All beekeepers, regardless of experience or years of beekeeping knowledge, must enter the VSBA MBP at the Apprentice Beekeeper testing level.

Candidates for the Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Beekeeper must document a certain number of Public Service Credits (PSC) annually. “Public service” is defined as volunteer service or educational activity oriented around bees and beekeeping and conducted for the benefit of the PUBLIC.

Public Service Credit (PSC) is received for a documented event of a qualified public service. In general, documentation must be material evidence, in writing; and more detail is better than less. The MBP Committee reserves the right to accept or reject documentation during review of the applicant request for credits.

Public Service Credits, also known as community volunteer service, not only helps to fulfill the mission of VSBA and our local chapters; but serve as a learning tool for the individual beekeeper. Each time we set about teaching, talking, or sharing our knowledge of beekeeping, we have another opportunity to learn more ourselves. A diversity of experiences and activities is desired to provide a better opportunity, and it is for this reason that in most instances, only one credit per type of activity is credited per MBP level.

Approved Public Service Credit includes but is not limited to:

- Presenting bee-related lecture or workshop to non-beekeeping group (youth or adult).

- Programs on beekeeping and related topics to school groups.

- Serving as an officer in local beekeeping association.

- Assisting members of youth organizations (4-H, Scouts, FFA), etc. with bee related projects.

- Mentoring a new beekeeper through at least one complete season.

- Public demonstration on beekeeping topic at fair, festival or similar public event.

- Publication of beekeeping and related article in journals, newsletters, etc.

- Programs/lectures/demonstrations on specific beekeeping topics to beekeeping groups.

- Working at the VA state fair (bee related).

- Miscellaneous: you may submit a special program under this category to the MBP Director; however it must be reviewed and approved by the VSBA MBP committee

Once all written and practical testing is successfully completed, a Certificate of Recognition will be presented to you at the next membership meeting.

If you can’t make the meeting, notify the Master Beekeeper Program (MBP) Director and a certificate will be emailed to you.

To maintain VSBA Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Beekeeper certifications Public Service Credits should be completed and reported on or before by December 15 annually.