We've had a lot of useful comments on this topic and, for one thing, I've learned 
that not all the Master Beekeeper certificates are comparable.  I guess I knew
that, but various writers have clarified the matter.  Each viewpoint has added 
something to the topic.

FWIW, here is another perspective from a post at www.honeybeeworld.com/forum:

--- begin quote ---

I don't post on Bee-L but I read it now and then. No one has bothered to mention 
the biggest point that differentiates how well the pros manage bees, versus small
time guys.

Anyone can manage bees well when things are going good. It is when there is a 
problem that the pros stand out. The pros have been there and done that for 
most problems, while often any new problem instantly brings a small-time 
beekeeper to a standstill.

So ask yourself, if you have a problem with your bees, who are you going to ask 
for advice - someone who lifts hundreds of lids a year, or someone who only plays 
with a few hives?

I ran about 50 colonies last year of my own. A couple years ago, I helped a 
commercial guy for a summer who was running about 800 colonies. While I 
consider myself to be decent at managing my 50 hives, I also recognize that 
there was a world of difference between my 50 hives and 800.

Also, I don't think anyone really understands what a 'master' is supposed to 
represent. The amount of personal satisfaction you get from beekeeping has 
nothing to do with becoming a master.

An apprentice works for 4 years under the direct tutelage of a master.
After 4 years, they should have the skills and knowledge to not need constant 
supervision by the master, but they are still employed working for a master. 
At this point, they are known as a journeyman.

It is only when the journeyman goes out on his own, and runs his own 
successful business in that skilled trade does one become a master.

Successful commercial beekeepers who earn their living with bees are the 
only ones who deserve to be called master beekeepers.

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