Practical – Basic Assessment

Practical- Basic Assessment (BBKA)

To take the Basic Assessment a beekeeper should have successfully managed at least one colony of bees for a minimum of 12 months, essentially managing the colonies experience and events. Some beekeepers take the Basic Assessment even after years of keeping colonies.

Following the Basic Assessment syllabus is an excellent way to refresh your proficiency on good beekeeping, handling, husbandry and welfare methods, to strengthen your knowledge on pests and disease and find more answers to some of those niggling beekeeping questions. The Basic Assessment is NOT a written exam, It is a practical. It is a one-to-one assessment with a master beekeeper and consists of practical task appraisal and verbal questions. Successful candidates are rewarded with a BBKA Basic assessment certificate and badge.

The BBKA website includes information, a list of reading material and syllabus information: https://www.bbka.org.uk/basic-assessment

To apply for the assessment, please contact local Exam Secretary Debbie Smith, who will be able to email you a link to the application form. You can use this to apply and pay online. You will get a receipt by email to confirm the BBKA have your application.

The HBKA Exam Secretary Debbie Smith, will then contact you with the assessment details.

If there is enough interest, a basic assessment may be run in Herefordshire in August. If you are not sure how to contact your local exam secretary, then check with the HBKA.

By using practical beekeeping experience, good habits, reading through the reading list and familiarisation with the syllabus. It is possible to pass the assessment without attending the BBKA basic assessment correspondence course.

It is also possible for you to arrange to take the practical assessment yourself, at another apiary outside of the county. However, these arrangements are up to you to organise.