About the program The Master Beekeeper Program (MBP) is a five year beekeeper training and certification provided by the University of Florida. One must already be a beekeeper to enter the program (please see Apprentice requirements). Entry into the program is attained by meeting the Apprentice requirements and passing the Apprentice examinations on exam day. There is no age limit for entry into the program, although the examination may be too difficult for children under 12 years of age. All students must enter the program at the Apprentice Beekeeper level, and no students are permitted to skip levels.The training and examination day consists of two parts. In the morning (8 AM – 12 PM) there are review lectures on important beekeeping topics. In the afternoon there are written and practical examinations (1 PM – 5 PM) there are review lectures on important beekeeping topics. Please note, these training lectures are not comprehensive. Students are responsible for the materials listed on the reading lists for their level (please see www.ufhoneybee.com).The MBP program is designed to train and educate beekeepers to new techniques, equipment, potential problems, tips and tricks to improve their beekeeping skills. Perhaps most importantly, it keeps beekeepers around the state and country connected. MBP participants serve as bee ambassadors to beginning beekeepers, the public, and our community, by teaching and serving as an extension of UF/HBREL. About DocumentationAdvanced, Master, and Master Craftsman Beekeeper levels are required to turn in documentation. All documentation is due by noon on exam day. It is now required to present every credit with a “Documentation of Public Service Credits Form” AND at least one additional piece of evidence for that credit. Each level is now required to use the appropriate “Cover Sheet” to organize and summarize their credits (see website for downloadable forms). The key to public service credits is adequate documentation of the event. Primary documentation is represented by original media: conference programs, testimonial letters from third parties, newspaper clippings, photographs, or video recordings. We request that you present these materials neatly, professionally, and well organized. Board members reserve the right to accept or reject documentation during program audits.About the ExaminationsOur testing areas focus largely on the topics covered in our modules. Apprentice and Advanced levels both have a written and practical portion (two hours each), Masters only have a written portion. The written tests consist of multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and matching. The practical tests also have multiple choice and true/false matching but also contain live identification of hive parts, tools, diseases, and pests. Candidates must receive a 70% or higher on BOTH the practical and written examinations to pass. Passing candidates will receive their certification by mail.Registration InformationRegistration will be available online at http://masterbeekeeperprogram.eventbrite.com. Apprentice, Advanced and Master level training /exam fees are $35.00 each, which can be paid by credit card. There is also an option to pay by mail in check. Participants are welcome to sit in at any level for extra study time or for a retest for no fee. We ask that ALL participants register online. The fee includes morning review lectures, afternoon examinations, and morning refreshments. Lunch is on your own; we encourage particpants to pack a lunch.Apprentice Beekeeper LevelTo become an Apprentice Beekeeper (the entry level to the program), one must be a registered Florida beekeeper at the time of the exam (http://www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/plantinsp/apiary/ap-fees.html) and have owned at least one colony of bees for at least one year. Please visit our website for the suggested Apprentice level reading list and more program information. We highly recommend that you review at least one of the books on the reading list as it would better prepare you for the examinations. Advanced Beekeeper LevelOnly those participants who previously obtained the Apprentice Beekeeper certification, and have held the rank for one full year, are eligible to take the Advanced Beekeeper examinations. Before taking the exam, participants must pass six computerized training modules and complete necessary public service credits. Printed results of passing modules as well as adequate documentation of earned public service credits must be turned in for evaluation to the Master Beekeeper Program Board by noon on Thursday, November 1. Please visit our website for the suggested advanced reading list and more program information. Master Beekeeper LevelOnly those participants who previously obtained the Advanced Beekeeper certification, and have held the rank for one full year, are eligible to take the Master Beekeeper Examination. Before taking the exam, participants must declare a major, complete necessary public service credits, document major credits earned within the chosen major, and document core credits earned outside the major. There is no training held in the morning for those taking the Master Beekeeper exam. Candidates must pass an rigorous written examination; no practical exam is given. All documentation must be turned to the Master Beekeeper Program Board by noon on Thursday, November 1. Master Craftsman Beekeeper LevelIf you are interested in certifying to become a Master Craftsman beekeeper and would like to schedule the oral examination, please contact the Master Beekeeper Program Board via email at honeybee@ifas.ufl.edu. WHAT TO BRING:OPTIONAL — Your own veil, suit and gloves, packed lunch.  Visit EventBrite.com for pricing.