The National Diploma in Beekeeping

The Examination Board for the National Diploma in Beekeeping was set up in 1954 to meet a need for a beekeeping qualification above the level of the highest certificate awarded by the English, Scottish, Welsh and Ulster Associations.

The Diploma Examination, as designed by the Board, was considered to be an appropriate qualification for a County Beekeeping Lecturer or a specialist appointment requiring a high level of academic and practical ability in beekeeping. It is the highest beekeeping qualification recognised in the British Isles and a high percentage of the past and present holders of the Diploma have given distinguished service to beekeeping education at all levels.

Although the post of County Beekeeping Lecturer has virtually disappeared, this has merely emphasised the need for some beekeepers to face the challenge of this examination and maintain the high level skills and knowledge needed to keep pace with the increased problems facing all beekeepers at the present time.

The Board consists of representatives from a wide range of organisations and from Government Departments and together form an impressive amalgam of expert knowledge in Beekeeping and Education. Although the National Beekeeping Associations are represented on the Board it is entirely independent of them.

Normally the highest certificate of one of the National Associations is a necessary criterion for eligibility to take the Examination for the Diploma which is held in alternate years. The Written Examination, taken in March consists of two three hour papers. The Practical, in three sections plus a viva-voce, is held in June.

The Board also organises an Advanced Beekeeping Course covering certain parts of the syllabus that are difficult to cover by independent study. Lasting a working week, they cover the main sections of the syllabus and represent the highest level of training available to British Beekeepers at the present time. The outside lecturers are each acknowledged experts in their particular field. For the past two years the Board have been privileged to hold their course at the National Bee Unit at Sand Hutton, York. For further details regarding the Diploma, write to the Secretary, enclosing a stamped A4 S.A.E.

HON.SECRETARY Norman Carreck NDB New Hall, Small Dole Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9YJ United Kingdom Tel: (+44 / 0)1273 492 206 Mobile: (+44 / 0)7918 670 169	CHAIRMAN Dr David Aston 38 Wressle, Selby YO8 6ET 01757 638758

Those who have gained the National Diploma in Beekeeping:

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Updated 17 May 2006