Progression through the system

Applicants for the NDB Examination are required to hold the Senior Certificate of their Beekeeping Association, although are limited exceptions to that rule, and at the Chairman's discretion.

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 examination is constructed.

The written papers are at an obviously higher standard and are similar in format, but with an obvious requirement for the candidate to be up to date with both legislation and practice, particularly in the field of disease.

With the Practical, held over one day, and with four Modules to be undertaken, 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 diagnose quickly and accurately the condition of that colony and suggest further action, if obviously required. It is imperative that the candidate is able to work in a confident manner and at the same time, articulate his or 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 again is a development from the Senior Examination and requires a good knowledge of bee plants. Following an acknowledgement that there are variations in the distribution of some bee plants, candidates are issued with a check list of those plants which may be presented for identification a and classification. In addition, ability to set up a microscope and identify hymenoptera species is a requirement.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed; and 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 Bee Officer 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.

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Updated 17 May 2006