Interested in the HBVC certification program but have questions? Check out the frequently asked questions below. If you do not find what you are looking for, or if you need more assistance, please email us at certhbv@gmail.com

Where do I access the program materials or educational content?

The certification program is largely self-directed - meaning you choose what resources you want to learn from. We do have a few options to help ensure you have the right content you need.

1. Pre-approved resources - here you will find a list of resources, how many credits each will earn you, and what module they can be applied to

2. Resource Library (COMING SOON)

3. Email us (certhbvc@gmail.com) and we can help guide you to the right resources to fit your needs.
   

How do I earn CE credits?

As you work through each module, selecting resources that cover the list of subtopics, you can log your CE credits on our website.

From the Certifications Available page, you will click on "My CE Credits" on the right hand side of the screen. This opens a new screen with all of the modules listed, showing which modules you are enrolled in. Scroll to the bottom, and click on "Add credits". Here you will input information about the work you have completed: date of completion, the category (see below), the title/topic/presenter, how many credits you are requesting, and the module that the credit will be applied to.

Once you submit a credit it will show as pending. Any credit from the list of pre-approved resources or resource library will be accepted; credits from other sources that you have completed independently will be reviewed by the certification committee who will vote to approve, decline, or request more information. You will be notified of the decision.

What counts as a CE credit?

Categories of Educational Sources for credit:

A)    Honey bee veterinary medicine continuing education or professional development lectures/courses

B)    University courses

C)    Academic training/degree programs

D)    Self-study of the literature

E)    Publications and Professional presentations

F)     Hands-on training working with honey bee colonies

Number of credits assigned within each category:

A)    1 credit = 1 lecture hour

B)    1 credit = 2 class hours

C)    Externship = 20 credits; Internship/residency = 50 credits; MSc = 75 credits; PhD = 100 credits

D)    1 credit = 1 article, 1-hour of podcast, 1 chapter in a book (up to 10 credits/book)

E)    Published (authored) Article = 5 credits, Peer-reviewed article = 10 credits, Book Chapter = 10 credits; Professional presentations = 2 credit/hour; Teaching post-secondary = 2 credits/hour

F)     Beekeeping = 10 credits/year* of working your own colonies; Working with a mentor** = 1 credit/hour; animal handling component of beekeeping courses** = 1 credit/hour

*number of credits granted for working on your own will be capped at 10

**need to work with a minimum of 3 different beekeepers (whether through mentorship or a beekeeping course) to qualify for certification. It is highly recommended that mentorship is established with at least one commercial and one hobbyist beekeeper.

Note: cannot use the same resource to obtain credits in multiple categories, but can split the credits where appropriate (e.g. if attending 10 lecture hours at the HBVC conference cannot count all 10 hours in module 1 and module 4; but you may count 5 hours in module 1 and 5 hours in module 4).

How do I complete a module?

To complete a module you need to earn the minimum number of credits for that module.  We strongly recommend that you choose resources that covers the list of subtopics provided under each module.

 

How do I complete the Certification Program?

Once you have completed all seven modules, you will apply to complete the CertHbV.  Here you will have the option of submitting a final project OR taking a final examination. (Guidelines coming soon).

Which module should I enrol in first?

It is up to you how you want to work through the program.  You may choose to start with a single module or you can work on multiple modules simultaneously.  The order of module completion is also up to you.  However, you can not complete the CertHbV program until you have completed each module.

How long do I have to complete the program?

Once you begin the program (by applying for the CertHbV or any module), you have two years to complete the program.

 

How long is certification good for?

Certification is good for a period of 5 years.

What happens after my certification expires?

60 days prior to expiration of your certification, you will get an email from us to notify you of the pending expiry.  If you wish to continue to hold the CertHbV designation, you can apply for re-certification (with a fee of $50 USD).  To become re-certified, you will need complete 50 CE credits.

 

Can student veterinarians become certified?

Student members of HBVC can work through the certification program, however only those that have a DVM (or equivalent) degree can become certified.  As the certification program must be completed within two years, we recommend students wait to begin the program until they are within two years of their expected graduation date.

Can anyone interested in honey bee health become certified?

To become certified through the HBVC certifcation program you must:
1. be an HBVC member in good standing
2. have a DVM (or equivalent) degree