Three senior honey judges at a honey show

There are three levels in the AHSTC Honey Judge certification program:

Honey Judge Candidate
Honey Judge
Senior Honey Judge

Candidates for both levels may proceed through the certification process at their own pace. With the exception noted in the Level 1 description below, there is no other time limit for the completion of the program requirements. While it is technically possible to become a certified Honey Judge in as little as one (1) year, most individuals complete their Honey Judge certification in between one (1) and two (2) years. It typically takes at least five (5) additional years to achieve the rank of Senior Honey Judge.

A Summary of the Program Requirements for each level is below. A link to the full Program Requirements is posted below the summary.

Level 1: Honey Judge Candidate

To become a Honey Judge Candidate, one must attend an AHSTC approved Introductory Training Class. The training is a day-long program that includes a hands on workshops on preparing, showing/exhibiting, and judging bee produce, honey show organization and administration, professionalism and ethics, and much more! Upon completing the Initial Training Course, a Honey Judge Candidate will be qualified to serve as both a Judge's Steward and a Honey Show Secretary.

A senior honey judge evaluates a molded beeswax candle while a honey judge candidate observes

A honey judge evaluates honey for clarity and cleanliness

Level 2: Honey Judge

There are two AHSTC Honey Judge certifications. The first certification, Honey Judge, requires seven steps be completed:

Beginner Training
Stewarding at 3 Honey Shows
Secretary at 2 Honey Shows
Earn 50 Honey Show Participation points
Organize a local honey show
Present a AHSTC Honey Judge Portfolio
Assembly and Presentation of Judging Kit
Final Exam

*These requirements typically can be accomplished within 12-18 months of completing the Level 1 certification, though it may take longer depending on the individual.

A senior honey judge reaches for a judge on honey on the top shelf of a large honey display

Level 3: Senior Honey Judge

The second certification, Senior Honey Judge, requires seven steps must be completed:

Earn Honey Judge (Level 2) certification
Complete 4 Advanced Training classes*
Judging at 24 Honey Shows
Secretary at 2 Honey Shows*
Earn150 Honey Show Participation Points*
Organize 2 state-level or higher honey shows
Serve as a Honey Judge Instructor
Present a Senior Honey Judge Portfolio
Presentation of Judge’s Kit and Attire
Final Exam

*These requirements are in addition to those required for Level 2 certification.

Link to Complete AHSTC Program Requirements

Upcoming Training Events

Mar. 21-22 UF/IFAS Bee College, Gainesville, FL

May 30-31 Intro Training Class, Estes Park, CO

June 20-21 Honey Judge Academy, Burlington, NC

Aug. 22-23 UF/IFAS South Florida Bee College, Seminole, FL

Sep. 11-13 Georgia Beekeepers Assoc. Annual Conference, Gainesville, GA

Oct. 10-11 Tennessee Beekeepers Assoc. Annual Conference, Murfreesboro, TN

Jan. 8 North American Honey Bee Expo, Louisville, KY

Upcoming Training Events​

Upcoming Training Events