Master the Fundamentals Before You Teach

Course 1: BC Beekeeping Instructors Preparation


This comprehensive program combines two essential beekeeping courses to equip aspiring instructors with the knowledge to teach confidently and effectively. Course 1 is the required prerequisite for the in-person training offered by the BC Honey Producers’ Association, the final step to becoming a Certified Instructor of Introductory Beekeeping in British Columbia.

One-time tuition fee of $299

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

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    Describe honey bee anatomy, roles, life cycles, and colony behaviour.

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    Identify beekeeping equipment, its uses, and key seasonal management tasks.

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    Recognize common honey bee diseases, pests, and their life cycles.

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    Explain honey bee social organization and their ecological and economic importance.

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    Apply effective prevention and treatment strategies for pests and diseases and address environmental factors contributing to outbreaks.

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    Demonstrate a solid understanding of honey bee biology, colony dynamics, and health—building a strong foundation for teaching new beekeepers.

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    Access reliable resources and meet regulatory requirements for reportable diseases.

What’s inside

Module 1

An introduction to honey bee biology & apiculture.

Module 2

What is a honey bee (Apis mellifera).

Module 3

The structure of a honey bee colony & their members.  

Module 4

The life inside a honey bee colony.   

Module 5

Swarming.    

Module 6

How honey bees communicate.

Module 7

Getting started in beekeeping.

Module 8

The mindful beekeeper

Module 9

Basic concepts.

Module 10

The multiple stressors that honey bees are exposed to.

Module 11

Brood diseases.

Module 12

Adult diseases.

Module 13

Pests and predators.

Assessment

Participants are required to complete 100% of the course material, and receive a mark of 70% on the final exam to pass the course.

Free Sample Course 

Not sure if this course is for you? Try out the content for free! See how the content is delivered and have confidence this course will work for you.

Learn at your own pace

One-time tuition fee of $299 grants you access to all course materials, interactive class discussion forums, and support from the TTP Lead, Nuria Morfin, along with technical assistance from our IT department.

Enrolment is open year-round to all individuals interested in exploring the world of beekeeping, with no prerequisites necessary. Our self-paced course offers flexibility, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to your schedule. Based on our estimations, dedicating 2-3 hours per week typically leads to completion within four month. However, students have twelve months from the date of enrolment to complete the curriculum, a time frame designed to accommodate your pace and commitment

Already completed a beekeeping course?

We accept the following courses as equivalents to course 1:

  • Master Beekeeping Certificate Program - Cornell University

  • Master Level Beekeeping Course - University of Montana

  • Master Beekeeper - Washington State University

  • Master Beekeeper Program- Oregon State University

If you’ve graduated from one of these programs, and meet the subsequent requirements, you are eligible to apply for course 2: In-person training

Frequently asked questions

  • The tuition is $299. The money goes directly to the BC Honey Producers’ Association and Technology Transfer Program for investment in further courses and programs to support honey producers in BC.

  • The course is self-paced. Based on our estimations, dedicating 2-3 hours per week typically leads to completion within four months. However, students have twelve months from the date of enrolment to complete the curriculum

  • Enrolment is open year-round to all individuals, so you can enrol anytime! The course is self-paced with a time frame of four months to complete the curriculum once you enrol.

  • We have created a Free Sampler course that allows you to see how the content is delivered so you can know if this learning is right for you. Try it now

  • No prerequisites or prior education is required. However, if you are planning on continuing to Step 2 in the BCHPA Beekeeping Instructors Programme this course plus further experience is required. Find out more here

  • Yes, our TTP Lead, Nuria will be available to answer questions about course content. And if you are having technical problems you can email Dan at learningsupport@ttp-bchpa.ca. There are also open class forums to discuss with other students

  • Yes, students are required to complete 100% of the course material and there is an final exam at the end of the course. A grade of 70% on the exam is required to to pass the course. A certificate will be issued as proof, so you can continue to Course 2 with the BCHPA’s Beekeeping Instructors Programme.

  • Contact us at info@ttp-bchpa.ca