For those looking to get involved in homesteading and urban agriculture, beekeeping can be an attractive hobby. While it may seem intimidating at first, online resources can make the process much simpler. Here are our picks for the best beekeeping classes available online in 2023. These courses provide high-quality learning materials and experienced instructors, all at an affordable cost. With these top 11 free and paid beekeeping courses, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.
Beekeeping involves the management of bee colonies, which are typically kept in man-made hives. Beekeepers are responsible for tending to their beehives and collecting honey, beeswax, or other products like crop pollination or selling bees to other beekeepers. This activity is essential for the conservation and growth of honeybee populations around the world.
11 Best + Free Beekeeping Classes & Courses 2023
Best Overall: PerfectBee Academy (PerfectBee)
PerfectBee is the premier destination for beekeeping enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the ropes or an experienced beekeeper seeking to hone your skills, PerfectBee Academy has an online course that’s right for you! With easy-to-understand lessons, interactive webinars, discounts on supplies and equipment, and access to a helpful members-only Facebook group—all available through affordable monthly or annual subscription plans—you’ll be on your way to becoming a better beekeeper in no time!
The PerfectBee Academy offers two membership options – a monthly membership for around $10 per month or an annual one for about $99, which is equivalent to about $8 per month. There is also a free introductory course that provides essential beekeeping information. Learn About Bees, the first course included in the Academy’s membership, covers topics such as the science of bees, the roles of drones, queens, and worker bees; and introductory beekeeping information such as natural beekeeping and urban beekeeping.
The second session entitled Your Beehive focuses on what equipment and clothing are necessary to begin beekeeping.
The third session A Healthy Beehive talks about common threats to bees, how to inspect your beehive to maintain its health and how to harvest the honey it produces. With the help of these courses, anyone can master beekeeping and learn techniques to keep their hive healthy and thriving.
I recently joined PerfectBee Academy, and I’m so glad I did. The whole process was seamless and user-friendly. Once I signed up, I had access to their comprehensive library of courses and webinars. The coursework is tailored to hobbyists but also provides tips for selling bee products. Plus, the monthly membership gave me the flexibility to pay as I go, which allowed me to budget my learning experience better.
Overall, it’s been a great experience – the courses are informative and engaging, and I love that they offer incentives like discounts in their store! Highly recommend!
PROS:
– Robust resource for current beekeepers and those who are considering beekeeping as a hobby.
– Course content is specifically tailored to hobbyists and includes three online courses with more than 100 individual lessons, nine webinars.
– Access to a members-only Facebook group and discounts in the PerfectBee online store.
– Monthly membership option makes it easy to access the courses you’re interested in.
CONS:
– Not suitable for professional beekeepers looking for advanced knowledge on topics related to commercial beekeeping.
– Membership fees may be considered expensive by some hobbyists.
Best for Hobbyists: Beekeeping 101 (PennState Extension)
PennState Extension’s Beekeeping 101 class is known for its broad range of topics, excellent teaching quality, and good customer reviews.
PennState Extension’s Beekeeping 101 course is ideal for hobbyist beekeepers, with 10 self-paced sections of nine hours of video content. The program costs around $159 per year and covers topics such as bee biology and behavior, hive management, disease threats, necessary equipment, and how to harvest and market bee products.
The instructor has extensive expertise in beekeeping, small fruit growing, vegetables production, and the green industry – plus reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Former students praise the user-friendly platform and informative materials presented in an enjoyable way. Many even commented that the online course is helpful for both novice and experienced beekeepers alike.
In addition to the Beekeeping 101 course on offer from PennState Extension, the platform also provides several helpful (and free) online beekeeping resources. These cover topics like honey bee diseases, wild bee conservation and more. Make the most of them and gain a deeper insight into these important areas.
