The Apprentice Beekeeper Level is the starting point for every beekeeper in the Texas Master Beekeeping Program, and it’s designed to provide a solid foundation in beekeeping. The goal at this stage is to help beekeepers gain a strong understanding of the basics, regardless of prior experience.
The Apprentice level isn’t just about learning—it’s about preparing you for long-term success as a beekeeper. It sets you on a path toward more advanced skills, ensuring you’re ready to tackle the challenges of beekeeping and progress through the next stages of the program.
By completing our Apprentice-level course, you’ll develop essential knowledge in honey bee biology, hive maintenance, and varroa management. The hands-on experience gained during your first year keeping bees will reinforce these skills, helping you become more confident and experienced in managing your own colonies.
While no prior experience is required to enter the Apprentice level coursework, beekeepers must complete at least one year of hands-on experience keeping bees before they can take the exam. To progress to the Advanced level coursework, you will need to pass a practical exam, which includes an in-hive portion, as well as a written exam with a score of 70% or higher in both.
Apprentice Level Review Sessions (Spring Test)
Sign up for our Apprentice Level 10 Week Course (Summer 2025 and later Exams) & Your Exam Fee ($75 dollar value) is included!
Sign Up for the Texas Master Beekeeper Program Tracking Module