Discover the World of Beer with WSET’s New Certification
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Join the Beer Revolution – WSET Level 1 & 2 Awards in Beer
WSET Beer Certification
Who are the courses for?
Our WSET Level 1 and 2 Beer Awards are your passport to becoming certified in beer. Perfect for enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, these courses are your first step in a lifelong journey of beer education.
What You’ll Learn:
- Explore Beer Styles: From classic ales to exotic lagers, learn what makes each style unique.
- Craft and Ingredients: Understand the ingredients and processes behind your favorite brews.
- Tasting Like a Pro: Develop your palate with expert-led tasting sessions.
- Service and Pairing: Learn the art of serving and pairing beer to enhance every drinking experience.
Achieve Recognition
Complete the course, pass the exam, and earn a respected credential that showcases your beer expertise to the world.
Embark on your beer education journey with us – where learning is as enjoyable as a cold pint on a warm day.
Why Choose WSET Beer Certification?
- Interactive Learning
- Systematic Approach to Tasting
- Globally Recognized
Join The Beer Revolution - WSET Level 1 Awards In Beer
Learn from the Experts
WSET Level 1 Award in Beer
Have you ever wished you knew more about beer? Can you tell the difference between an IPA and a pilsner? A brown ale and a porter? WSET is launching its first-ever beer courses in early 2024. Our exciting new Level 1 Award in Beer is a beginner-level qualification for anyone interested in learning the basics about lagers, ales, sours, and more. Through a short and interactive course, you’ll learn the foundations of beer production, styles, service, food pairing, and tasting.
Upon completion, you’ll gain a globally recognized qualification and the knowledge to help you explore the world of beer in greater depth.
What you’ll learn
The WSET Level 1 Award in Beer provides a great introduction to the world of beer. Learning through sight, smell, and taste, you’ll become familiar with a range of beer styles and how they are made.
If you work with beer, you’ll be able to answer customer queries with confidence and provide helpful recommendations. If you’re learning for fun, you’ll feel inspired to explore new styles and know how to get the most out of every glass.
What’s covered?
- The main ingredients used to make beer: malt and other sugar sources, water, hops, yeast
- The main production steps used to make beer malting, brewing.
- The principles of successful beer storage, service, and food pairing: Beer storage and service: keeping beer fresh, glassware, pouring keg beer, opening and pouring bottled beer, and service temperature. Common beer faults: staling, light strike (skunking), bacterial infection. Food and beer: Preferences, sensitivities, interactions, application and other considerations.
- The characteristics of a range of key beer styles:
Malt-driven styles: American or international pale lager, Munich Helles, Blonde ale, Munich Dunkel, Brown ale, Porter and stout, Barley wine
Hop-driven styles: Traditional Czech or German pilsner, Bitter, American pale ale, American IPA, Hazy IPA
Yeast driven styles: Weissbier, Dubbel, Tripel, Saison, Witbier
Sour styles: Berliner weisse, Geuze (gueuze)
Course delivery
This qualification has a minimum requirement of six hours of guided learning, including a 45-minute exam. Courses will be available in person or online.
This is a fully guided course, meaning there are no private study requirements.
This qualification is currently available in English only.
Assessment
Your learning will be assessed by a closed-book exam of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes. Exams will be available both online and in person.
WSET is committed to making our exams fair and accessible and ensuring that no candidate is placed at a disadvantage. If you have any special requirements or need to request reasonable adjustments, please discuss this with your chosen course provider.
Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements for this qualification – it is suitable for complete beginners.
You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you are attending the course to participate in any alcohol tasting. However, this is not a barrier to successfully completing the qualification.
Join The Beer Revolution - WSET Level 1 Awards In Beer
Learn from the Experts
WSET Level 2 Award in Beer
If you are eager to increase your knowledge and appreciation of beer, WSET will soon be launching an intermediate-level qualification. This immersive and interactive course will help you understand how key ingredients and production processes influence the flavor profile and quality of beer.
Upon completion, you’ll gain a recognized qualification and the skills to select, taste, and describe beers with confidence.