PROS:
– 10 self-paced sections with nine hours of video content
– Comprehensive coverage of topics, such as bee biology and behavior, hive management, disease threats, necessary equipment, and how to harvest and market bee products
– The instructor has extensive expertise in the green industry
– Highly positive reviews from former students
– Free online resources available for deeper exploration of topics
CONS:
– Requires an upfront payment of around $159 per year for access to course materials
– Not suitable for those seeking more advanced courses on beekeeping.
Best Written Materials: Beekeeping Made Easy (Discover Beekeeping)
Discovered Beekeeping’s Beekeeping Made Easy class is ideal for those who learn best from e-books and other written resources.
Discover Beekeeping offers one of the best written materials to learn beekeeping called “Beekeeping Made Easy”. For around $27, you gain access not only to the ebooks but also additional resources such as ones on organic gardening, extracting honey, and its nutritional benefits. The course covers topics like what equipment is needed, hive locations, colony installation, identifying and treating parasites and diseases, and turning beekeeping into a profit-making activity.
These materials can be viewed on different devices from computers to tablets and smartphones. Customers have found that this resource is informative for beginners in the field of beekeeping. Furthermore, the author offers a risk-free 60-day money back guarantee in case you are not satisfied with your purchase.
PROS:
– Comprehensive materials on beekeeping topics
– Accessible on multiple devices
– Affordably priced
– Bonus resources included
– 60-day money back guarantee
CONS:
– No video lectures provided
– Not ideal for experienced beekeepers looking to expand their knowledge base.
Best for Natural Beekeeping: Natural Beekeeping with Philip Chandler (Learning with experts)
Our panel of experts put the Natural Beekeeping course on our list because it affords students personal coaching and feedback.
For those looking to practice natural beekeeping, Learning with Experts offers an excellent course on the subject. Taught by renowned beekeeper Philip Chandler (also known as the Barefoot Beekeeper), this class covers important topics related to building a mutually beneficial relationship between humans and bees.
You’ll learn about lifecycles, types of beehives recommended for natural beekeeping, how to avoid interference with bees when using a top bar hive, and tips for establishing healthy colonies by providing optimal conditions.
Two grading options are available at different price points. The expert option is priced around $299 and includes personal assignment feedback from the instructor along with coaching sessions.
For those on a budget, the peer option costs only $99 and provides access to the same course materials, including the online classroom with group chat and direct messaging. However, it does not include a certificate and assignments are not graded.
PROS:
– Includes detailed information on natural beekeeping and building a mutually beneficial relationship with bees.
– Affordable option available for those on limited budgets.
– Comes with two grading options – the expert option includes personal assignment feedback from the teacher, while the peer option allows users to collaborate with other learners in an online classroom environment.
– Certificate of completion is offered at both levels of participation.
CONS:
– Courses are self-paced, so learners must be motivated to finish material within their own timelines.
– Peer option assignments are not graded and no certificate of completion is awarded.
– Expensive expert option may be out of reach for some prospective students.
Best for Queen Bee Breeding: Queen Bee Breeding for Backyard Beekeeping (Udemy)
For beekeepers who have completed an introductory course and wish to learn more about queen bees, Udemy offers a comprehensive course on the subject.
Udemy’s Queen Bee Breeding for Backyard Beekeeping course is an ideal choice for those who have already completed introductory beekeeping courses and are ready to gain a deeper understanding of queen bee needs.
The course costs roughly $50, but Udemy often runs promotional discounts throughout the year that can help students save money. Additionally, the platform offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case they’re not satisfied with the program.
The Queen Bee Breeding course includes online videos covering topics such as locating a queen in a colony, preparing nucleus hives for queen cells, and safely handling a queen bee.
Prospective students can preview free videos on Udemy before signing up to ensure that they’re comfortable with the materials and lecture-style. As this course is specifically designed for more advanced beekeepers, it does not cover introductory topics such as the basics of beekeeping.
Pros:
– Comprehensive materials on queen bee breeding
– Affordable cost with promotional pricing available throughout the year
– 30 day money back guarantee
– Free preview videos so you can make sure you’re comfortable with the materials and lecture style before signing up
Cons:
– Does not cover less advanced topics like the basics of beekeeping.
