Place three layers of paper towels in the bottom of a shallow pan or tray. Wet the towels with water to the point of saturation. Pour off any excess water.
Lay the black bean seeds on the towels. Space the seeds about 1/2 inch apart.
Place two more layers of paper towels over the seeds. Dampen this layer of towels, too. Place a layer of plastic wrap over the tray to prevent the towels from drying out.
Keep the paper towels moist and at room temperature. Monitor the germination process as it takes place over two to three days.