Another key reason for joining the Association is our SBA Exam study groups, currently lead by Ilona Shilliday. They will cover the key areas of the syllabus and prepare you for the exams. Find out more below:
SBA module exams which cover eight different topics of beekeeping are offered twice yearly in March and November. To support any members who wish to work through the SBA modules we hold a series of study groups, usually on Tuesday evenings, for 6-8 weeks before the exam dates. The study groups are currently led by Ilona Shilliday. Every January and August we select which module to cover and whilst we encourage members to take the exams to consolidate all that is within the sessions it is in no way compulsory for attending the study groups. It should be noted that you will need to be a member of the SBA to sit any of their module exams. Details will be given in our newsletter nearer the time.
See the SBA website for more details – https://scottishbeekeepers.org.uk/exams/modules
We continue to have huge success in the SBA Module exams, guided by the support given from Ilona Shilliday in her very comprehensive study sessions. It would be wonderful to see a few more members attending and enhancing their knowledge of beekeeping. We will re-start our SBA module study sessions on 25th August 2026 and will be covering Module 3 Pests and Diseases. For details of the syllabus please use the following link.
The group will meet at Dunblane Cathedral Halls on the following Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9pm:
There will be 6 weeks of teaching classes followed by 1 week of exam practice. There is no requirement for you to sit the SBA Module exam which will be held in November 2026 but, if you do, DSBA will reimburse the exam fee once taken. If you intend to sit the exam, please note that you must be a member of SBA and exam applications should be made via the SBA website.
If you wish to borrow any books from the recommended reading list, please email [email protected] to make arrangements. The current book list of books held by the association is on the website.If you would like your name added to the list for the next study sessions please reply to [email protected].
As part of our ongoing SBA study group provision, we offer both a practical and a theoretical session in May/June for anyone who has been keeping their own bees for at least a season and who applies for the SBA Basic Beekeeping exam held over the summer. This is the first step on the SBA exam ladder and you will need to decide by the application date in April each year. You don’t need to be an SBA member to apply for this exam but the SBA and DSBA encourage all beekeepers to hold this certificate which is a practical ‘over the hive’ exam with a few straightforward oral questions afterwards, usually offered at your own apiary, or, if you prefer, we can look to make arrangements for testing at our apiary at the University of Stirling site. The syllabus for the certificate is on the SBA website and, as you would imagine, simply lists the basic requirements which a beekeeper should know. This is the ideal way to consolidate your knowledge of practical beekeeping.
See the SBA website for more details – https://scottishbeekeepers.org.uk/exams/basic-beekeeping
If you already have your Basic Beekeeping Certificate, have kept bees for at least five seasons you may consider applying for the SBA Intermediate Practical or the Apiarian exams. Again, details of the syllabus for either of these exams is on the SBA website.
The SBA website gives module syllabus details, guidance notes, recommended reading and copies of past exam questions. The DSBA library endeavors to keep copies for loan to our members of all books on the recommended reading lists.