What you’ll learn
The WSET Level 2 Award in Beer focuses on how key ingredients and production processes influence the style and quality of beer. It will also teach you how to taste, describe and evaluate the quality of beer.
If you’re a beer or hospitality professional, you’ll be able to offer valuable guidance on selection and service to your colleagues and customers. If you’re a beer enthusiast, you’ll know exactly what to look for when choosing beers for any occasion.
What’s covered?
- The main ingredients used in beer production, how they are processed, and their influence on the style of beer produced:
Malt and adjuncts, water, hops, and other flavorings, yeast, and bacteria. - How beer production influences the style and quality of beer. Alcoholic fermentation process, brewing process, brewing equipment, beer production options, spontaneous and mixed culture fermentation options.
- The key principles and processes involved in the storage and service of beer: Ideal conditions for storage, packaging and shelf life, service temperatures, glassware, beer on tap, bottled beer, common faults, beer, and food
- How over 60 beer styles are produced and labeled and their typical characteristics. Malt-driven lagers, malt-driven ales, hop-driven lagers, hop-driven ales, yeast-driven ales, mixed fermentation styles, and other specialty beers.
Course delivery
This qualification has a minimum requirement of 28 hours of study
- 16 hours of guided learning
- 11 hours of private study
- A one-hour exam
We will be able to offer the course in a variety of formats, for example, over consecutive days or using our Online Classroom, an interactive e-learning platform where you complete activities at your own pace over five weeks under the guidance of an expert educator.
This qualification is currently available in English only.
Assessment
Your learning will be assessed by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes. Exams will be available both online and in person.
This qualification is graded:
- Pass: 55% – 69%
- Pass with Merit: 70% – 84%
- Pass with Distinction: 85% or more
WSET is committed to making our exams fair and accessible and ensuring that no candidate is placed at a disadvantage. If you have any special requirements or need to request reasonable adjustments, please discuss this with your chosen course provider.
Entry requirements
This qualification is suitable for beginners as well as those with some foundational beer knowledge. If you are completely new to the subject, we recommend starting with the WSET Level 1 Award in Beer, though this is not a requirement.
You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you are attending the course to participate in any alcohol tasting. However, this is not a barrier to successfully completing the qualification.
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Got Questions?
What is the WSET Beer Certification?
The WSET Beer Certification is a globally recognized education program offered by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. It provides a comprehensive understanding of beer styles, beer tasting, and food pairings, enhancing knowledge for both enthusiasts and professionals.
Who can enroll in the WSET Beer Certification courses?
The courses are open to anyone interested in beer education. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn more about beer or a professional aiming to enhance your qualifications, our WSET Beer Certification courses are designed to cater to various levels of expertise.
What levels are available for the WSET Beer Certification?
We offer Level 1 and Level 2 Beer Certification courses. Level 1 is perfect for beginners, while Level 2 is suited for those with foundational knowledge looking to delve deeper into beer styles and service.
Are the WSET Beer Certification courses offered online?
Yes, we offer online courses to provide flexibility for our students. Our systematic approach to beer tasting can be learned from the comfort of your home.
What will I learn in the WSET Level 1 Beer Certification?
The Level 1 course covers the basics of beer, including the main styles, beer storage, service, and the principles of beer tasting. It’s a great introduction to the world of beer education.
What additional knowledge will I gain from the WSET Level 2 Beer Certification?
The Level 2 course takes a deeper dive into beer styles, brewing ingredients, processes, and more advanced beer-tasting techniques. It also explores beer’s relationship with food and how to pair them effectively.
How long does it take to complete the beer certification courses?
The duration can vary depending on the level. Typically, Level 1 can be completed in a shorter time frame, while Level 2 requires more extensive study. Exact course durations can be found on our course information page.
Is there an examination for the WSET Beer Certification?
Yes, both Level 1 and Level 2 courses conclude with an examination. Successfully passing the exam will earn you the WSET Beer Certification for the respective level.
When will the new WSET Beer Certification courses be available?
The upcoming courses are scheduled to launch in 2024. Keep an eye on our website for the exact dates and how to enroll.