The BCHPA Beekeeping Instructors Programme

Are you an experienced beekeeper looking to share your knowledge and passion for beekeeping with others? The BCHPA Beekeeping Instructors Programme is designed to equip advanced beekeepers with the skills, techniques, and confidence necessary to teach beginners the art and science of beekeeping. Expand your current business operations and increase your revenue stream by creating workshops or courses that can be offered directly from your apiary, or through community centres or colleges. At the end of this programme you will be a Certified Instructor of Introductory Beekeeping in British Columbia.

This course focuses on developing teaching strategies tailored for individuals who are experienced beekeepers but have no prior teaching experience. Participants will learn how to break down complex concepts, deliver hands-on demonstrations, and foster safe and engaging learning environments. Topics include adult education principles, beekeeping curriculum development, risk management, and communication techniques for diverse audiences.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will earn a Certificate for Instructor of Introductory Beekeeping in British Columbia from the BC Honey Producers’ Association.

Graduates of this program will be certified to teach beginner beekeeping courses with professionalism and confidence. Whether you aim to host community workshops, mentor new hobbyists, or contribute to conservation education, this program provides the tools to succeed.

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

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Understand basic bee biology, the life cycle of a honey bee, and hive communication and organization.
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Recognize symptoms and list treatment options for common pests and diseases.
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Identify beekeeping equipment, describe their function, and understand the main events of a beekeeping calendar.
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Develop effective teaching strategies for beginners.
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Ensure safety protocols and risk management in beekeeping instruction.
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Design engaging, hands-on beekeeping lessons.
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Build community and foster enthusiasm for beekeeping.

Certification Process

This program is divided into two components. The first being an online theoretical course on foundational beekeeping including honey bee biology, equipment, hive management and pest and disease control. The second section is an in-person training class that equips experienced beekeepers with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach and mentor others in beekeeping.

Course 1

BC Beekeeping Instructors Preparation:

A prerequisite theory course that provides an in-depth understanding of honey bee biology, behaviour, and ecological importance, along with foundational beekeeping principles such as hive management and equipment usage. Participants will also explore critical bee health challenges, studying common pests and diseases and learning effective management and treatment strategies.

Example topics covered:

Honey Bee Biology and Colony Dynamics
Introduction to Beekeeping
Mindful Beekeeping and Environmental Considerations
Brood and adult honey bee diseases
Pests and predators

Prerequisites: Recommended 5 years beekeeping experience

Learning Administration: Online only, through the learning platform, Moodle

Assessment: Knowledge will be assessed through an exam at the end that covers the course content. A mark of 70% on the final exam is required to pass the course and continue to step 2

Enrolment: Open enrolment, year round with course access for 12 months

Cost: $300

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Course 2

Beekeeping Educator Training:

This in-person training equips experienced beekeepers with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach and mentor others in beekeeping. Participants will learn instructional techniques, curriculum development, and best practices for educating beginners while fostering a safe and engaging learning environment.

Example topics Covered:

Learning outcomes for beginner beekeepers
Integrated Resource Packages for each module
Example lesson structure and PowerPoints.

Prerequisites:

Individuals are required to be current members of the BCHPA
Completed the Advanced Beekeeping Foundations course with a minimum 70% grade on the exam, or have completed and passed an acceptable alternative.
Have a minimum experience of 5 years beekeeping with an operation of 10 or more hives.
Preference will be given to people who are engaged in the industry through community outreach such as helping with bee club workshops, local club executive positions, published articles in the BeesCene or other related publications.

Learning Administration: In-person only, taught by Apiarist with years of experience and education in the science of honeybees and beekeeping.

Assessment: Written exam

Enrolment: TBA, training is typically held each spring or fall, in conjunction with the BCHPA general meetings, space is limited.

Cost: $275

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Enrolment

The online Advanced Foundations course is open to all beekeepers, however in order to complete the in-person Beekeeper Education Training, we recommend that individuals have a minimum experience of 5 years beekeeping with an operation of 10 or more hives. Preference will be given to people who are engaged in the industry through community outreach such as helping with bee club workshops, local club executive position, published articles in the BeesCene or other related publications.

By investing in this course, you're not just enhancing your skills; you're contributing directly to the advancement of beekeeping in BC. All proceeds generated from our courses are reinvested into the BC Honey Producers’ Association and Technology Transfer Program, supporting further research initiatives aimed at supporting beekeepers across BC.

Contact us at info@ttp-bchpa.ca if you have questions

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

The tuition for full certification is $575, broken down into the two courses: BC Beekeeping Instructors Preparation, $300 and BC Beekeeping Educator Training, $275. 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 1, BC Beekeeping Instructors Preparation is self-paced. Based on our estimations, dedicating 2-3 hours per week typically leads to completion within four months. However, students have 12 months from the date of enrolment to complete the curriculum. Course 2, Beekeeping Educator Training is held in-person over 1 full day.
Enrolment for Course 1, BC Beekeeping Instructors Preparation is open year-round to all individuals, so you can enrol anytime! click here to enrol.
Beekeeping Educator Training is usually held in the spring and/ or fall. Check the course page for updates.

No prerequisites or prior education is required for the BC Beekeeping Instructors Preparation.
Prerequisites for the Beekeeping Educator Training Include:
- Individuals are required to be current members of the BCHPA
- Completed the Advanced Beekeeping Foundations course with a minimum 70% grade on the exam.
- Have a minimum experience of 5 years beekeeping with an operation of 20 or more hives.
- Preference will be given to people who are engaged in the industry through community outreach such as helping with bee club workshops, local club executive positions, published articles in the BeesCene or other related publications.
Yes, our TTP Lead, Nuria will be available to answer questions about course content. And if you are having technical problems you can email Ken at learningsupport@ttp-bchpa.ca. There are also open class forums to discuss with other students
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