Beginner Beekeeping Online Course (Honeyflow)
HoneyFlow is dedicated to helping all levels of beekeepers succeed in their hives. With a plethora of online advice available, it can be difficult for beginner beekeepers to sort through the noise and find trustworthy guidance. HoneyFlow’s Beginner Beekeeping Online Course offers a comprehensive training program packed with HD video content from leading figures in the global beekeeping community.
From basic apiculture techniques to advanced hive management strategies, this course provides everything needed to confidently embark on your journey as a successful beekeeper. Don’t delay; become a beekeeper today!
Pros:
– Comprehensive content from leading figures in beekeeping from around the world
– Streamlined learning process with HD video tutorials
– Learn all the basics of beekeeping and hive management
– Connect to a larger community of beekeepers for tips and advice
Cons:
– No certification available after completion of the course
– Limited number of interactive resources like quizzes or practice activities.
What Is a Beekeeper?
A beekeeper is a person who oversees the management of bee colonies, most commonly for honey production and other related products.
Beekeeping is an important agricultural practice that helps promote biodiversity and increase crop yields by aiding in pollination.
The job of a beekeeper includes maintaining hives, monitoring colony health, harvesting honey, as well as selling various hive or bee-related products.
Beekeepers also play an important role in educating the public about bees and their importance to our environment. Becoming a successful beekeeper requires knowledge of both apiculture (the scientific study of honey bees) and entomology (the scientific study of insects).
What Does a Beekeeper Do?
A beekeeper’s daily tasks will vary depending on the season and the needs of their hive. In general, a beekeeper oversees the health and productivity of the bees in their care. This includes inspecting hives for diseases or parasites, replacing or adding frames to a hive, harvesting honey, monitoring colony population levels, feeding colonies in times of need, managing pests and predators, preparing equipment for winter storage, or collecting pollen and nectar sources.
The beekeeper may also be responsible for producing products such as candles, soap, lotion bars, lip balms or wax founds from harvested honeycomb.
What Is Required to Become a Beekeeper?
The requirements to become a successful beekeeper are knowledge of apiculture and entomology, as well as the proper equipment and safety gear.
For those interested in learning more about beekeeping, there are plenty of online courses available to get started. With enough practice and experience, many beekeepers may eventually decide to become certified by one of several beekeeping organizations or associations. Becoming a certified beekeeper will allow them to work with larger-scale operations such as commercial pollination services or honey production businesses.
Ultimately, it is important for anyone interested in pursuing a career in beekeeping to take the time to learn the skill set necessary for success before diving into the industry.
Where Does a Beekeeper Work?
Beekeepers may work from a variety of places, including at home, on a farm or in an apiary. Many beekeepers raise the bees they manage in their own hives and yards, while some choose to rent space in local orchards or other agricultural lands. Beekeepers that manage large-scale operations typically work in larger outdoor facilities such as industrial farms or large greenhouses. No matter the size of the operation, beekeepers should always take proper safety precautions when working with bees such as wearing protective gear and avoiding areas where aggressive colonies may be located.
What Is the Average Beekeeper Salary?
The average beekeeper salary will depend on the size of the operation and experience level. Those who work with smaller operations such as hobbyists or those who are just getting started may earn anywhere from $15-20 per hour. Experienced beekeepers that manage larger-scale operations can expect to make significantly higher wages, sometimes reaching up to $50 an hour or more. Salaries for certified beekeepers typically range between $30-$60K annually depending on their skill level and location.
What Is the Job Demand for Beekeeping?
The job demand for beekeepers is expected to remain steady in the coming years, as there is a need for more experienced and knowledgeable individuals in the industry. The growing popularity of backyard beekeeping and increased awareness about the importance of pollinators has also opened up many opportunities in this field.
Furthermore, with honey production being an important agricultural commodity, there will always be a need for expertly managed hives and skilled technicians.
