Revised: 12/31/21
- A candidate for this level of certification must have held the Alabama Apprentice Beekeeper certification for at least one (1) year.
- A candidate must be a member of the Alabama Beekeepers Association.
- A candidate must have proof of registration of their colonies with the Alabama Department of Agriculture, or equivalent for out-of-state candidates, or otherwise obtain prior approval of the Alabama Master Beekeepers Board of Directors.
- A candidate must show proof of attending a minimum of 12 hours of honey bee related programs (use Public Service Credit form for proof of participation). These classes are to focus on the following areas of beekeeping:
- Honey bee pests/parasites & pathogens
- Social wasps & bees
- Pollination
- Pesticides & honey bees
- Honey bee biology
- Hiving a swarm
- How to make splits
- Basic Queen rearing
- A candidate must score a 70% or higher on a written examination. This exam will cover more information than required in the Alabama Apprentice Beekeeper level exam. The written test includes, but is not limited to, beekeeping classes conducted through the AMB program, books and materials on the AMB reference list and general knowledge and skills expected of a beekeeper with at least three years of experience.
- A candidate must score 80% or more on a practical examination. The practical exam can include, but is not limited to, the identification of hive components as well as equipment and materials used in apiary maintenance, queen rearing, feeding, harvesting and processing hive products.
- A candidate must perform and document completion of five (5) Public Service Credits using the Public Service Credits form. The candidate may submit extra Public Service Credits which are encouraged, but they cannot be used in higher certification levels.