The Examination Board

The Examination Board for the National Diploma in Beekeeping was set up in 1954 to meet the need for a beekeeping qualification above the level of the highest certificates awarded by the Beekeeping Associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It is the highest qualification recognised in the United Kingdom and those who obtain the Diploma can feel justly proud.

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.

It is significant that holders of the Diploma feature prominently on the national lecturing circuit, in addition to holding office in a wide range of beekeeping organisations.

The Examinations

Guidance Note to candidates.

Applicants for the NDB Examination are normally required to hold the Senior Certificate of their National Beekeeping Association. The Board recognises that access to appropriate tuition may present problems for some subjects, and to help aspiring candidates, it runs advanced beekeeping courses to cover these subjects and to acquire the appropriate knowledge and techniques.

The syllabus is very extensive, and to help candidates select appropriate study material, suggestions for reading can be found at its end. Some of the subjects covered by the syllabus change rapidly, so the candidate is required to be up to date with important developments, and also with current scientific literature as reported in the beekeeping press. Especially important is keeping abreast of changes in legislation concerning beekeeping and associated subjects, for example with reference to bee health management and the preparation and sale of honey bee products. The candidate is expected to be familiar with the legislation in force in his or her own country. In the UK, legislation relating to bees is devolved to the separate administrations in each country, but is usually the result of legislation passed by the European Union, so the relevance of the EU to the UK should be understood. Candidates should note that the NDB is concerned primarily with beekeeping in the British Isles, so the candidate will only be expected to be knowledgeable on any developments that take place outside the British Isles which have the potential to impact on beekeeping in the British Isles.

Written Examination.

The two papers of the Written Examination are of a similar format to, but to a higher standard than, those set for the Senior Certificates. There is a requirement for the candidate to be up to date with both legislation and practice, particularly in the field of bee diseases.

Practical Examination.

The Practical examination is held over one day, with four modules to be undertaken. Two examiners conduct each module. Typical subjects dealt with under each module are described below:

1. In the ‘bee handling’ module the candidate must be able to work three or four colonies that he or she will be viewing for the first time. The major test here is to be able to accurately diagnose the condition of the colonies, and recommend any action to be taken.

2. The ‘biology’ module requires a good knowledge of bee plants, and candidates can request a check list of those plants that may be presented for identification and classification. In addition the ability to set up a microscope and to identify pollen slides from flowers, and to identify the sources of selected honey samples is required. The identification of specimens of the Class Insecta to Order level is a requirement.

3. The ‘disease’ module requires the candidate to have experience in the handling of diseased combs both in the apiary and in laboratory situations. This component of the examination cannot be learned from books and candidates are advised to seek the assistance of their Bee Diseases Officer and to take advantage of any courses available.

4. The ‘viva voce’ tests the ability of the candidate to provide answers to recurring situations in beekeeping. The candidate is also required to give a short talk (10 minutes) on a subject given to him or her at the viva. A short time for preparation of the talk is provided. Topical beekeeping subjects will usually be discussed during the viva. Candidates will also be expected to critically assess and judge samples of honey bee products.

Syllabus Sections and Questions

Sample Examination Papers

The following are available for downloading in 'Word' file format.

Further details are available on application from the Honorary Secretary:
Norman Carreck, NDB, New Hall, Small Dole, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9YJ, United Kingdom

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Updated 16 March 2007