Whether you are looking to pursue a career in beekeeping or just want to learn more about the industry, taking some time to research and gain experience through online courses can help you get started. With enough practice and dedication, you can become a successful beekeeper who can make an impact on this important agricultural profession .
What Kind Of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Beekeepers Have?
Beekeepers have a variety of professional organizations and societies that they can join in order to access additional resources, support, and educational opportunities.
The most notable of these include the American Beekeeping Federation (ABF), the British Beekeeping Association (BBKA) and the Canadian Honey Council (CHC).
These organizations offer memberships with varying benefits such as access to industry-specific publications and conferences, networking opportunities, discounts on equipment and supplies, and more.
By joining one or multiple of these organizations, beekeepers can stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research developments, and industry regulations. Additionally, many of these organizations also host competitions which allow beekeepers to showcase their skills in areas like honey harvesting or hive maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Online Beekeeping Classes?
Online beekeeping classes are courses that provide instruction on the craft of beekeeping and the care of honeybees. They can include a variety of topics, such as apiary management, understanding the biology and behavior of bees, honey production techniques, pest control methods, and more. Many online beekeeping classes are taught by experienced beekeepers who have years of knowledge to share.
How Can an Online Beekeeping Course Benefit Me?
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced beekeeper looking for ways to enhance your skillset, taking an online beekeeping course can be extremely beneficial. You’ll learn about all aspects of keeping bees and gain valuable insight into the complexities of their biology, behavior, and development cycles . Additionally, you’ll acquire valuable hands-on skills such as hive management techniques and honey harvesting methods. By taking an online beekeeping course, you will be better equipped to care for your bees and maximize the potential of your apiary.
What Topics Are Covered in Online Beekeeping Classes?
The topics covered in online beekeeping classes can vary depending on the instructor or program. Generally speaking, they may include information on the biology and behavior of honeybees, the basics of apiary management, pest control methods, different types of hives and equipment used in beekeeping operations, honey production techniques, how to properly handle bees during extractions, and more.
In addition to these topics, some courses may also cover the fundamentals of making and selling honey products, marketing strategies for beekeepers, and more.
What Type of Student Should Take an Online Beekeeping Course?
Online beekeeping classes are ideal for anyone who’s interested in the craft of beekeeping or wants to learn more about the science and art involved in caring for honeybees. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced beekeeper looking for ways to improve your skillset, taking a course can be beneficial.
Additionally, those who are hoping to start their own business producing honey products may find these courses extremely useful as they provide valuable information on marketing techniques and how to properly handle bees during extractions.
Do Online Beekeeping Courses Offer Certification ?
The answer to this question will depend on the course you take. Some courses may offer certification upon successful completion, while others may not. Be sure to check with the instructor or program prior to enrolling in a class to find out if certification is available.
Are Online Beekeeping Classes Expensive?
No, online beekeeping classes are generally quite affordable. Most courses range from free to $50 or less depending on the length of the class and the type of instruction offered. Additionally, some courses may offer discounts for multiple enrollees or bulk purchases, so be sure to check for any special offers before signing up for a class.
Are There Other Resources Available for Beekeepers?
Yes, there are numerous resources available for beekeepers. Aside from taking an online beekeeping class, you can also seek out mentors in your local community or research any books and magazines that are related to the craft of beekeeping. Additionally, there are several forums and websites dedicated to beekeeping which offer many helpful tips and tricks on how to care for bees and maximize the potential of your apiary.
Are Online Beekeeping Courses Accredited?
The answer to this question will depend on the course you take. Generally speaking, most online beekeeping classes are not accredited as they are offered by independent instructors or providers who may not have been approved by a recognized accrediting body. Be sure to check with the instructor or program prior to enrolling in a class to see if the course is accredited or not.
With an online beekeeping class, you can learn about all aspects of beekeeping and gain valuable insight into this fascinating craft. Whether you’re a beginner just getting started or an experienced beekeeper looking to improve your skillset, taking a course can be highly beneficial. So enroll in one of the best online beekeeping courses today and start improving your knowledge of bees!