Journey Beekeeper Level

The program fee is $350, which includes all program materials, exams, and access to field day events. Fees are non-refundable.

• Be certified as an Apprentice Beekeeper in the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program
• Maintain a colony of bees under your personal supervision
• 18 years or older
• Access to a computer and reliable internet connection

To be certified as a Journey Beekeeper the participant must satisfy six (6) requirements. It is expected that these requirements will be accomplished within 3 years of acceptance into the Journey program.

1. Pass an open book written exam with a score of 90% or better
2. Pass a practical exam with a score of 80% or better for each section - both in-hive and lab (please note: these exams are usually scheduled during the summer and are typically offered twice. They are given in Corvallis at the OSU campus, so please plan ahead for travel arrangements.)
3. Engage in public service activities that earn 30 points and submit a worksheet detailing public service points earned
4. Submit responses to 12 Guided Study assignments
5. Own and maintain a colony of honey bees under personal management for 3 successive years
6. Submit a log of colony management documenting continuous management activities for 3 successive years
7. Watch the online training video “Anaphylaxis Recognition and EpiPen Training”

Educating the general public as well as fellow beekeepers is a major component of the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program. Public service is a key element of the Journey Beekeeper level certification. During the Journey program, participants demonstrate their knowledge and skills by giving back to the community and other beekeepers.

Public Service activities educate and serve others in a number of ways, and include talking about bees in schools, collecting swarms, writing articles, and organizing or staffing booths at public events.

As an enrolled Journey student you are offered the opportunity to attend several events each year, when available:

Journey Lab Day - held each spring on the Oregon State University campus, this event provides guided dissection and analysis of the honey bee with a microscope

Journey Field Day - held early summer at the Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture at Oregon State University, this event provides the opportunity to hear guest speakers, watch in-hive demonstrations, take your Journey practical exam, and network with fellow students.

Journey Institute - this occurs each fall in conjunction with the Oregon State Beekeepers Association conference, and features two to three guest speakers