PerfectBee Academy
A unique way to learn and enjoy beekeeping
PerfectBee Academy is our extensive beekeeping syllabus. Across three detailed courses, our free lessons help you decide if beekeeping is right for you. Our Colony lessons take you to the point where you can confidently install your first hives....and beyond.
Course 1: Learn About Bees
This course starts with a look at the huge diversity of bees around the world, honeybee reproduction, the miracle of pollination, the beauty of honeycomb and more.​
1.1 The Science of Bees
The bee is one of nature’s most incredible creators and in The Science of Bees we look at everything from bee species, reproduction, genetics and much more.
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Why Bees Rock
The Incredible Diversity of Bees
The Anatomy of Bees
A Deeper Look at Honeybee Anatomy
Honeybee Genetics
How Honeybees Reproduce
The Honeybee Lifecycle
Exploring the Process of Pollination
The Secrets of Honeycomb
How Bees Use Pheromones
Why Bees Can't Fly
The Common Races Of Honeybees
1.2 The Life of Bees
The bee is one of nature’s most incredible creators and in The Science of Bees we look at everything from bee species, reproduction, genetics and much more.
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Inside And Out of the Beehive
The Role Of The Drone Honeybee
The Role Of The Queen Honeybee
The Role Of The Worker Honeybee
How Bees Sense And React To Their World
Why And How Honeybees Forage
How Do Bees Make Honey?
Understanding The Honey Flow
Sticking With Propolis
How Bees Manage Temperature and Moisture
Fat Honeybees And The Winter Cluster
Why And How Bees Swarm
1.3 About Beekeeping
The bee is one of nature’s most incredible creators and in The Science of Bees we look at everything from bee species, reproduction, genetics and much more.
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The Philosophy Of Natural Beekeeping
Beekeeping With Kids
The Growth And Feasibility Of Urban Beekeeping
Understanding, Avoiding And Coping With Bee Stings
Finding Beekeeping Clubs And Mentors
Beekeeping And Your Neighbors
Top Beekeeping Books For Your Bookshelf
Why Beekeeping Matters
The Hidden Benefits of Beekeeping
Thoughts About Responsible Beekeeping
Jump To:

Section 1.1

Section 1.2

Section 1.3

COURSE 2

COURSE 3

Course 2: Your Beehive
A heavily practical course! We introduce you to the types of beehives in common use today and how they might best suit your specific needs. We cover tools, accessories, clothing and much more. Then we discover that great moment when you obtain and install your first bees!
2.1 Beehives and Accessories
The bee is one of nature’s most incredible creators and in The Science of Bees we look at everything from bee species, reproduction, genetics and much more.
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A Practical Guide To Starting Beekeeping
What Bees Need
What Beekeepers Need
An Introduction To The Common Types Of Beehives
A Detailed Look At The Langstroth Hive
A Detailed Look At The Top Bar Hive
A Detailed Look At The Warre Hive
A Detailed Look At Flow Hive Beehive
Foundation Or Foundationless Beekeeping?
The Practicalities Of Setting Up A Beehive
2.2 Equipment and Clothing
The bee is one of nature’s most incredible creators and in The Science of Bees we look at everything from bee species, reproduction, genetics and much more.
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Beekeeping With A Smoker
Using Feeders With Your Hive
Tools For Beekeepers To Consider
Beekeeping Protective Clothing Overview
Beekeeping And Technology
2.3 Starting Your Beehive
The bee is one of nature’s most incredible creators and in The Science of Bees we look at everything from bee species, reproduction, genetics and much more.
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Questions The New Beekeeper Should Answer First
Preparing And Installing Your Beehive
An Overview Of Obtaining Bees For A Beehive
Obtaining And Installing A Package Of Honeybees
Obtaining And Installing A Honeybee Nucleus Colony
Capturing and Installing A Swarm Of Bees
Practical Guidance For The New Beekeeper
Contrarian Positions for New Beekeepers to Consider
Involving Family And Friends In Beekeeping
An Introduction To The Brood Nest
An Introduction To Feeding Honeybees
An Introduction To The Honeybee Hive Inspection
Tracking Beehive Progress And Keeping Records
Beekeeping Advocacy
Beekeeping Myths For The New Beekeeper To Question
Course 3: A Healthy Beehive
Bees do a great job keeping a healthy colony. But it's also important that the beekeeper has a good sense of when things might go bad! We look at how we can help our bees help themselves. And we finish with a look at the rewards beekeeping offers!
3.1 Threats to Bees
The bee is one of nature’s most incredible creators and in The Science of Bees we look at everything from bee species, reproduction, genetics and much more.
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A Practical Guide To A Thriving Colony
An Overview Of The Main Threats To Bees
The Threat Of Robbing
An Introduction To Colony Collapse Disorder
Small Hive Beetle And Honeybees
The Lifecycle and Dangers of Wax Moths
From Tiny Mice To Big Bears
The Threat Of American And European Foulbrood
An Introduction To Nosema And Chalkbrood
An Introduction To Tracheal Mites
The Threat Of Varroa Mites: Part 1
The Threat Of Varroa Mites: Part 2
3.2 Inspecting Your Beehive
The bee is one of nature’s most incredible creators and in The Science of Bees we look at everything from bee species, reproduction, genetics and much more.
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The Big Issues To Check At The Hive Inspection
Learning From Deadout Inspections
Queenlessness In Your Beehive
Why And When To Consider Requeening
Recognizing And Avoiding Swarms
What is Bearding in Honeybees?
Inspecting And Understanding The Brood Pattern
An Introduction To Cross Comb
Splitting A Hive of Bees
An Introduction To Queen Rearing: Part 1
An Introduction To Queen Rearing: Part 2
An Introduction To Overwintering Honeybees
Preparing for Deep and Long Winters
Managing Hive Capacity
Moving A Hive
A FAQ For The Committed New Beekeeper
3.3 Reaping The Rewards
The bee is one of nature’s most incredible creators and in The Science of Bees we look at everything from bee species, reproduction, genetics and much more.
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The Tangible Rewards Of Beekeeping
An Introduction To Harvesting Honey: Part 1
An Introduction To Harvesting Honey: Part 2
An Introduction To Extracting Beeswax
Making Money With Beekeeping
From The End Of A Course To The Start Of Beekeeping

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Perfectbee Academy?

    Academy is a detailed and extensive online beekeeping syllabus. Many thousands have accessed Academy and we’ve been honored to introduce many to beekeeping. Academy has two levels of access.

    Free Access: Over 40 lessons are free and open to all. If you have an interest in beekeeping but not quite sure it’s for you, then these lessons will help you make your decision.

    Colony Member Access: Colony is our low-cost, friendly community for hobbyist beekeepers. Along with many other benefits, Colony members have access to all the lessons, webinars and challenging tests in Academy.  If you are a beekeeper….this is the Academy for you! Learn more about Colony membership here

  • How do I unlock access to the webinars, tests and all lessons?

    Just join our Colony community and you will have immediate access to all lessons, webinars and tests in Academy. Learn more about Colony membership here.

  • Is Academy just for beginners?

    Not at all! While it is certainly a wonderful way to learn beekeeping (as thousands of Colony members have done), we also have many experienced beekeepers in our Colony community. They report that Academy is a great way to brush up on their knowledge and, in fact, learn a few new things here and there!

    Oh and by the way, less than 5% of members taking our tests pass all nine tests with a 100% score! So, yes, they are likely to challenge you!