Texas Master Beekeeper Program: Advanced Level

Course Information

Preparing for the Advanced level of beekeeping can feel daunting. The volume of material, outdated resources, and lack of clear structure often leave beekeepers unsure of where to focus their time and energy.

The Texas Master Beekeeper Course: Advanced Level was developed to bring clarity and organization to that process. Over ten weeks, you will work through a structured curriculum that breaks complex topics into manageable pieces. We'll cover topics including advanced varroa management, pollination, native pollinators, genetics, queen rearing, and honey production regulations.

Each session builds toward exam readiness while reinforcing real-world application in the apiary. By the end of the course, you will be better equipped to manage colonies with confidence and prepared to complete the in-person Texas Master Beekeeper Program Advanced Exam with a clear understanding of the material.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, you will be able to:

• Know the importance of pollination and be able to identify parts of a flower
• Know families and major defining characteristics to include potential nest sites and diet in native pollinators and wasps
• Understand how to read and use a pesticide label to include various varroa mite treatment pesticide labels.
• Understand the process of queen rearing and common methods of queen rearing to include the use of starter and finisher colonies.
• Understand the biology of bee breeding and some basics of selective breeding.
• Know various methods for splitting hives, making nucleus hives, diagnosing queen issues, and requeening.
• Know the process and the regulations for extracting, bottling, and selling honey in Texas.
• Understand how to be an effective mentor and communicator in the TMBP.
• Be prepared to pass the in-person TMBP Advanced Exam.

Course Modules

• Module 1: Understanding Honey Bees
• Module 2: Pesticides & Advanced Varroa Management
• Module 3: Native Pollinators, Wasps, & Other Apis Bees
• Module 4: Honey Bee Plants
• Module 5: Splitting & Diagnosing Queen Issues
• Module 6: Honey Bee Genetics
• Module 7: Queen Rearing & Breeding
• Module 8: Extracting, Bottling, & Selling Honey
• Module 9: Mentoring & Communication
• Module 10: Overview, Special Topics, & Preparing for the Advanced Exam

What Participants Are Saying

'Before taking the Advanced course, I didn't have a clear direction for managing my bees. After completing it, my confidence grew, and I now understand how to better manage my colonies because of the guidance provided.'

• Shanna Reed, TMBP Advanced Beekeeper

'Professor Garett was amazing! He knows his information very well. The class was focused on the topic. He broke things down; he always started very simple and grew on that information. I would definitely take another class from Prof. Garrett, if offered. I think anyone would be very successful in his class.'

• Jennifer Smithers, TMBP Advanced Beekeeper

Live Virtual Session Schedule

This course includes weekly live virtual sessions. Recordings are available for participants who cannot attend live.

• Session Day: Tuesdays
• Time: 9 a.m. - noon
• Dates: February 17 - April 21, 2026

Additional Course Details

• Course Format: Weekly virtual, lecture-based sessions with opportunities for questions. Recordings are available after each session.
• Course Length: This is a 10-week course. Progress is saved, and recorded sessions may be viewed if you miss a live class.
• Prerequisites: Completion of the Texas Master Beekeeper: Apprentice Level or equivalent experience.
• Program Pathway: Completion of this course prepares participants for the in-person Texas Master Beekeeper Program Advanced Exam and supports continued progression within the program.

Ready to deepen your expertise and take the next step?

Enroll today and continue your journey in the Texas Master Beekeeper Program.