Beginner Beekeeping Courses

Nine branches of the NJBA offer short courses taught by highly experienced beekeepers. These classes cover the basics of honey bee biology, equipment, how to get started, pests and diseases, seasonal management, harvesting honey, and other basic topics. Hours, locations, and costs vary from class to class, but all of these beginner courses, including the Essex recorded class, fulfill the State of New Jersey requirement of basic education to legally keep bees in the Garden State. 

If you’re looking to plan for a future class, here’s a list of when and where our branches typically offer short courses:

  • Sussex: January-February : previously Lafayette, NJ.  New location TBA.

  • Essex: February : Roseland, NJ.

  • Central Jersey: February : Ewing, NJ and September : Mercer, NJ.

  • Mid-State: February-March : Columbus, NJ.

  • Northwest: February–March : Phillipsburg, NJ and September : Flemington, NJ.

  • Morris-Somerset: March : Basking Ridge, NJ, and September : Basking Ridge, NJ.

  • South Jersey: March : Online or Hybrid, and October : Online or Hybrid.

  • Raritan Valley: March-April : Basking Ridge, NJ.

  • Jersey Cape: March-April : Cape May Courthouse, NJ.

Beginner Beekeeping Courses currently open for registration are listed below:

CJBA Beekeeping for the Bee-ginner (Fall)
Sep
13
to Sep 27

CJBA Beekeeping for the Bee-ginner (Fall)

This two day course, offered by the Central Jersey Beekeepers Association, will cover all aspects of entry level beekeeping for the Hobbyist in NJ. No prior knowledge of honeybees or beekeeping is required.

Classes will be held from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM on two Saturdays, September 13 and 27, in West Windsor NJ. Date of the “Field Day” TBD, weather permitting.

Lead Instructor: Jeff Burd

Cost: $100 to $150 (discounts available)

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South Jersey Beekeepers Association
Oct
11
to Nov 15

South Jersey Beekeepers Association

Intro to Beekeeping (Fall 2025 Course)

Hybrid of Zoom classes and In-Person at the Camden County sustainability center in Blackwood NJ, on six (6) consecutive Saturdays – October 11, 18, and 25 and November 1, 8, and 15. Field days are held at the Dietrich home apiary in the afternoon after the classes, weather permitting.

Lead Instructor: Rob Dietrich

Tuition: $125.

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