In addition to candidates being up to date with the latest research and news relating to honeybees, they should also look at the wider environment including other pollinators, insects & pests.
Students should read widely, including the beekeeping press, and could also consider Facebook groups, mainstream news articles and university publications to name but a few sources. Some mainstream news articles require a level of effort to identify which paper the news article was generated from.
Candidates are expected to be familiar with reading scientific papers along with the fundamental concepts behind trials (e.g. double blind experimental method). Many journals charge a fee for copies of papers, but in most cases, if you send a direct request to the author(s) for a copy, they are more than happy to email a copy for free.
Lots of valuable information on honeybee research is available in the COLOSS Bee Book. This can also be downloaded for free.
Candidates should also make use of training opportunities, such as any national conventions, which include the BBKA Spring Convention, the National Honey Show and the Central Assocation of Beekeepers Autumn Convention. Additionally, lectures by local Wildlife groups, entomology & botany groups, provide much information of use to candidates.
LASI hosting an event on testing for hygenic bees
To obtain a worldwide perspective, journals, magazines and email lists provide an in-sight to current issues in other countries. Most of these are free.
Membership of IBRA allows access to back issues of the Journal of Apicultural Research, which is a valuable resource for obtaining detailed scientific information on a wide range of topics.
See also the pages on Candidate Guidance along with Entomology, Botany, Practical Exam preperations and Microscopy
National Diploma in Beekeeping 