Welcome

The National Diploma in Beekeeping (NDB) exists to meet a need for a beekeeping qualification above the level of the Certificates awarded by the United Kingdom National Beekeeping Associations.

The Diploma is the highest beekeeping qualification recognised in the United Kingdom and its holders are generally well-known figures within beekeeping education.

The NDB Board is entirely independent although its members come from a wide range of beekeeping organisations and it has representatives from all the National Beekeeping Associations.

To support students working towards the higher UK certificates or towards the National Diploma, the NDB Board run a week-long residential Advanced Course and a variety of regular two-day Short Courses. These course provide access to facilities and tuition not normally available and are designed to complement study through practical work and discussion.

NDB Assessment

Assessments are conducted every other year and involve a number of written, practical, and discussion exercises. The last candidate assessments were in 2017; it is planned that 2019 will be the next assessment year. Read more

Advanced Course, June 2018

The 2018 Advanced Course will take place from 17th – 22nd June with the themes of Disease, Dissection, Entomology, and Swarm Control. The course is held at Pershore Horticultural College, near Evesham, and provides a week of immersive and educational beekeeping. Read more.

Congratulations

The National Diploma in Beekeeping (NDB) are delighted to announce the success of Marin Anastasov in passing the NDB exam, following the recent all day practical assessment in addition to the written exam and thesis earlier in the year. The examination is the highest beekeeping qualification in the UK and requires a tremendous committment due to the depth and breadth of the syllabus so we offer our warmest congratulations to Marin on his achievement.

BeeBase

Beekeepers in the UK are encouraged to visit the National Bee Unit’s BeeBase website to receive the latest advice on bee health and husbandry. Read more