Past papers
Please note that until 2008 the theory part of the examination consisted of two exam papers, A and B. There is now only one theory paper to be taken.
The following past papers are available for downloading:
1982 
|
1984
|
1986
|
1988
|
|
1990
|
1992
|
1994
|
1996
|
|
1998
|
2000
|
2002
|
2004
|
Written assignment examples
The following are examples of topics for the written assignment. Candidates will be allocated a topic when accepted for the NDB examination.
- The role of honey bees as pollinators in the UK; and how can recognition of the role be increased?
- Construct a business plan for a beekeeper interested in becoming a commercial beekeeper in UK area 'xxxxx'.
- Obtain, evaluate and interpret the latest 'x' years of research on bee communication and its potential impact on beekeeping in the UK.
- Obtain, evaluate and interpret the latest 'x' years of research into the nutritive value of different pollen sources of relevance to UK beekeeping.
- Obtain, evaluate and interpret the latest 'x' years research and reports on poor queen performance and offer an opinion on how beekeeping practices might have to change.
- Obtain, evaluate and interpret the apitherapeutic claims for honey / propolis / pollen / beeswax.
- Identify the possible impacts of climate change (especially global warming) on beekeeping practices in the UK / England / Scotland / Wales / NI.
- Identify the possible impacts of Environmental Stewardship Schemes on beekeeping practices in the UK / England / Scotland / NI.
- Identify, investigate and evaluate the success of techniques that beekeeping associations use in the UK to communicate with their members and the general public.
- Investigate and propose ways in which the understanding and appreciation of honey bees by children / young people / adults etc be achieved
- Evaluate the success of beekeeping projects in developing countries.
- Evaluate and contrast recent developments in varroa control and their role in Integrated Pest Management strategies.
- Evaluate scientific risk assessment studies in the chemicals imidacloprid and fipronil and critically examine concerns by beekeepers about their use.