the statewide conferences or special testing events. Written exams cannot be taken on consecutive days at the Spring or Summer conferences.
- Pass a Practical Examination administered by an NCSBA MBP representative. Candidates must take the written Journeyman Beekeeper Level exam before being permitted to take any part of the Journeyman/Master Practical exam. Only five Journeyman/Master Practical sections will be offered at one sitting. Those may be repeated until four have been passed. No further Practical sections will be offered until the candidate qualifies for and takes the Master written exam. Practical exams cannot be taken on consecutive days at the Spring or Summer conferences.
- Have a minimum of two years of beekeeping experience.
- Have completed five public service credits.
- Passing grade for the written Journeyman Level exam is 75% effective January 1, 2020.
Ways to prepare for the Journeyman Written Exam
Self Study
Suggested references for the intermediate beekeeper / Journeyman Level include:
- The Hive and The Honey Bee – Dadant & Sons, Inc.
- Honey Bee Biology & Beekeeping – Dewey Caron – Wicwas Press
- What Do You Know? – Clarence H. Collison – Bee Culture Publications
- American Honey Plants – Frank C. Pellett – Dadant & Sons, Inc.
- Journeyman/Master Written Exam Study Guide (the prep course mentioned above covers most of this material)
- Journeyman Practical Test Form
NCSU Courses
The NC State Apiculture Program offers beginner and advanced training online via its Beekeeper Education & Engagement System (BEES).
NCSBA Courses
The NCSBA occasionally offers Journeyman Prep Courses taught by NCSBA Master Beekeepers. If you would be interested in attending a NCSBA prep course, please complete the Journeyman Prep Course interest form. This will help us gauge interest in your area as we make decisions about where to hold future prep courses.
Testing
Testing will be done at the spring and summer NCSBA conferences as well regional special testing sites in the fall (when offered).
Master Beekeepers will issue the written and practical test to Journeyman applicants. The NCSBA MBP Coordinator will review and grade the test, public service credits, and practical examination results to determine if applicant has completed all requirements to receive Journeyman Level.
On passing, a certificate of completion will be forwarded to the affiliated Regional Director and arrangements will be made with the beekeeper’s association president for presentation to the Journeyman. The Journeyman’s name will be added to the NCSBA list of “JOURNEYMAN BEEKEEPERS”.
If you have questions, please contact mbp@ncbeekeepers.org.