WSET Beer In-Person
Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of beer or looking to develop professional-level expertise, our WSET Beer courses provide a structured and internationally recognised pathway to beer knowledge. From discovering the world's principal beer styles, understanding the fundamentals of brewing, tasting, and service in Level 1, to exploring how ingredients, brewing techniques, fermentation, maturation, and regional traditions influence the style and quality of beers from around the world in Level 2, each course combines expert tuition with extensive guided tastings and practical learning. Led by award-winning educators, these qualifications are designed for both passionate enthusiasts and hospitality professionals seeking confidence, credibility, and an internationally recognised certification.
WSET Beer Level 1
Take your first step into the world of professional beer education with the WSET Level 1 Award in Beer. This internationally recognised course introduces the key styles of beer, brewing fundamentals and systematic tasting, providing the perfect foundation for beginners, hospitality professionals and passionate beer enthusiasts.
Summary
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Award in Beer is an ideal starting point for anyone considering a professional career in the drinks industry, or for those with little or no prior experience in beer.
It is an enjoyable, relaxed and interactive course completed in a single day, including the exam, making it easy to fit in with busy working schedules.
WSET Level 1 Award in Beer has full accreditation from Ofqual as part of the UK Government’s Qualifications & Credits Framework as a Level 1 Vocational Qualification.
Location: Podere Tovari
Duration: 9:00am – 5:00pm (one day, including the exam)
Private study: Not required – recap and revision exercises are built into the day
What Will I Learn?
During the course, you will cover:
- The basic principles of beer production
- The main types and styles of beer
- The key ingredients used in beer production and how they influence flavour
- A guided tasting of a selection of beers
- How to store and serve beer correctly
- How to describe beer using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Beer® (SAT)
By the end of the course, you will be able to taste and describe beer using a globally recognised method, recognise key beer styles, and understand the ingredients and production techniques that define them. You will also gain confidence in selecting and serving beer in a professional or personal setting.
For more information, please view the WSET course specification.
What’s included?
- Six hours of expert guidance from our awarded Sommeliers and Educators (Winners of the 2025 Sommelier Edit UK “Excellence in Education Award”).
- Course workbook
- Refreshments throughout the course
- Lunch in exclusive venues with our seasoned Educators and former Sommeliers. This is a unique opportunity to ask questions outside the scope of the specifications.
- A guided tasting of a selection of 10 beers
- 30 multiple-choice questions examination
- WSET Level 1 Award in Beer digital certificate and WSET lapel pin for those who pass the course (collected by or posted to guests once all exams have been assessed by WSET)
Assessment
- Examination:
- The Level 1 Award in Beer assessment consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, to be completed within 45 minutes. To pass the exam, you must achieve a score of 70% or higher.
- Certification:
- Successful candidates will be issued with a secure digital certificate by WSET, which you will be able to print for framing, along with a lapel pin (a globally recognised mark of beer knowledge).
- Results:
- This qualification is Ofqual regulated and results are issued approximately two working weeks after the exam.
For further details, please refer to the Exam & Results FAQs.
WSET Beer Level 2
Build real confidence in beer with the WSET Level 2 Award in Beer. Through guided tastings and structured learning, you will explore the world’s major beer styles, brewing techniques and flavour profiles while earning an internationally recognised qualification valued across the global drinks and hospitality industry.
Summary
When selecting one of the available dates, please ensure you are able to attend all three days of the programme. Full attendance is recommended to complete the course.
Our WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) courses give you the opportunity to achieve an internationally recognised qualification in beer, all while learning in the stunning dedicated rooms of our trusted partners — an inspiring setting that elevates the entire experience.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Beer is designed to build real confidence and understanding of the world’s most important beer styles and brewing traditions. You will begin by learning the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Beer® (SAT) — the globally recognised method for analysing and describing beers with clarity and precision.
From there, the course explores how ingredients, brewing techniques, fermentation methods and maturation influence the style and quality of beer.
You will study the major styles of beer in depth, including pale ales, India pale ales, dark ales, lagers, wheat beers and sour beers, exploring how brewing choices and regional traditions create distinctive flavour profiles.
