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VSBA MBP Director
John Davis — VA Certified Master Beekeeper
Program Overview
The Virginia State Beekeepers Association Master Beekeeper Program is dedicated to growing confident, knowledgeable, and community-minded beekeepers through education and service. Our goal is to help beekeepers deepen their understanding of honey bee biology, improve practical hive management skills, and share that knowledge with others.
Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and outreach, participants progress through levels of certification that recognize both their expertise and their commitment to supporting pollinator health. By combining education with service, the program strengthens the network of beekeepers across Virginia and inspires a new generation to care for honey bees with respect, curiosity, and purpose.
Start here: All candidates enter at the Apprentice testing level.
Apply to MBP
Each level includes a written/electronic exam and a practical component. Candidates also complete annual Public Service Credits (PSC) and report them using the MBP Volunteer Hours Form.
Participation & Membership
- Open to all: Anyone interested in honey bees may participate.
- VSBA membership: Participants must be VSBA members and maintain membership to be recognized as a VSBA Master Beekeeper.
- In-state delivery: Educational offerings and testing occur within Virginia.
Program Leadership
Senior Testing Official
Keith Tignor — VDACS State Apiarist
Program Consultant
Dr. James Wilson — Virginia Tech
Testing & Schedule
- Written exams are held only during VSBA Testing Events.
- Exam times are announced prior to each conference.
No walk-ins accepted. Preregistration and prepayment are required.
Certification Levels & Requirements
Apprentice Beekeeper $25Written + Practical
Entry level for beekeepers seeking foundational knowledge and skills.
- Written or Electronic Exam.
- Practical test demonstrating techniques in a routine hive inspection.
- Five (5) hours of approved Public Service Credit (PSC) annually.
After passing the written exam, contact a VSBA Master Beekeeper to schedule the practical inspection at an apiary other than your own.
Approved PSC includes: Honey bee presentations, staffing educational tables, or conducting workshops at schools, libraries, or community events.
Journeyman Beekeeper $25Written + Practical
- Written or Electronic Exam.
- Practical test including identification of tools, biology, and images.
- Four (4) years of beekeeping experience.
- Ten (10) hours of PSC annually related to beekeeping.
Approved PSC includes: Presenting programs to bee clubs or associations, staffing community outreach tables, or developing beekeeping educational sessions.
Master Beekeeper $50Written + Lab + Interview
- Written test.
- Practical laboratory test (dissection and disease identification) — Score ≥ 80 required.
- Interview conducted by two VSBA Master Beekeepers (6 questions, max 12 points; minimum 8 points required).
- Six (6) years of beekeeping experience.
- Twenty (20) hours of PSC annually related to honey bees and beekeeping.
After passing the written exam, candidates may train with the VA State Apiarist during a membership conference before scheduling their lab practical.
Public Service Credits (PSC)
PSC recognizes volunteer service and educational activities that benefit the public and advance beekeeping education. Documentation is required; more detail is better than less. The MBP Committee may accept or reject documentation during review.
PSC supports the mission of VSBA and strengthens individual learning—every time we teach, we learn more ourselves. To encourage breadth, most activities are credited once per level unless otherwise noted.
Deadline: Complete and report PSC by December 15 each year to maintain Apprentice, Journeyman, or Master status.
Approved PSC includes (not limited to):
- Lectures/workshops for non-beekeeping groups (youth or adult).
- Programs for school groups on beekeeping and related topics.
- Serving as an officer in a local beekeeping association.
- Assisting 4-H, Scouts, FFA, etc., with bee-related projects.
- Mentoring a new beekeeper through at least one season.
- Public demonstrations at fairs, festivals, or similar events.
- Publishing beekeeping articles in journals/newsletters.
- Presentations/demonstrations for beekeeping groups.
- Working at the Virginia State Fair (bee-related).
- Miscellaneous: Submit special programs to the MBP Director for committee approval.
Candidates must complete annual Public Service Credits (PSC) and report them using the MBP Volunteer Hours Form.
Study Resources
- Study Guides: Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master levels.
- Google Classroom code:
yiwjuab - Practice: Play Master Beekeeper Jeopardy below.
Scheduling Appointments for Practical Field Test
To make sure your practical field test runs smoothly, please schedule your appointment ahead of time using the designated method — whether that’s an email, or a quick phone call. Booking early helps both you and your proctor plan a successful session.
When reaching out to your proctor, take a moment to write a friendly, professional message. Address them respectfully (for example, “Dear Proctor [Last Name]”) and include your full name and contact information so they can easily confirm the details with you.
Your proctor will reply with the confirmed date, time, and location for your field test. Please double-check your appointment the day before, and if you need to make any changes, let your proctor know as soon as possible — they’ll appreciate the courtesy.
Reference: View the Master Beekeeper List_Map below to find proctor locations and contact information.
Open Master Beekeeper List_Map
Events & Registration
- All candidates must preregister and prepay.
- Exam dates and registration links are posted on the Events page.
No walk-ins accepted.
Certification & Recognition
Upon successful completion of written and practical testing, a Certificate of Recognition is presented at the next membership meeting. If you cannot attend, contact the MBP Director and a certificate will be emailed.
