Credential Information

2026-2027 Academic Year

Credential Version

Starting with SY 26-27, for credentials offered through Certiport, NCDPI will only recognize the three most current versions as of August of the current school year.
These credentials are indicated by two asterisks in the Validation Artifact field of the Credential Information.

Certified Beekeeper

Credential Name	Certified Beekeeper
Credential Vendor Info	North Carolina State Beekeeper's Association https://www.ncbeekeepers.org/programs/mbp/certified
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	AU22 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Sherilee Deal sdeal2@ncsu.edu
Course Code and Title	AU22 Sustainable Agriculture Production II
Credential as POL	AU22 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Sustainable Agriculture (SUAG)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A
Instructor Training Requirements	Required Teacher must be a certified level beekeeper.
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Conservation Scientists (19-1031) Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers (11-9013) First-line Supervisors of Entertainment And Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services (39-1014) First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers (45-1011) Forest and Conservation Technicians (19-4071) Natural Sciences Managers (11-9121)
Articulation	Yes See NC High School to Community College Course Articulation: https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/high-school-to-ncccs-course-articulation/
Sequencing	Yes Students have the option to continue past the Certified level through the Journeyman, Master, and Master Craftsman steps.
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Paper/pencil or Performance-based
Proctored Environment Required	Yes At a Beekeeping School, Statewide Conference, or testing event
Proctored Requirements	Proctors must hold a certified level beekeeper credential.
Test Site Options and Requirements	Sanctioned NCSBA chapter event or statewide conference
Testing Environment Requirements	Beekeeping equipment and hive are required for performance portion.
Exam Time Allotment	1 hour
Exam Passing Requirement	Must have four months beekeeping experience to take exam and must earn 100% satisfactory score on practical exam
Retakes	Yes At a later time
Student Accommodations	No
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	Must be an NCBSA member ($15.00) and have four months beekeeping experience to take practical exam.

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.

Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.

Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.

Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.