Introduction

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 modules will be held in the months of March and November. Different modules may be offered in the March and November diets. 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

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

Attainment of the Scottish Intermediate Certificate, the Scottish Advanced Certificate and the Scottish Expert Beemaster Certificate

The Intermediate Certificate will be awarded for successfully passing Modules 1, 2, 3 and one of 5, 6 or 7.

The Advanced Certificate will be awarded when Modules 1 to 8 have been successfully passed in a time period of not more than eight years.

Candidates can apply for the Module Examinations when they have obtained a pass with distinction (75%) in the Scottish Basic Beemaster (BB) or an equivalent qualification approved by the SBA Education Committee. The BB award date and number must be entered on the application form for other examinations. The applicant for the BB should have kept and  managed bees for two seasons. 

Awards

A certificate will be awarded for each Module passed

Awards shall be given at three levels: Pass 60%, Credit 70% and Distinction 80%

Certificates will be awarded for The Scottish Intermediate Certificate and for The Scottish Advanced Certificate

The Scottish Expert Beemaster will be awarded automatically to a candidate who has obtained the Scottish Advanced Certificate and The Scottish Apiarian Certificate.

Syllabus Booklets

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.
• Intermediate Practical Syllabus
• Honey Judges and Show Committees Guidelines

There is also a download booklet available offering guidelines for Honey Judges and Show Committees in the Quick Links area.