Level One Beekeeping Certificate
Create a thorough seasonal beekeeping work plan that suits you. Master crucial tactics, methods, and time-tested techniques to become a better beekeeper.
This comprehensive course includes 50+ instructional videos, retention activities, and community discussion boards to support your learning, and much more!
Welcome to Level One Beekeeping!
Join the Learning Community!
Course Structure
Contributing to the Discussion Board
Introductory Survey
Module 1 Introduction
1.1.a The Honey Bee Family: Reading
1.1.a The Honey Bee Family: Video
1.1.a The Honey Bee Family: Review
1.1.a Retention Activity Instructions
1.1.a Retention Activity
1.1.b Inspecting the Brood Chamber: Reading
1.1.b Inspecting the Brood Chamber: Video
1.1.b Inspecting the Brood Chamber: Review
1.1.b Retention Activity Instructions
1.1.b Retention Activity
1.1.c Inspecting the Hive: Reading
1.1.c Inspecting the Hive: Video
1.1.c Inspecting the Hive: Review
1.1.c Retention Activity Instructions
1.1.c Retention Activity
1.2.a Queen Bees: Reading
1.2.a Queen Bees: Video
1.2.a Queen Bees: Review
1.2.a Retention Activity Instructions
1.2.a Retention Activity
1.2.b Drone Bees: Reading
1.2.b Drone Bees: Video
1.2.b Drone Bees: Review
1.2.b Retention Activity Instructions
1.2.b Retention Activity
1.2.c Worker Bees: Reading
1.2.c Worker Bees: Video
1.2.c Worker Bees: Review
1.2.c Retention Activity Instructions
1.2.c Retention Activity
Module 1 Learning Activity
Module 1 Discussion
Module 1 Conclusion
Module 1 Check-In
Module 1 References
Module 2 Introduction
2.1.a History of Beekeeping and Bee Packages: Reading
2.1.a History of Beekeeping and Bee Packages: Video
2.1.a History of Beekeeping and Bee Packages: Review
2.1.a Retention Activity Instructions
2.1.a Retention Activity
2.1.b Nucleus Colonies: Reading
2.1.b Nucleus Colonies: Video
2.1.b Nucleus Colonies: Review
2.1.b Retention Activity Instructions
2.1.b Retention Activity
2.1.c Single Colonies: Reading
2.1.c Single Colonies: Video
2.1.c Single Colonies: Review
2.1.c Retention Activity Instructions
2.1.c Retention Activity
2.1.d Swarms and Cut-Outs: Reading
2.1.d Swarms and Cut-Outs: Video
2.1.d Swarms and Cut-Outs: Review
2.1.d Retention Activity Instructions
2.1.d Retention Activity
2.2.a Essential Beekeeping Equipment: Reading
2.2.a Essential Beekeeping Equipment: Video
2.2.a Essential Beekeeping Equipment: Review
2.2.a Retention Activity Instructions
2.2.a Retention Activity
2.2.b Safety and Equipment Considerations: Reading
2.2.b Safety and Equipment Considerations: Video
2.2.b Safety and Equipment Considerations: Review
2.2.b Retention Activity Instructions
2.2.b Retention Activity
Honey Bee Stings: Facts and Misconceptions
Hive Inspection Sheet
Langstroth Hive Measurements
Module 2 Discussion
Module 2 Learning Activity
Module 2 Conclusion
Module 2 Check-In
Module 2 References
Module 3 Introduction
3.1.a Pollen and Nectar Flow: Reading
3.1.a Pollen and Nectar Flow: Video
3.1.a Pollen and Nectar Flow: Review
3.1.a Retention Activity Instructions
3.1.a Retention Activity
3.1.b Periods of Flow: Reading
3.1.b Periods of Flow: Video
3.1.b Periods of Flow: Review
3.1.b Retention Activity Instructions
3.1.b Retention Activity
Pollen Colour and Seasonal Demographics
Module 3 Learning Activity
Module 3 Discussion
Module 3 Conclusion
Module 3 Check-In
Module 3 References
Module 4 Introduction
4.1.a An Introduction to Feeding: Reading
4.1.a An Introduction to Feeding: Video
4.1.a An Introduction to Feeding: Review
