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 2025; it is planned that 2026 will be the next assessment year. Read more

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