Updated NDB Syllabus – October 2026

The NDB Board has approved a revised syllabus, which takes effect immediately following its ratification at the October 2026 Annual General Meeting.

The updated syllabus reflects contemporary beekeeping practice, scientific understanding and the challenges facing honey bees and beekeepers. It sets out the knowledge and practical competencies expected of candidates across 13 principal subject areas.

The Board has agreed that some leeway will be given to candidates who have already begun studying under the previous syllabus, recognising the work they have undertaken in preparation for the qualification.

All candidates are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the revised syllabus, which will form the basis of future NDB examinations and assessments.

The NDB syllabus, revised October 2026

Plant list

The NDB plant list, revised January 2015

Plants are typically selected from this list for the NDB Practical Examination. However, this list is provided as a guide only; any plant useful or significant to bees could be included. It should be noted that the botany section of the NDB exam is not concerned exclusively with plant identification; aspects of pollen morphology, nectar presentation, preferred habitat and particular special features may also feature.