4.1.a Retention Activity Instructions
4.1.a Retention Activity
4.1.b Approaches to Feeding: Reading
4.1.b Approaches to Feeding: Video
4.1.b Approaches to Feeding: Review
4.1.b Retention Activity Instructions
4.1.b Retention Activity
4.2.a Winter Bees: Reading
4.2.a Winter Bees: Video
4.2.a Winter Bees: Review
4.2.a Retention Activity Instructions
4.2.a Retention Activity
4.2.b Feeding Schedules: Reading
4.2.b Feeding Schedules: Video
4.2.b Feeding Schedules: Review
4.2.b Retention Activity Instructions
4.2.b Retention Activity
4.2.c Pollen Supplementation: Reading
4.2.c Pollen Supplementation: Video
4.2.c Pollen Supplementation: Review
4.2.c Retention Activity Instructions
4.2.c Retention Activity
Module 4 Learning Activity
Module 4 Discussion
Module 4 Conclusion
Module 4 Check-In
Module 4 References
Module 5 Introduction
5.1.a Hive Placement: Reading
5.1.a Hive Placement: Video
5.1.a Hive Placement: Review
5.1.a Retention Activity Instructions
5.1.a Retention Activity
5.1.b Overcrowding and Attention: Reading
5.1.b Overcrowding and Attention: Video
5.1.b Overcrowding and Attention: Review
5.1.b Retention Activity Instructions
5.1.b Retention Activity
5.1.c Pest Management: Reading
5.1.c Pest Management: Video
5.1.c Pest Management: Review
5.1.c Retention Activity Instructions
5.1.c Retention Activity
5.2.a Community Considerations: Reading
5.2.a Community Considerations: Video
5.2.a Community Considerations: Review
5.2.a Retention Activity Instructions
5.2.a Retention Activity
5.2.b Preventing Drift: Reading
5.2.b Preventing Drift: Video
5.2.b Preventing Drift: Review
5.2.b Retention Activity Instructions
5.2.b Retention Activity
Land Use and Liability Contract Sample
Module 5 Learning Activity
Module 5 Discussion
Module 5 Conclusion
Module 5 Check-In
Module 5 References
Optional Reading: Urban Beekeeping Pilot Project
“When I enrolled in ABC Bees Level One Beekeeping Course, I wanted to learn enough to feel more confident and be more capable looking after my bees. The course was great but what I value even more is the ongoing mentoring and support that Eliese willingly provided. She has an incredible understanding of everything “bees” and remarkable patience for people who are new beekeepers. Eliese and the community of beekeepers that she introduced me to have made my beekeeping easier, more successful and a whole lot of fun.”
“Eliese is smart, knowledgeable, personable and just plain nice. Her beekeeping knowledge is far beyond most and she knows how to communicate it. But beyond that she has a charisma that I don’t know how to put into words. People just find it a joy to be around her”
“I met Eliese many years ago at a Organic Beekeepers Convention in Oracle Arizona. I had never seen so much love and enthusiasm for before or since. I was also lucky enough to come to Calgary and help her when she first started ABC Bees. Along with her enthusiasm is her understanding of bees and her desire to help others. Having kept bees since 1969, I not come across such talent and ability to see bees and help others. Aren’t all of us bee lovers lucky.”
Carve out more space in your life and yard for raising your own bees. Join our virtual classroom and participate in the ABC Bees Level One Beekeeping Course no matter where you live.
Your goals - Grow bees and a life you love
Your pace - Learn at your own pace and rewatch the videos as often as you'd like
Your schedule - Participate whenever and wherever you'd like
Your community - Connect with beekeepers across Canada