Alabama Master Beekeepers Program — Alabama Beekeepers Association

Category: Learning Also called: AMB program; Alabama Master Beekeeper certification; Apprentice, Journeyman and Master tracks (Alabama Beekeepers Association)

What it is

The Alabama Master Beekeepers (AMB) program is the Alabama Beekeepers Association’s ongoing certification path. The official page says it “consists of hands-on beekeeping experience, independent study and limited coursework,” with candidates progressing “through increasing levels of expertise through rigorous testing.” The levels are Apprentice, Journeyman and Master, and courses and exams are given at a yearly three-day Alabama Master Beekeepers Class. The association’s honor roll lists Master Beekeepers certified every year from 2012 through 2026. It is a repeating, multi-level program, not a single class date.

Official URL

Official program page: https://alabamabeekeepers.com/become-a-master-beekeeper/

Apprentice requirements: https://alabamabeekeepers.com/apprentice-requirements/

Journeyman requirements: https://alabamabeekeepers.com/journeyman-requirements/

Master requirements: https://alabamabeekeepers.com/master-requirements/

2026 Alabama Master Beekeepers Class: https://alabamabeekeepers.com/2026-alabama-master-beekeepers-class/

Last checked

2026-10-22. All URLs above returned HTTP 200 with a desktop Chrome user agent on that date.

FAQ

Q: What are the levels?
A: Apprentice, Journeyman and Master, per the official pages checked 2026-10-22.

Q: Who can take the Apprentice exams?
A: Candidates must have kept at least one colony for two years, be managing a colony at test time, be ABA members, show Alabama Department of Agriculture colony registration (or out-of-state equivalent or board approval), and score 70% or higher on both a written and a practical exam. Bring your own jacket, veil, smoker and fuel for the practical.

Q: What do Journeyman and Master require?
A: Journeyman needs one year as an Apprentice, at least 12 hours of documented honey bee programs, 70% on the written exam and 80% on the practical. Master needs one year as a Journeyman, 10 more documented Public Service Credits and 6 documented Major Competencies.

Q: When is the class?
A: The 2026 class ran July 23–25, 2026 at the Clanton Conference & Performing Arts Center, Jefferson State Community College, 1850 Lay Dam Road, Clanton (registration deadline July 18). It has passed; 2027 dates were not posted on the check date.

Q: Do I need to be an ABA member?
A: Yes, for every certification level, per the requirements pages.

Q: Is this an official or affiliated listing?
A: Neither. Beekeeping Plaza is not affiliated with the Alabama Beekeepers Association, and no one was contacted. This is the site’s first Alabama Learning listing.