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