The Difference Between the Master Beekeeper Program & the Bee College

What's the difference between the Master Beekeeper Program and the Bee College? We're glad you asked!

The Master Beekeeper Program is designed specifically for beekeeper education. Only beekeepers can participate - you must be a registered beekeeper with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (click here to register with FDACS), and you must have owned bees (at least one hive) for at least one year.

The Master Beekeeper Program consists of four levels of advancement:

1. Apprentice Beekeeper
2. Advanced Beekeeper
3. Master Beekeeper
4. Master Craftsman Beekeeper

Attaining the level of Master Craftsman Beekeeper is comparable to receiving a Master’s Degree from a university. In order to advance from one level to another, you must complete a written examination and a practical examination. Additionally, each level has specific requirements; for example, one level may require that you demonstrate and document public service credits, like speaking to a youth group or becoming an officer in a local beekeeping organization. More detailed information about the requirements for each step of advancement is available from the Master Beekeeper Program Requirements document [88KB pdf].

The Master Beekeeper Program is an ongoing program, and participants continually work towards advancing to the next level by reading books, demonstrating public service credits, participating in research projects, preparing for the next exam, etc. In order to enter the program, you must begin by taking the written and practical examination for the Apprentice Beekeeper level.

The University of Florida Bee College occurs is an annual educational event geared toward anyone interested in honey bees—from the total novice to the experienced commercial beekeeper. No prior bee knowledge is necessary! The Bee College consists of two days of lectures in the morning and workshops in the afternoon.

The Bee College is not part of the Master Beekeeper Program — they are separate entities with separate purposes.

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