Candidates for the Journeyman Beekeeper rank or higher must document a certain number of public service
credits. “Public service” is defined as volunteer service or educational activity oriented around bees and
beekeeping and conducted primarily for the benefit of the public (non-beekeeping audience), though service to
the beekeeping community may be accepted. Educational activities in conjunction with commercial ventures
generally do not qualify (i.e. selling honey).

One Public Service Credit (PSC) equals a single, documented event of a qualified public service requiring
numerous hours of preparation and presentation. Multiple repetitions of a particular activity may count, but
only if they involve separate events or invitations. For example, two presentations to fifth grade science classes
may qualify as 2 PSCs but not if they are two successive class periods on the same day. Diversification of the
activities listed on the PSC form is highly encouraged. It may be difficult to equally quantify all the PSC activities, so the MBP Committee reserves the right to disqualify similar events in fulfillment of the PSC requirement. AllPSCs are to be submitted PRIOR to testing.

The key to earning PSCs is adequate documentation of the event. Primary documentation is represented by
original media: conference programs, testimonial letters from third parties, newspaper clippings, photographs,
or video recordings. Secondary documentation may lack material evidence of the activity, but must at least
include a written statement with the title of the event, date, place, time, topic, target clientele group and
number attended, description of the activity and its outcome, and contact information for the activity organizer
for verification. We provide a documentation form for your use. See APPENDIX J PROGRAM FORMS.

Documentation must be material evidence, in writing; and more detail is better than less. Candidates for
Journeyman/Master Beekeeper must compile the original PSC documentation in a Personal Beekeeping
Portfolio (see APPENDIX G Portfolio Documentation Guidelines) and should submit documentation via
electronic format to the Master Beekeeper Program Director/Committee PRIOR to taking the written
examination. The personal portfolio is a basic compilation of the candidate’s beekeeping service and
achievements – to be turned in for final review at testing. The MBP Director/Committee Members reserve the
right to accept or reject PSCs. Submitting them electronically in advance will help the candidate determine if
PSCs will be accepted prior to final submission of the portfolio. A Cover Sheet is provided in APPENDIX
J PROGRAM FORMS for each level to assist you in compiling and organizing the required elements for each
level.

The following activities are pre-approved for satisfying PSC requirements. Other activities may be admissible,
but candidates are advised to contact the MBP Committee about specific cases.

1.  Presenting bee-related lecture or workshop to non-beekeeping group (youth or adult)
2. Presenting bee-related lecture or workshop to a beekeeping class, club, conference
3. Serving as an officer in a local, state, or national beekeeping association
4. Assisting members of youth organizations (4-H, Scouts, FFA) with project work
5. Mentoring a new beekeeper through at least one complete season
6. Public demonstration on beekeeping topic at fair, festival, or similar public event
7. Providing a hive of bees to pollinate a public garden
8. Establishing and maintaining an observation hive for school or civic group
9. Assist local County Extension or other public agencies with bee-related programming including but not limited to…
   1. Serving as a member of your county swarm removal list (must document number of calls/visits) and
      providing it to local officials (county extension, State Apiculture and Pollinator Specialist, local
      police/animal control)
   2. Serving as a point of contact for identifying swarms, bee colonies, and other stinging insects (must
      document number of calls/visits)
   3. Giving an educational presentation to Master Gardeners
   4. Assisting the State Apiculture and Pollinator Specialist or local county agent with delivering a local
      program (ie: 4H camps, field trips, grower trainings)
   5. Assisting the local farmers market or agricultural fair with educational booth/material
   6. Serving as a sponsor/mentor of a participant in the 4H Honey Bee Project (may require a background
      check)
   7. Writing an article for local extension agent news column

Presentation Guidelines:

1. Be punctual, trustworthy and reliable. Follow through on your commitments and responsibilities. Call if you
   will be delayed or cannot attend the event. Make a reasonable effort to find a replacement speaker if you are
   going to miss a commitment.
2. Maintain a friendly, warm, and courteous attitude toward the public.
3. Communicate effectively with clients, staff and fellow Master Beekeeper Program Students.
4. Dress appropriately for the volunteer activity in which you are involved.
5. Follow affirmative action policies which forbid discrimination against anyone because of their race, color,
   gender, nation of origin, religion, age or disability.