Entomology: UGA Honey Bee Program
Young Harris Beekeeping Institute:
Certifications
Young Harris Beekeeping Institute Quicklinks:
Honey Judge Licensing
The Welsh Bee Keepers Association has partnered with the YHC/UGA Beekeeping Institute to offer training and certification for honey show judges. This is the only partnership of its kind between the USA and United Kingdom. Entry-level students are given opportunity during the Institute to complete the first two of four requirements.
The Welsh Honey Judge certification requires:
- attendance at the Thursday training
- documented experience as a YHC steward (judge's assistant)
- documented experience as a YHC honey show judge
- successful completion of the oral examination
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For most aspirants this sequence requires two or more years. The oral examination is offered for those candidates meeting all other requirements. The purchase of an official judge's smock and hat is required of those candidates ready to take the exam, and certified judges, when serving as judge or steward, are expected to wear their official uniforms in respect of the high standards of professionalism the certification implies. Questions about the program may be addressed to Robert Brewer at (706) 896-2024 or Kieth Fielder at (706) 485-4151.
Master Beekeeper
The Georgia Master Beekeeper Program (GMBP) offers qualifications at the Certified, Journeyman, Master and Master Craftsman levels. Training and examinations for the Certified (entry) level are incorporated into the Beginner’s Track on Friday and Saturday; the higher levels are covered on Thursday.
Applicants to any level are asked to check their intention on the registration form. Questions about the program may be addressed to Keith Delaplane at ksd@uga.edu.
Aspirants to all grades must meet advance requirements. Applicants at the Certified (entry) level must have had beekeeping experience prior to the Institute. Applicants for the higher grades must meet advance requirements detailed under GMBP Certification Levels. Bring all necessary documentation with you for scheduled audits.
Exam questions are drawn from Institute lectures, lecture notes on the website, as well as other sources in the public domain; it is understood that applicants to the higher grades will bring to the exam a degree of independent and prior knowledge. The official reference text for the program is the 2007 edition of First Lessons in Beekeeping, Dadant & Sons.
Visit the Master Beekeeper web page for more details about the program.