WSET is proud to offer two beer qualifications, the Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Beer, which provide a comprehensive and globally recognised approach to beer education.
Whether you're a professional in the drinks industry or a passionate enthusiast, our courses are designed to give you the confidence and knowledge to explore beer like never before.
Select your preferred area and filter 'beer' to find a beer course near you.
Find a course near you
Who are the courses for?
Our Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Beer are perfect for drinks professionals looking to sharpen their skills and beer enthusiasts eager to dive deeper. Whether you’re just starting out or already know your hops from your malts, these courses equip students with the knowledge and tasting techniques to evaluate, describe, and recommend beer with confidence.
Our interactive and expert-led courses focus on building knowledge of:
- The world’s most iconic beer styles
- unique ingredients and production factors
- the principles of beer tasting, storage, service and food pairing
At the end of the course, once you’ve successfully completed your exam, you’ll gain a globally recognised qualification and increased understanding and confidence to explore the world of beer.
Our Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)
WSET’s trademarked Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) is at the core of how we teach beer tasting. This structured framework gives students a universal language to describe beer and a clear method for assessing its quality.
Through the SAT, students learn to evaluate a beer’s appearance, aroma, and taste, exploring each element in detail before understanding how they combine as a whole. It’s a professional, step-by-step approach that builds confidence and expertise at every level.
An example of our WSET Level 2 SAT for beer tasting
WSET Level 1 Award in Beer
The Level 1 Award in Beer is ideal for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in beer knowledge, whether you’re just starting out or expanding your understanding. Through interactive activities and guided tastings, students will explore:
- beer ingredients and the brewing process
- the principles of storage, service and food pairing
- the characteristics of 20 key beer styles - from lagers to lambics
- how to taste and describe beer with confidence using our Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)
Select your preferred area and filter 'Beer' and 'Level 1' to find a beer course near you.
Find a Level 1 Course near you
WSET Level 2 Award in Beer
Ready to take your beer knowledge to the next level? This intermediate-level beer qualification is perfect for anyone eager to expand their knowledge of beer, whether you’re a beginner or already have some beer knowledge. It’s a longer and more in-depth course than Level 1 and covers the essentials in greater detail, including:
- the brewing process and how ingredients are transformed into beer
- how brewing methods shape a beer’s style and quality
- advanced principles of storage, service, and food pairing
- the characteristics of over 60 beer styles, including speciality beers, and how they are produced and labelled
- how to taste, describe and assess beer quality, using our Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)
Select your preferred area and filter 'Beer' and 'Level 2' to find a beer course near you.
Find a Level 2 course near you
Why choose WSET for beer education?
- Interactive, educator-led learning: WSET’s courses are taught by expert educators who undergo rigorous training, ensuring a consistent, high-quality learning experience no matter where you study. Through engaging, hands-on sessions and tutored beer tastings, our approach is unmatched in its depth and expertise.
- Globally respected credentials: With over 50 years of experience in drinks education, WSET qualifications are internationally recognised and valued. They open doors to new opportunities by equipping students with knowledge and skills that meet the highest global standards.
- Unmatched standards: We uphold the highest integrity in our exams and learning materials. Regularly updated and refined, our courses deliver the most relevant, effective, and engaging education available, ensuring students absorb and apply their knowledge with confidence.
- Broad focus, broad appeal: Perfect for professionals in retail, distribution, and education, as well as enthusiasts eager to deepen their beer knowledge, our courses cover key topics to build product knowledge, confidence, and tasting skills.
Why invest in company beer training?
For organisations, WSET offers a unique opportunity to build expertise and confidence in your team:
- Increase sales: Staff with WSET training are better equipped to recommend and upsell beer, boosting revenue
- Enhance customer experiences: Confident, knowledgeable teams provide better service, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Global standards: Our qualifications provide consistent training, ensuring your team speaks the same language—wherever they are in the world
