BBKA Module exams

The Modules are theory examinations which may be held online or at a centre in your region. 100 minutes is usually allowed for each exam and you can, if you wish to, take 2 modules together. Exams are held on fixed dates – usually in March (application closing date usually mid-February) and November (application closing date usually end of September).

There are currently eight modules, listed below. The current syllabi can be read and downloaded, and recommended reading for them is also available.

Module 1: Honey Bee Management

Module 2: Honey Bee Products and Forage

Module 3: Honey Bee Diseases, Pests and Poisoning

Module 5: Honey Bee Biology

Module 6: Honey Bee Behaviour

Module 7: Selection and Breeding of Honey Bees

Module 8: Beekeeping & Honey Bee Management

Module 8 must be the last module to be taken, otherwise they can be tackled in any order.

After passing modules 1, 2, 3 and one other from 5, 6 and 7 you are awarded the Intermediate Theory Certificate and, after passing all modules, the Advanced Theory Certificate.

Subsidiary Module – Plants & Pollinators. This is a standalone module which does not form part of the route to the Intermediate or Advanced Theory Certificates. See the Syllabus and Reading List.

It is recommended that you have at least 2 years’ experience of beekeeping before sitting a module exam.

Please read our supporting information about the BBKA Module exams:  Exams and Assessments updated version

There is also much useful material about the Modules here: BBKA Modules General Information

To be eligible to take a BBKA module you must be a full member of BBKA. You can become a direct member and in your second year of membership you will be eligible to sit modules, or you can join a dual affiliated association as a full member; this allows you to take modul;es in the year that you join.

To assist, WBKA will refund WBKA members £25 for the year(s) they are taking BBKA modules or assessments – withdrawls from Examination or Assessment will not be supported other than in exceptional circumstances. The claim can be made in the September of each year.

The application deadline is 28 February in the year of Assessment.  To apply, please contact the BBKA Exam Secretary at sec.exams@bbka.org.uk. Once your application is processed, you will be contacted regarding arrangements for the assessment.