There are several Master Beekeeper  Programs, however the Maryland Master
Beekeeper Program no longer exists.
 
Maryland relies on the Eastern Apicultural Society and the EAS Master
Beekeeper Program to certify beekeepers as Master Beekeepers.   Beekeepers
are required to have a minimum of 5 years experience and should
pre-register for the examination with the EAS Secretary, Lorretta
Surprenant.
 
The examination is a three part exam consisting of a field or practical
examination, a laboratory examination and a written examination.  The exam
is only given once a year  during the annual EAS conference, which will be
held in Harrisonburg, VA this year from July29-Aug 2, 1996.  The exam will
be given on Thursday Aug 1, 1996.
 
For more information, write to the EAS Secrectary (I don't have her address
of phone number currently available but can post it to you tomorrow.)
There are copies of the exams from the past several years on file that the
Secretary can mail to you and you can see the types of questions asked.
The field exam is pretty simple if you have had beekeeping experience.  The
written exam consists of  true/false, multiple chooice, and essay questions
on bee biology, history, diseases, management, etc.  The laboratory exam
consists of stations where you have to identify the item at each station.
This item could be just about anything related to beekeeping including
other stinging insects, equipment, diseases and pests, etc.
 
The EAS Master Beekeeper Program is currently adminstered by Dr. John
Ambrose at  North Carolina State University, however, it is my
understanding that Maryann Tomasko Frasier will administer the exam in
1997.  Also, the testing and certification requirements may be changing in
the future, for example,  to include public speaking and community service
types of requirements.
 
I encourage you to take the exam and would be willing to personally discuss
the exam  at length if you wish.
 
Good Luck!
 
David
 
 
>     Does anyone know where I may find information on what it takes to
>     become a Master Beekeeper; such as the types of exams, how to prepare
>     for them, any special requirements, etc.?
>
>     Charlie Welch
>     Middletown, MD
>     [log in to unmask]
 
David Bernard
EAS Master Beekeeper
Vice President, Maryland State Beekeepers
EAS Director for Maryland
Damascus, MD
USA
Home 301-414-2317
Work 301-496-3798