Introduction to Beekeeping
Everything you need to know to set up your first hive.
Introduction to Beekeeping is self-paced and entirely digital.
This eight-module course introduces new or prospective beekeepers to the concepts and practical information needed to manage or start their first colony, foster hive health, and know what to expect in every season.
This course, taught by highly experienced beekeepers including Certified and Master beekeepers, covers honey bee biology, hive tools, and practical methods for the foundation of a successful first beekeeping experience.
BASIC GEAR: Tools for basic beekeeping
HIVE COMPONENTS: History of hive designs and modern beehives
REPRODUCTION & SWARMS: How and why bees reproduce by swarming, and how to prevent and catch swarms
BEEKEEPING MANAGEMENT: Be prepared for what hives need in each season
PESTS & DISEASES: Learn the common and rare threats honey bees face
VARROA MONITORING & TREATMENT: Get familiar with how to keep your hives healthy against the #1 threat to honey bees today
INSTALLING PACKAGES & NUCS: Learn how to install a package or nuc of bees
BEE SMOKER: Understand how to choose and use a bee smoker
Welcome to Introduction to Beekeeping
Course Syllabus
How to Navigate the Course
Incoming Student Survey
You will receive:
1. Ongoing access to the course until the next January 1st
2. A certificate of completion
3. Downloadable resources for use offline.
The Introduction to Beekeeping includes an online course consisting of 8 lessons, an ongoing discussion group, and downloadable supporting materials.
The Introduction to Beekeeping course is self-paced. You can work through the modules any way it works for you. The discussion board, which is real-time, will be a dynamic part of the experience. Your access to the course will expire on the coming January 1st.
Those who complete the course will be issued a certificate of completion. This certificate is not associated with any larger organization or state agency. However, the training you will receive should help you prepare for the NCSBA master beekeeping Certified level test.
We are always happy to hear from you! Simply contact us through our contact form .