This is a new program being introduced by the Ohio State Beekeepers Association this year. (2012) Over 100 individuals had a hand in creating the present documents that make up the program.
The Ohio Master Beekeeper Program is an intensive four step program – A beginning/Apprentice level, a journey (man or woman) level, a Masters level, and a Master Instructor Level. Certification by OSBA is designed to give participants the opportunity to increase their beekeeping knowledge. OSBA will provide certificates to all individuals who complete the requirements for each individual level. Instruction will be provided through a number of class/seminar/workshops certified by OSBA. OSBA will attempt to establish four centers where training for the advanced journey (man or woman) level and master levels will be held on a rotating schedule to allow members throughout Ohio to take classes closer to home.
It has been designed by Ohio Beekeepers for Ohio Beekeepers. There is an awareness that certified beekeeping instructors that are responsible, knowledgeable and skilled in beekeeping techniques are needed to teach others about beekeeping. Keep in mind that this is a new program and all new programs have growing pains. The Ohio Plan involves local beekeeping associations working with the Ohio State Beekeepers Association. Thus, the Ohio State Beekeeping Association will recognize beginning bee class instruction given by local associations that meet the standard set by the OSBA Board of Directors to be eligible for admission into the Apprentice Level of the OSBA Program, and give local associations an opportunity to seek endorsement by OSBA for workshops and seminars they sponsor to count for credit hours toward the Journey Level for those enrolled in the Ohio State Master Beekeeping Program.
To be involved in this program, one needs to be a member of OSBA.
Master Beekeeper Program Brochure
Approved Classes List
Master Instructors:
| Bill Starrett | Jim Higgins | Denzil St. Claire | Zale Maxwell |
| Roy Henderson | Ron Hoopes | John Grafton | Tim Arheit |
| James Tew | Kim Flottum | Joe Latshaw | Joe Kovaleski |
| Jim Thompson | David Heilman | Paul Reuter | Dana Stahlman |
| Tim Miklasiewicz | Alex Zomcheck |
Questions and Answers: (Under Development)
Application Forms:
Apprentice Level Application Form
Apprentice Level Completion Form
Journeyman Level Application Form
Journeyman Level Completion Form
Master Level Application Form (Under Development)