In addition to the Apprentice Objectives, the following is a listing of general objectives to serve as a study guide for the Journeyman level examination in the Alabama Master Beekeeper Program.  It is not to be considered an exclusive list of topics that may appear on the examination. 

Diseases and Pests

Upon completion of the Journeyman level, candidates should be able to identify all pests common to a honey bee hive.  They should be able to give a general description of the pests (including general life cycle phases), name any threats they pose to a colony and describe modes of control of these pests.

Upon completion of the Journeyman level, candidates should be able to discuss the diseases and pathogens common to a honey bee colony.  Candidates should able to identify the symptoms and the types (i.e. viral, fungal, bacterial, etc.) of these diseases and pathogens and available ways to help avoid infestation or treat active infestations.

Bee Anatomy

Upon completion of the Journeyman level, candidates should be able to identify the external parts of a honey bee and discuss the function of each in much greater detail than required in the Apprentice exam.  Candidates should be able to differentiate between the components and/or segments of anatomical parts (i.e. mouth, leg, eye, etc.) and describe the functions of each.  Candidates will be expected to utilize correct nomenclature in the description of the parts and functions.  Candidates should know the general location and purposes of the primary glands of a honey bee (all castes and genders).

Queen Rearing

Upon completion of the Journeyman level, candidates should be able to identify the general process (regardless of method used) of queen rearing whether by allowing the colony to rear a queen on its own, or introduction of a graft.  The candidate should be able to calendar the developmental, mating and laying stages based on the date of introduction of a viable egg.  The candidate should know the international queen marking system and identify the year in which marked queens were produced by the colors they are marked. 

Flowers & Pollination

Upon completion of the Journeyman level, candidates should have a fundamental understanding of pollination and the different methodologies and strategies used by plants to reproduce.  A candidate should be able to identify the basic parts of a flower and describe their functions.  A candidate should be able to explain the honey bee’s relationship to pollination and agriculture. 

Colony Management

Upon completion of the Journeyman level, candidates should be able to name and describe  common colony manipulations, including, but not limited to, inspections, handling of frames, feeding, supering, reversing, and common strategies for relieving congestion in a brood nest and the equipment needed (if any) to assist these manipulations.

Product Labeling

Upon completion of the Journeyman level, candidates should know the legal requirements for labeling honey (federal and State of Alabama) and should be able to identify mislabeled honey.