Master Beekeeper

The Master level program is for the dedicated beekeeper who wants to advance their understanding of beekeeping practices and become more prepared to demonstrate this knowledge by working with other beekeepers and the public, responding to their informational needs.

About the Course:

The WASBA Master Beekeeper is slightly different from our other educational levels. WASBA has partnered with Washington State University to create a robust, self-paced program with the goal of preparing students to become effective teachers or mentors to other beekeepers. This certification is split into two parts: an online class session (open for 4 months) guided by WSU Honey Bee Program Extension Coordinator, Bri Price, and then hands-on activities to be completed alongside WASBA (available to finish up to two years from the class session taken). The four-month class session includes pre-recorded seminars, reading, quizzes, challenging projects, participation in virtual conversations with classmates, monthly live discussions via zoom, and a written exam. These class sessions will be available twice a year. The hands-on activities will include a field exam, an extension and outreach project, and completion of 40 WASBA service points.

Course Requirements:

Achieve WASBA Journeyman Beekeeper status in the last five (5) years OR Test Out of Journeyman (WASBA guidelines restrict testing out of Journeyman), however an exception may be granted by the WASBA Education Committee to Master candidates if:
• If they have taken WASBA Journeyman longer ago than 5 years; or
• If a Journeyman certification has been granted from someplace else.
• The regular process for testing out will be followed, meaning that the applicant will pay WASBA for the testing out process.
(Arrange for Test by emailing master@wasba.org)
Answer 50 questions from WASBA Journeyman test if you have taken the Journeyman course in the past 5 years.
(Arrange for Test by emailing master@wasba.org)
• If an applicant participates in the testing out process, they don’t need to complete the 50 screening questions.
Complete the Masters Program Application below including paying the $25 non-refundable application fee (the fee will be applied to the registration fee for all successful candidates). The Education Committee will review your application and contact you to review and provide more information on the electronic questions/test.
* Submit your application by APRIL 15 for the JUNE class
* Submit your application by OCTOBER 15 for the JANUARY class
Schedule an interview appointment for the first two weeks in May or the first two weeks in November.
Successful candidates need to submit a $75 payment to WSU and a $300 payment to WASBA to register for the course. The $25 application fee will be applied to the registration fee. Registration must be completed by May 20th to allow time to mail course materials for the June session, or December 20th to allow time to mail course materials for the January session.

If you have any questions, contact master@wasba.org

*Reciprocal Master Certification may be granted upon review by the Education Committee of the course content from the institution the applicant attended and payment of a $30 processing fee. Contact master@wasba.org