The programme blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice as attendants taste a wide selection of beers from around the world throughout the course.
The course includes 18 hours of expert-led tuition, providing structured guidance and support, alongside 11 hours of recommended home study to consolidate and deepen your understanding at your own pace.
Assessment takes place at the end of the course in the form of a 60-minute multiple-choice examination, designed to evaluate your knowledge and reinforce your progression as a confident beer enthusiast. Successful candidates receive an official digital certificate and the WSET lapel pin.
No prior experience is necessary to enrol. However, students who have completed the WSET Level 1 Award in Beer may find it beneficial preparation for achieving the strongest possible results.
Location: Podere Tovari
Duration: Three consecutive days from 9:00am – 5:00pm (one day, including the exam)
What Will I Learn?
- How to taste and describe beer using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Beer® (SAT)
- How ingredients and brewing techniques influence the style and quality of beer
- How production techniques influence key styles of beer including: Pale ales and India pale ales, Dark ales, Lagers, Wheat beers, Sour beers
- How regional traditions and brewing practices shape the character of beers from around the world
- The key labelling terms used to indicate style, origin and quality
- Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of beer
For more information, please view the WSET course specification.
What’s included?
- Expert guidance from our awarded Sommeliers and Educators (Winners of the 2025 Sommelier Edit UK “Excellence in Education Award”).
- All beers and tasting equipment
- Study pack: Students will receive the WSET Level 2 Award in Beer course study pack prior to the beginning of the course. The course study pack consists of the official course textbook, a study guide (including example questions and tasting note templates), the course specification document and a laminated tasting card.
- Refreshments throughout the course
- Lunch in exclusive venues with our seasoned Educators and former Sommeliers. This is a unique opportunity to ask questions outside the scope of the specifications.
- Approximately 30 beer samples during the course
- 60-minute multiple choice examination
- WSET Level 2 Award in Beer digital certificate and WSET lapel pin for those who pass the course (collected by or posted to guests once all exams have been assessed by WSET)
Assessment
- Examination:
- 60-minute multiple-choice exam designed to test your understanding of brewing techniques, beer styles and tasting techniques. The exam includes 50 multiple-choice questions, and a minimum of 55% is required to pass.
- Certification:
- Successful candidates will be issued with a secure digital certificate by WSET, which you will be able to print for framing and a lapel pin (a globally recognised mark of beer knowledge).
- Results:
- This qualification is Ofqual regulated and results are issued approximately two working weeks after the exam.
For further details, please refer to the Exam & Results FAQs.
FAQ
Do I Need Any Prior Knowledge?
The entry requirements depend on the WSET level you choose:
WSET Level 1 Award in Beer
No previous beer knowledge or tasting experience is required. This course is designed for complete beginners and anyone looking to take their first structured step into the world of beer.
WSET Level 2 Award in Beer
No prior experience is required, though completing the WSET Level 1 Award in Beer can help you achieve the best results.
With 18 hours of expert-led tuition and 11 hours of recommended home study, you’ll be fully prepared to deepen your understanding of beer styles, brewing techniques and tasting.
Additional Requirements
- All classes are delivered in English, so a good level of spoken and written English is recommended.
- Participants must be at least 18 years old.
- We recommend reviewing the official course specification before attending to understand the syllabus and maximise your learning experience.
Who Are These Courses For?
WSET Level 1 Award in Beer
Perfect for complete beginners, beer enthusiasts and anyone starting a career in hospitality or beverage retail. It introduces the fundamentals of beer production, beer styles, tasting, storage and service, providing an ideal foundation for further study.
WSET Level 2 Award in Beer
Designed for enthusiastic beer lovers and hospitality professionals who want to develop a broader understanding of brewing techniques, beer styles and flavour profiles. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you’ll learn how ingredients, production methods and regional traditions shape beers from around the world.
This internationally recognised qualification is ideal for professionals working in the drinks industry as well as anyone wishing to study beer through a structured programme and build a solid foundation for a career in the beverage sector.