Beekeeping is a lifelong learning experience.  We encourage all OCBA members to participate in North Carolina State Beekeepers Association’s Master Beekeeper Program to advance their beekeeping expertise and knowledge.

Overview

The Master Beekeeper Program was developed to provide a formal structure to all beekeepers to improve their beekeeping skills and knowledge. The Master Beekeeper Program consists of four levels: Certified, Journeyman, Master and Master Craftsman Beekeeper. Advancing through the levels consists of a mix of written, practical, field and oral exams plus public service.

Club members interested in participating in the Master Beekeeper Program must also be active members of the NCSBA. Membership in the NCSBA is separate from the OCBA membership. Annual membership is $15.

Randall Austin is OCBA’s Master Beekeeper Coordinator. In this capacity, he serves as OCBA’s liaison to the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association’s Master Beekeeper Program. Among OCBA’s current membership, these members have earned advanced beekeeping certifications.

Certified Beekeepers

Larry Arnold • Elisa Bailey • Kathleen Baker • Cely Chicurel • Ashley Cummings • Andrew Ford • Lloyd Frick • Sheri Gant • Jim Greco • Mark Gruener • Connie Guerin • Rich Guerin • Maribeth Hamilton • Thomas Haywood Rhodes • Joan Kalnitsky • Robert King • Karen Lauterbach • Kristin Long-Witter • Barbara McFadyen • Dennis McGrath • Dick Merritt • Tracy Noonan • Nancy Oglesby • Mark Peters • Mary Anne Rhyne • Chris Richmond • Vicki Robertson • Ron Rozzelle • Janet Staats • Cathy Starks • Tim Struttmann • Wayne Vanderburg • Debi Walker • Erika Wittchen

Journeyman Beekeepers

Jeanne Arnts • David Bailey • Carrie Donley • Debbie Dupree • Axel Elling • Jim Evans • Brad Kosiba • Elizabeth Pratson • John Rintoul • Nerissa Rivera • Dawn Rogers • Walter Starks • Tommy Tuck • Lisa Vogel

Master Beekeepers

Randall Austin • Lewis Cauble • Ryan Chamberlain • David Eckert • Celeste Mayer • Mark Powers • Cynthia Speed • John Wallace 

Master Beekeeper Study Group

To support our members pursuing the Journeyman and Master Beekeeper certifications, the club offers a study group led by two Master Beekeepers who help students prepare for successful testing. The group meets in the Spring and members take turns presenting on reading assignment topics.

Registration for this program is now open for 2025.