The NO DRAMA Competency Examination for AFB control

Many beekeepers who have entered into disease elimination conformity agreements with the management agency ( NBA) are now starting to wonder about the competency test that they undertook to complete, as part of the agreement to obtain their status as "approved Beekeepers".

This article is about the competency examination and how the NBA, as the Management Agency, will be running this process. A number of beekeepers, including some senior members of the industry, have complained that they should be exempt because they already know everything they need to know. Although this sounds reasonable in principle, when asked, the senior members will be the first to admit that not all long time beekeepers know everything they need to know. When asked how you tell the difference between those beekeepers who know everything needed and those that don't the cheapest answer usually comes back to asking some questions i.e. a test.

The management agency has always taken the position that the same basic level of competence needs to apply to all members, and this process of education is likely to benefit all members, irrespective of background or experience. Never too late to teach old dogs new tricks, (just ask Lin McKenzie)

Put simply it is basic "in service training". For many the test is a formality, or an opportunity to brush up on their knowledge. But don't forget that new people take up beekeeping all the time, and so from now one should expect all hives to be inspected by people with the necessary skills to rocognise AFB.

The Test

The competency examination is a straight forward true/ false, circle the correct answer type test. It contains one section with high quality photographs where the distinction has to be made between healthy and AFB infected brood and brood with other diseases. This ability to recognise the visual symptoms of AFB is critical to competency and a 100% pass on this section is required. The balance of the questions require a 75% correct response to pass the examination. The test is based on the booklet supplied to all DECA holder, "AFB Elimination Manual". A good knowledge of the content of the manual is sufficient to pass the examination.

Who will administer this system

The management agency is responsible for putting in place a system for the competency examination. The executive have decided to contract Mr Richard Hatfield, as the "examination administrator"to set up and manage a computer database system. As well as being an enthusiastic amateur beekeeper, Richard has a background in large information technology project management, and brings with him a considerable range of skills and abilities that will be useful in seeing this contract completed.

A comprehensive set of specifications for the administration of the competency examination has been developed, in conjunction with Richard, designed to ensure aspects such as confidentiality, privacy, security and not least of all confidence that this potentially sensitive requirement of the NBA is handled in a professional manner.

What will this cost me?

The fee set by the management agency is $25. The fee covers system development, maintenance, data entry labour, postage and printing costs. The system is being professionally developed under a royalty scheme where ownership is progressively transferred to the Management Agency over a two year time frame. This means the Management Agency does not need to make an up front investment.

How do I take the test?

It is anticipated that beekeepers will get together and decide they would like to take the test at a certain time and place. Local branches and beekeeping clubs can organise test sittings, perhaps in conjunction with their own AFB education programs. An exam supervisor is organised, this person may in fact be a branch office holder or a JP. The specifications for who can be supervisors and the instructions for administering tests will be available from the examination administrator. The test can also be taken in conjunction with courses that will be offered by Agriquality or NBA branches.

A written request is forwarded to the examination administrator, at least five days before the test, and the personalised test papers are mailed directly to the examination supervisor. The database prints the tests, which are randomised in a similar fashion used for drivers license tests.

Did I pass?

After the test has been completed, the exam papers are returned to the examination administrator who entered each test paper into the computer. If you are a DECA holder, the result of your test, will be forwarded to our contractor Agriquality NZ and the information indicating the successful completion of this requirement is noted.

The database will mark the tests, print certificates for all successful candidates, and generate reports to all candidates with details of where incorrect responses were made. These reports will be referenced to the "Manual" and should be educative to both passed and or failed candidates.

Oh No - I failed !

No need to panic. Your DECA is not revoked and you do not need to suddenly start completing COI's. The Management Agency is only interested in ensuring that everyone passes so there is no limit to the number of times you can attempt the test. The report that will accompany the notice of your result will have information that should mean that you can quickly find out where you have gone wrong, then re sit successfully.

When will the test be ready to go?

The majority of the work involved has been done, the test has been written and the contract specifications developed.. It is anticipated that the computer data base development will be completed by the end of July and the first candidates should complete their tests and obtain their certificates sometime in August. Details will be advised in this magazine.

From the time in which the test becomes available, the Management Agency hopes that all DECA holders will have taken the test in the following 12 month period.

Provision for disabilities

Allowance is made for people who have reading difficulties, or for whom English is a second language. In those cases candidates will be allowed to have a "reader" accompany them.

Branch run courses

In the July magazine, it is anticipated that details will be released of a course for training people nominated by NBA branches, or bee clubs, who will in turn be able to run "approved "courses to assist their members through the process of obtaining the competency certificates. It is envisaged that we will organise one workshop for trainers in the North Island, possibly in Hamilton, and one in the South Island, possibly Christchurch. All branches will be encouraged to ensure that they sponsor designated "trainers" from their region.

Bruce Stevenson,
PMS Facilitator on behalf of the Management Agency

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