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.
By completing the Apprentice-level, you will develop essential knowledge in honey bee biology, colony management, 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.
We highly recommend registering for the 10-week Apprentice course. While optional, this course will prepare you for the Texas Master Beekeeper Program’s Apprentice Level Test.
Apprentice Requirements
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 Apprentice 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. Check upcoming events page to find testing dates or reach out to us at tmbp@ag.tamu.edu for more information.
Upon completion, candidates will receive a certificate, name tag, and Apprentice patch.
1. Register with the Tracking Module ($10/year)
Candidates must be currently registered in the Texas Master Beekeeping Tracking Module. The Texas Master Beekeeping Tracking Module helps beekeepers monitor their progress through the program. This must be renewed each year to continue in the program. Click here to register in the Tracking Module
2. Apiary Inspection Registration
Candidates must have a current Beekeeper Registration on-file with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service OR be a registered beekeeper in their home state. Texas Beekeeper Registration applies to the listed beekeeper and their immediate family. Click here to register as a Texas beekeeper.
3. Beekeeping 101 Course
Candidates must successfully complete a live or virtual Beekeeping 101 course of their choice. Texas A&M offers a Beekeeping 101 course. Alternatively, beekeepers can take a beekeeping 101 course offered by a local beekeeper or club. (Required starting Fall 2025)
4. Apprentice 10-Week Course (Optional; $75)
Candidates can take the 10-week Apprentice course. This course will prepare you for the Texas Master Beekeeper Program’s Apprentice Level Test. This course will be 2-4 hours weekly, beginning February 10th, 2025. All sessions will be recorded for later viewing. If you prefer to attend the sessions live, please refer to the dates listed in the links below. Recordings will be available until October 2025 if you sign up after the live sessions.
NOTE: When you register for this course, you’ll also be pre-registered for the future exam of your choice.
Session 2 — 2/17/2025 — Understanding Honey Bees
Session 3 — 2/24/2025 — Getting Started Beekeeping
Session 4 — 3/3/2025 — Colony Inspections & Yearly Management
Session 5 — 3/10/2025 — Nutrition & Feeding
Session 6 — 3/17/2025 — Pests, Pathogens, & Diseases
Session 7 — 3/24/2025 — Swarming and Bee removal
Session 8 — 3/31/2025 — Products of the Hive
Session 9 — 4/7/2025 — History of Beekeeping
Session 10 — 4/14/2025 — Overview, Special Topics & Preparing for the Test
5. One Year of Beekeeping
Candidates must own at least one colony of honey bees for at least one full bee year. A bee year is defined as a full annual cycle of beekeeping, encompassing all seasonal management activities, including spring buildup, summer foraging, and fall preparation.
6. Recommended Reading List
Review the Apprentice Level Study Guide before the exam. The questions will be very similar.
We highly recommend The Beekeeper’s Handbook, Edition 4 or 5 – Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile (2011). In addition, the Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping, 2nd Edition – Dewey Caron (2013) is another great resources. The Texas Master Beekeeper Handbook will be available Fall 2025. This will be the primary resource for the program going forward.
We also recommend subscribing to these periodicals: American Bee Journal and Bee Culture.
7. Written and Practical Exam ($75; Free if Beekeepers Take Apprentice 10-Week Course)
Written Exam – Candidates must score a 70% or higher on a written examination. The written test can include, but is not limited to: materials covered during previous Texas Beekeepers Association Conference lectures; information on the Texas Apiary Inspection Service website; information found on the African Bee Extension and Education Program website; and materials from books and other literature on the Apprentice Beekeeper reading list.
Practical Exam – Candidates must score 70% or higher on a practical examination. The practical examination can include but is not limited to describing the physical parts of a beehive (common terms, not regional nomenclature); lighting and properly using a smoker; recognizing the various stages of brood, different castes of bees, and finding or at least describing the queen; differentiating between brood, pollen, and capped honey; recognizing propolis and describing its functions; describing the layout of a brood nest (placement of honey, pollen, and brood), etc.