Advanced Public Service Hours

Public Service Hours Document

Candidates for the Advanced Beekeeper rank and higher must document a certain number of public service hours. Public service is embedded in the Texas Master Beekeeping Program. We believe advancement is not simply about gaining knowledge; it is about applying that knowledge in service to others. Beekeepers in the program serve as ambassadors for honey bees and pollinators by modeling science-based practices, mentoring new beekeepers, delivering presentations, supporting community events, and engaging the public in meaningful conversations about pollinator health. This commitment to service has allowed the program to reach millions of Texans since its inception and increasing the appreciation for pollinators statewide.

Public service is defined as volunteer service or educational activity oriented around bees and beekeeping and conducted for the benefit of the general public. Educational activities in conjunction with commercial ventures or monetary benefits do not qualify.

As part of the Texas Master Beekeeping Program (TMBP), beekeepers can earn hours through Continuing Education (CE), & Outreach, Education, and Service activities. Here’s a brief overview of how hours are tracked:

Outreach, Education, & Service

Giving presentations, writing articles, recording videos, hosting workshops, and contributing to the beekeeping community all count toward Outreach, Education, and Service hours. These activities allow you to share your beekeeping knowledge with others. For outreach activities like presentations and demonstrations, preparation time is factored in as well. Service activities include volunteering at events, mentoring new beekeepers, assisting youth groups, participating in research, or helping with bee rescues. Service can also include advocacy work or contributing to pollinator projects. For Outreach, Education, and Service hours, you may receive free access to the event you are supporting; however, you should not receive any payment for the activity to be qualified to use towards your hours in the program.

Continuing Education (CE)

These activities help you learn and grow your beekeeping knowledge. Hours are based on the actual length of the session or event, such as attending workshops, webinars, or online courses, and reading approved beekeeping materials.

The Texas Master Beekeeper Program Portal is the platform for tracking and submitting public service hours. During the Apprentice and Advanced 10-week course, participants will receive access to the portal along with step-by-step training on how to properly document and submit their hours.

How Hours Are Counted

Public service hours are based on the actual time spent involved in service activities. This includes mentoring, volunteering, and other contributions that support beekeepers and the beekeeping community. If there is any preparation or travel involved, that time can also be counted toward service hours.

Travel Hours

If you travel outside of your home county for a volunteer activity, you may receive credit for 25% of your total round-trip travel time. When submitting your activity, enter your full round-trip drive time, and the portal will automatically calculate 25% of that time and add it to your volunteer hours. For example, if you drive 30 minutes each way (1 hour total travel time), the system will credit you for 15 minutes of travel time in addition to the time spent presenting.

Continuing Education (CE) Examples

Hours will be based on the actual length of the attended sessions, workshops, conference, or local club meetings. For example, a 2-hour workshop would count as 2 hours. For multi-day conferences, hours will be base on time spent attending sessions.

1. Attending a beekeeping workshop, bee school, or regional conference.
2. Watching an educational webinar.
3. Attending a state or national beekeeping conference.
4. Attending a local beekeeping club meeting.
5. Taking an online beekeeping course.

Outreach, Education, & Service Examples

Hours will be based on the actual length of time spent preparing, traveling, and presenting educational or outreach programs. For example, if you give a one-hour talk at a local club, you can count the presentation time (1 hour) plus preparation time (typically 30 minutes). Travel time may also be accepted (See Above).

1. Giving a presentation to a beekeeping group.
2. Presenting a bee-related lecture or workshop to a non-beekeeping group (youth or adult).
3. Writing a newsletter article (includes research/writing).
4. Hosting a beekeeping workshop.
5. Recording and uploading an educational video.
6. Giving a public demonstration on a beekeeping topic at a fair, festival, or similar public event.
7. Teaching hands-on beekeeping skills.