NVBA Beekeeping Education Courses -
2026 Beginning Beekeeping Course will open registration on Dec 8, 2025
Beginning Beekeeping classes January 15 - February 19 2026.
NVBA's Beginning Beekeeping course will be offered on line (Zoom). There will be six 2 hour classes from 6:30-9pm (with a 1/2 hr open time for questions), a woodenware workshop and visit to an apiary in March/April- weather permitting.
This is an online, instructor led course which will cover beekeeping basics such as Honey Bee biology, beekeeping equipment, basic colony management, pests, apiary location and local laws. You will be prepared to order equipment and bees, get started beekeeping in spring and care for your bees through the first year. There will also be a hands on workshop and apiary session in March/April which will be scheduled as weather permits.
Dates: Jan 15, 22, 29 Feb 5, 22, 29
Jan 24 Woodenware workshop
TBD apiary visits in March
Cost: $150
Two books are included in the cost of the class:
Beekeeping Basics - Robyn Underwood - Penn State
A Field Guide to Honey Bees and Their Maladies - Robyn Underwood - Penn State
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Other Bee Education Courses
Online Bee Courses
Are you interested in learning more about bees and beekeeping, but don’t necessarily want to keep bees? Search the internet for local short courses or try an on-line course. Here are a couple of examples of educational alternatives to taking our course:
- North Carolina State University offers on-line, self-paced classes at various levels of mastery. It is called Beekeeper Education and Engagement System (BEES). There is a suggested donation of $25 per course.
- Pennsylvania State University offers an on-line course called “Penn State Beekeeping 101.” Course is $159. The course is open to beekeepers of all levels of experience. Enrollment gives the student access to the program and materials for a year.