The SBA believes that studying for, and passing, the various examinations which are available to all classes of Member, is a worthwhile activity which should be encouraged. The SBA examination syllabuses have been fully revised to bring their content and standard of examination up to date and into line with those of the BBKA and to transcribe them into a much more user-friendly format than they used to have. Examinations for all modules will be held in the month of March. Examinations for modules 1 – 8 will be held each year. Examination for module 9 will be held every second year. Information will appear in the January edition of the Scottish Beekeeper on which examinations are to be held that year.

The Syllabus is divided into Modules, as follows:

• Module 1 Honeybee Management
• Module 2 Honeybee Products and Forage
• Module 3 Honeybee Diseases, Pests and Poisoning
• Module 4 Intermediate Honeybee Biology - Discontinued
• Module 5 Honeybee Biology
• Module 6 Honeybee Behaviour
• Module 7 Selection and Breeding of Honeybees
• Module 8 Honeybee Management and History
• Module 9 Microscopy

Details of each module can be downloaded using the Quick Links area on this page

The Scottish Intermediate Certificate will be awarded when Modules 1, 2, 3 and any one from 5, 6 or 7 have been passed. The Scottish Advanced Certificate will be awarded when Modules 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 have been passed. In order to qualify for the Scottish Advanced Certificate the necessary modules must be passed in a time of not more than ten years. Module 4 has been discontinued.

Syllabus booklets are available from the Education Convener as follows, or you can use the Quick Links area to download your copy.

• 1. Basic Beemaster Certificate. (Basic module)
• 2. Intermediate, Advanced and Expert Beemaster Certificates. (Modules 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8)
• 3. Apiarian Certificate.
• 4. Honey Judge Certificate.
• 5. Microscopy Certificate.

There is a slo a booklet available offering guidelines for Honey Judges and Show Committees.