Honey bee breeding programs represent systematic efforts to enhance desirable traits or conserve honey bee populations through genetic improvement. These programs begin with defining breeding goals, such as improving gentleness, honey production, varroa resistance, or conserving endangered populations via “conservation by utilization.” Breeders must establish responsibilities for queen production, performance testing, data management, and controlled mating, supported by expert guidance and sufficient colony numbers to ensure statistical reliability. Performance testing is at the basis of these programs, requiring uniform methodologies to objectively evaluate colonies while minimizing environmental biases. Selection of testing apiary sites is crucial; consistent forage availability and minimal exposure to risks like traffic or pesticide use are basic requirements. Recommended apiary size is 10–20 colonies, to optimize resources and minimize risks of robbing and drifting, aided by structured colony arrangements and individual hive identification. Standardized colony management is essential, with uniform hive setups, high-quality wax foundations, and the use of healthy package bees or artificial swarms. Swarm prevention methods must align with breeding objectives, and queens from diverse genetic backgrounds should be distributed across test apiaries. Health management should align with selection objective and with local practices and requirements. These procedures, adaptable to regional conditions, ensure robust evaluation and genetic progress in honey bee populations.