NDB Guidance Notes
Applicants for the NDB Examination are normally required to hold the Senior Certificate of their National Beekeeping Association,
although at the Board's discretion there are limited exceptions to that rule.
The progression from Senior Certificate to the NDB is one that causes problems for some candidates in that they fail to appreciate
the difference, not only in the standard required, but also the way in which the NDB examination is constructed.
The written paper is similar in format to the Senior Certificate but at an obviously higher standard and with the requirement
for the candidate to be up to date with both legislation and best practice, particularly in the field of disease.
Suggestions for topics for the written assignment are available read more 
The Practical, held over one day, consists of four modules, each assessed by two examiners. The handling module requires the candidate to 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 diagnose quickly and accurately the condition of the colonies and suggest any further required action. It is imperative that the candidate is able to work in a confident manner and at the same time, articulate his or her responses to the satisfaction of the Examiners. For those applicants with a limited number of colonies, the advice given in all cases is to spend some time with a beekeeper operating on a somewhat larger scale.
The Scientific module is an extension from the Senior Certificate and demands a good knowledge of bee plants. Candidates are
issued with a check list of those plants which may be presented for identification and classification. read more
Setting up a microscope, performing adult bee dissection and identifying hymenoptera species and pollen grain features are also required skills.
In the case of the disease module, it is essential that the candidates bring good experience in the handling of diseased combs both in the apiary and in a laboratory situation. This component of the examination cannot be learnt from books and candidates are advised to seek the assistance of their local bee inspector and to take advantage of any courses on offer.
The viva tests the ability of the candidate to describe, in simple terms, the answers to certain recurring situations in
beekeeping and is intended to offer explanations with clarity of thought. In many ways, it offers a type of quality control
against the outcome of the other three modules.
The Board's Moderator subsequently receives the reports of the eight examiners and
decisions on Pass or Fail are reached following a round table discussion.
The Diploma, by virtue of its depth in knowledge and practice is applicable to only a
small percentage of beekeepers; but at the same time, it is a challenge that some are
willing to accept and in the process, make immense strides with their beekeeping development.