BJCP, WSET and Cicerone: beer qualifications compared

Start with what you want to do

The right qualification depends on the work. Do you want to judge competitions, sell beer in a bar or shop, advise customers, teach, write or brew? Credentials in this field mostly test knowledge of styles, tasting and service. Few test brewing skill. If your goal is to make beer, a brewing course or an apprenticeship matters more than a tasting certificate. If it is to sell or serve, a service or knowledge award is a better fit.

Details of each programme change, including levels, names, exam formats and fees, so always check the current information on the organisation's own website before you pay for anything.

BJCP: the judge's programme

The BJCP is a United States based organisation that trains and ranks beer judges, mostly for homebrew competitions. Its style guidelines are widely used to define what a style should taste like. The route is an entrance exam on style and process knowledge, then a tasting exam where candidates score and describe real beers, with ranks above that earned through points from judging and further exams. It suits homebrewers who want feedback skills, competition judges and anyone who wants to learn to describe beer precisely. It is not a brewing qualification and not a commercial service credential. Judges learn to give written feedback that a brewer can act on, which is a skill worth having even if you never enter a competition. See our beer styles guide for a primer on styles.

Cicerone: the service and sales programme

The Cicerone programme, also from the United States, certifies knowledge of beer service and sales. Its levels run from a basic server certificate up through certified, advanced and master levels. Topics include beer storage, handling and draught systems, serving, styles, flavour, ingredients, brewing basics and food pairing. It is most useful where beer is handled warm, poured badly or stored for too long, because it teaches the reasons behind good service. It suits bartenders, distributors, sales staff, restaurant managers and anyone who handles beer for the public. The upper levels are demanding and include tasting and practical components. Check the current structure on the organisation's site.

WSET: structured knowledge and the Level 1 award

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust is a UK based awarding body known for wine and spirits qualifications. It also offers beer qualifications through approved programme providers. The WSET Level 1 Award in Beer is an entry level qualification covering the main styles, ingredients, tasting and service basics with a short multiple choice exam. It suits people entering the industry or working in hospitality and retail who want a recognised, structured starting point. We run exam preparation for the Level 1 Award in Beer. The course page has the format and dates.

Check which levels in beer WSET currently offers in your country and in what languages.

Brewing credentials are different

If you want to brew professionally, look at brewing education, such as the Institute of Brewing and Distilling qualifications, university brewing programmes, vocational courses and structured apprenticeships. These teach malting, mashing, fermentation, quality control and engineering. They matter to employers hiring head brewers and quality staff. A good path combines a brewing course with time in a working brewery, where you see real tanks, real faults and real deadlines. Add a tasting qualification for sensory skill if you like. Our guide on learning to brew while working full time describes practical routes.

Side by side

• BJCP: judging skill. Best for homebrewers, competition judges and writers.
• Cicerone: service, sales and storage knowledge. Best for bar, retail and distribution staff.
• WSET Beer: structured styles, tasting and service knowledge. Best for hospitality, retail and newcomers.
• Brewing diplomas and courses: making beer. Best for brewers, quality staff and founders.

You do not need to choose one for life. Many people hold a tasting credential and a brewing one. Employers differ in what they value, so look at job adverts in your market. Ask people already in the job which credential helped them and what they would study again if they had the choice. Also compare the cost in money and hours against the pay or the work it opens up. Sit the exam only when you are ready to use the result. For selling roles, see working in beer sales.

Common questions

Which beer qualification is best for a career in brewing?

A brewing course or diploma and time in a brewery matter most. BJCP, Cicerone and WSET are tasting, service and knowledge credentials.

Do I need a qualification to open a brewery?

Usually not, but you need the skills. Licensing rules differ by country, so check with your regulator.

Is the WSET Level 1 Award in Beer enough to work in a taproom?

It is a good starting point for hospitality work. Employers value experience as well, so combine it with practical service time.

Can I take these exams online?

Formats change over time and vary by country. Check each organisation's website for the current options.