The Beginning Beekeeper Certification helps new individuals to the hobby take the first few steps toward becoming an Ohio State Beekeeper.

Agenda/Schedule (Download↓)

Overview:

The Ohio State Beekeepers Association (OSBA) is offering a Beginning Beekeepers Certification class designed to educate participants on beekeeping basics, seasonal management, pests and parasites, record-keeping, and a wrap-up Q&A session. The program emphasizes a science-based understanding of honey bee needs and practical applications to support healthy beekeeping in your apiary

Participants gain knowledge of honey bees, colony requirements, and strategies for expanding healthy colonies throughout their apiaries.

Who Should Participate:

The program is ideal for the general public, homeowners, home gardeners, land managers, farmers, educators, and anyone interested in beekeeping. It is suitable for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the beekeeping hobby, local & state resources, how to keep healthy colonies, and how their contributions benefit their communities.

Course Structure:

The certification program at the 2026 OSBA Fall Conference is delivered in person.

The course typically includes:

1. Beekeeping Basics: Getting Started and Equipment (9:00 till 10:00)
What is beekeeping? Managing honeybee colonies for honey, pollination, wax etc.
Bee biology overview – Colony structure, roles (queen, workers, drones), and social behavior.
Woodenware – Bottom board, hive bodies, hive stand, frames, supers, covers.
Hive tools – Bee Suit, hive tool, framer puller, smoker, veil, gloves.
Order bees –nucs, packages, or swarms.
Choose a location – Sunlight, space, and windbreak.

2. Seasonal Management: Spring & Summer (10:30 till 11:30)
Spring – Install bees, feed if needed, monitor for swarming.
Summer – Weekly inspections, add supers, manage pests, and harvest honey.
Lunch and Visit the Vendors (11:30 till 12:30)

3. Seasonal Management: Fall & Winter (12:30 till 1:30)
Fall – Prepare for winter, fall feeding if necessary.
Winter – Minimal care; protect from weather and predators.

4. Pests, Parasites, Record Keeping & Learning (2:00 till 3:00)
Common threats – Varroa mites, Hive Beetles, Wax Moths, Bears, Skunk, Raccoons, Possums
Diseases – American Foulbrood, European Foulbrood, Nosema, Chalkbrood
Maintain logs – Hive inspections, treatments, honey production.
Join a beekeeping association – Networking, resources, and support.
Continue education – Classes, books, online courses.

5. Wrap Up and Questions (3:15 – 4:00)
Life Cycle of a Colony
Questions

Certification and Benefits:

Upon completing the course, participants receive a copy of the Bee-sentials Book, a complimentary 1-year OSBA membership, and a certification of completion from OSBA instructors.

This opportunity starts your journey in the right direction toward understanding your next steps: joining local beekeeping associations, accessing local & state resources, and keeping healthy bee colonies.

Price, Registration, and Timing:

The Beginning Beekeeper Certification will be held at the OSBA Fall Conference, Saturday, October 24th. Space is limited. Early Bird price is $100 till Aug 16th. Regular price will be $150 starting Aug 17th. Lunch tickets may be purchased for Saturday at a cost of $8.00