The Master Beekeeper Program (MBP) is a training and certification program administered and provided by the
South Carolina Beekeepers Association (SCBA). The program recognizes the education and experience obtained by participating beekeepers, and certifies their expertise through a series of training, examinations, service credits, and a final research project (see the summary of requirements in Table 1). Program participants must join and maintain membership with the SCBA. There is no age limit for entry into the program although the examinations may be too difficult for children under 12 years of age. All candidates must enter the program at the Certified Beekeeper Level and are not permitted to skip levels. Beginning level certifications obtained in
other states may be considered by the MBP Committee for entry into the program. No reciprocal certifications
will be issued based on achievement in other programs. Please see APPENDIX H Reciprocal Certification Recognition Policy for complete Reciprocity Policy.

The SCBA Master Beekeeper Program offers four levels of training and certification:

1. Certified Beekeeper (beginner or entry level)
2. Journeyman Beekeeper (intermediate level)
3.  Master Beekeeper (advanced level)
4. Master Craftsman Beekeeper (expert level)

The Certified level requires one year of beekeeping to complete. The Journeyman level requires a minimum of 1 full year at the Certified level to complete. The Master level requires 2 years as a Journeyman level beekeeper and the Master Craftsman level requires an additional 2 years beyond the Master level. A minimum of six years of active participation in the program is required to advance from the Certified level to the Master Craftsman level. Participants must meet all the requirements for each level before advancing to the next tier.

The foundation of the training and examination consists of two parts at the Certified Level: a written and a practical examination. Public Service Credits and Core Minor Credits are added to the testing at the Journeyman Level. Core Major and Minor Credits, an Oral Exam, and Practical Field exam are added at the Master Level. Communication Skills, an Oral Presentation and a Research Project are added at the Master Craftsman Level. Each beekeeper is encouraged to compile the required components for the level desired in a personal Beekeeping Portfolio APPENDIX G Portfolio Documentation Guidelines to be submitted to the MBP Committee for review prior to testing. Please see APPENDIX F Examinations and Fees for examination information.

The requirements to achieve each level of the SCBA Master Beekeeper Program are listed in detail on the following pages. It is important that candidates read the requirements closely and make certain that all requirements are met in order to advance in the program. Additional Program stipulations are listed in the Appendixes with necessary forms listed in APPENDIX J PROGRAM FORMS. Adequate documentation is critical.

Certified Level Certificates will be awarded by the candidate’s local club as achievement is made. The
presentation of Journeyman, Master, and Master Craftsman Certificates will be awarded at the next occurring
SCBA Spring or Summer Conference. Attendance at a conference is not required to receive certification, but is
highly encouraged.

If at any point you need clarification or wish to discontinue the program, please contact us directly via email at
scmasterbeekeeper@gmail.com . Please also be sure to keep your current mailing address, email address, and
phone number updated on your member profile at www.scstatebeekeepers.com as we do use all methods to
contact you for various reasons throughout your enrollment in the SCBA Master Beekeeper Program.