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Oregon Master Beekeeper Program

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'Getting Started with Bees' Certificate Program

Photo: Jen Larsen
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The 'Getting Started with Bees' Certificate Program provides participants with basic knowledge about bee biology and backyard beekeeping.

It is a stand-alone program that satisfies the curiosity of those who want to know more about bees as well as builds a foundation for others who want to keep bees. While designed for those with little or no beekeeping experience, it may be an option for those applicants who qualify for the Apprentice Program who are unable to be assigned a mentor.

Building a foundation in beekeeping will be achieved through online classroom participation, passing an exam, and finding the opportunity to observe bees. Participants who finish the requirements within 2 years will be awarded a certificate of achievement.

Please note: While we are happy to welcome students from any location, our course materials have a Pacific Northwest focus. Student packets and certificates can only be mailed to addresses within the United States and Canada. Getting Started students who live outside our region will not be able to continue on the Apprentice program due to the assignment of in-person mentors at that level.

Enrollment process

There is no waiting list for the 'Getting Started with Bees' Program - you may join at any time.

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Who should register?

  • Those with less than 2 years' beekeeping experience
    or
  • Those who wish to join the Apprentice program in areas where a mentor is not currently available

While we are happy to welcome students from any location, please note that our course materials have a Pacific Northwest focus, and student packets and certificates can only be mailed to addresses within the United States and Canada.

Program fee

  • The program fee is $200

Participation criteria

While we are happy to welcome students from any location, please note that our course materials have a Pacific Northwest focus, and student packets and certificates can only be mailed to addresses within the United States and Canada.

You'll have access to...

  • 9 online, self-paced class modules
  • A bonus module about native bee biology from the Oregon Bee Atlas Master Melittologist Program
  • A library of 'Virtual Mentor' videos about beekeeping management produced by the OSU Honey Bee Lab
  • A student packet including program materials and hardcopies of selected OSU Extension publications about beekeeping
  • Monthly Zoom discussion forums where your questions can be answered by OSU Honey Bee Lab staff and OMB experts
  • Networking opportunities with fellow beekeepers in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho

Certification requirements

  • Watch 9 online class modules including the EpiPen training
  • Pass an open book exam
  • Earn education points - knowledge gained beyond the course modules
  • Earn 'In the Bees' points - exposure to an active colony of bees
  • Complete these requirements within 2 years to earn a certificate of achievement
  • You are now eligible to apply to the apprentice program Apprentice program.
  • Those that earn a certificate and place their name on the Apprentice Contact List will receive priority consideration for placement with an available mentor in their area. The Apprentice program begins in January of each year. Occasionally spots open up during the year - if your name is on the contact list we will notify you of any opportunities.

Online course overview

'Getting Started with Bees' and Apprentice students are provided approximately 16 hours of online lectures via Canvas, OSU's e-learning platform. This means distance or scheduling conflicts do not affect the student's opportunity to participate in the classes. Additional monthly online discussion forums give students a chance to ask questions. In-person classes occasionally may be offered in some locations - schedules are communicated at the beginning of the year.

Module 1: Honey bee biology
Module 2: Hives and equipment
Module 3: Working bees
Module 4: Seasonal colony management - spring and summer
Module 5: Pests - Varroa mite management and treatment options
Module 6: Pathogens
Module 7: Pollination, bee botany, and products of the hive
Module 8: Seasonal colony management: fall and winter
Module 9: EpiPen and Anaphylactic Shock training seminar
Optional bonus module: Native bee biology from the Oregon Bee Atlas Master Melittologist Program

Required textbook

We are currently using The Beekeeper's Handbook by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile, 5th edition. Each student is asked to obtain their own copy - it is widely available from online booksellers.

May I purchase this program as a gift for someone else?

Purchasing our course as a gift for another person:

  • Visit the gift purchase site: https://beav.es/TeA
  • The form will prompt for an amount ($200), and then you will add the recipient’s information and the course name (Getting Started with Bees Certificate Program).
  • You will enter your billing information on the payment page.
  • Then you must contact Jen Larsen ([email protected]) to let her know that you paid as we will not get a copy of the payment.
  • You will receive an automatic confirmation message from TouchNet for your purchase. PLEASE NOTE: If you enter the gift recipient’s email then they will get a message too, something to think about if it is a surprise.

How to redeem a gift:

  • You will notify the recipient of the gift by sending them the link to register for the course: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/osuextension
  • Then the recipient will register themselves for the program, as they will need to set up their own log in account (using Google, Microsoft, facebook, LinkedIn). When the recipient reaches the Payment tab in the registration, they can click “Save for later” and contact [email protected] to complete the process for them.

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