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:
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.
Mid-State Beekeepers Association
BASIC BEEKEEPING
Dates: Two Thursday evenings, February 5th and March 5th, 2026, and a field day TBA
Where: Bordentown NJ
Lead Instructors: Harry Mayer, Padraig Fidgeon, Lou Naylor & Dana Master
Cost: $125.
Basic Beekeeping is a complete course in beekeeping being held Thursdays February 5th and March 5th, 2026, from 7:00PM to 9:00PM, and a field day in March or April, TBA based on weather conditions. The course is presented by the Mid-State Beekeepers. Successful completion of this class fulfills the legal education requirement to keep bees in NJ.
Morris Somerset Beekeepers Association
BASIC BEEKEEPING
Dates: Two Saturdays, February 7th & February 21st, 2026, with 1 field day to be scheduled later
Where: Basking Ridge NJ
Lead Instructors: Master Beekeeper Bailey Wright & Kathy Liu
Cost: $150. ($125. for 4-H, FFA, First Responders, Veterans)
This three day course includes 2 full days in the classroom with lunch provided, and 1 field day. It will cover all aspects of entry-level beekeeping for the Hobbyist in NJ. This course fulfills the legal requirements of the State of New Jersey for beekeeper education. No prior knowledge of honeybees or beekeeping is required.
Northwest New Jersey Beekeepers Association
BASIC BEEKEEPING
Dates: Four Thursday mornings, February 19th and 26th, and March 5th and 12th, 2026
Where: Phillipsburg NJ
Lead Instructor: Cornell-Certified Master Beekeeper Jean Miller
Cost: $130.
Basic Beekeeping is a complete four-morning course in beekeeping to be held Thursday Mornings February 19th, 26th, March 5th and 12th, 2026 from 9:00am-12:00pm with a Field Day following on a date TBD. It is offered by the Northwest New Jersey Beekeepers Association and overseen by Cornell-Certified Master Beekeeper Jean Miller. Class materials are based on the curriculum developed by EAS Certified Master Beekeeper Landi Simone. Successful completion of this class fulfills the legal education requirement to keep bees in NJ.
Essex County Beekeepers Society
BASIC BEEKEEPING
Dates: Two Saturdays, February 21st & February 28th, 2026
Where: Roseland NJ
Lead Instructor: EAS Certified Master Beekeeper Landi Simone
Cost: $130.
This class is offered by the Essex County Beekeepers Society and overseen by EAS Certified Master Beekeeper Landi Simone. Successful completion of this class fulfills the education requirement necessary to legally keep bees in NJ.
Raritan Valley Beekeepers Association
BASIC BEEKEEPING
Dates: Two Saturdays, April 11th & April 25th, 2026, and a hands-on Field Day TBA
Where: Basking Ridge NJ
Lead Instructor: Master Beekeeper Adele Barree
Cost: $150. with discounts for Veterans and 2nd family member in same household
This is a complete three-day course in beekeeping being held April 11 and April 25, 2026, followed by a HANDS ON field day; field day date TBA.
This course is presented by Raritan Valley Beekeepers. Instructors are Master Beekeepers and other experienced beekeepers from Raritan Valley Beekeepers Association (RVBA).
Essex County Beekeepers Society
VIRTUAL COURSE IN BASIC BEEKEEPING
Dates:
Recorded 2021 Class
On-Demand
Take It Anytime
Lead Instructor: Landi Simone
Cost: $50
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)
Northwest New Jersey Beekeepers Association
BASIC BEEKEEPING
A complete three-day course in beekeeping to be held September 6 and 13, 2025 from 8:30am-4:00pm, in Flemington, with a hands-on “Field Day” to follow at the club apiary on a date to be identified.
Lead Instructor: Jean Miller
Cost: $130. for 2 days of class and 1 field day.