Beer will be WEST’s fourth qualification area, following wine, spirits and sake and the first new subject stream since 2014, when sake was introduced.

The new beer qualifications were designed by WSET’s Product Development team, led by Sara Hobday, Head of Product Development – Beer Qualifications. The team has been supported by Mirella Amato, Senior Business Development Manager – Beer, WSET Americas – world-renowned beer educator and consultant

WSET Level 1 and 2 Awards in Beer will provide both trade professionals and beer enthusiasts with product knowledge and tasting skills.  The Level 1 qualification is aimed at anyone towards the start of their beer journey and runs over six hours without private study; Level 2 is more in-depth and includes 16 hours of learning with a course provider and further private study.

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“It gives you a really good vocabulary and a good base to build up that confidence and be able to have those conversations,” says Sara, adding, “of course, you know how to taste and walk around with taste buds all day, every day. It’s just a matter of being able to find those words and make beer a bit easier to discuss.”

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Initially launching online and in-person in select markets, including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia, the courses will explore the main types and styles of beer, key methods of production, tasting techniques and food pairings. Using WSET’s trademarked Systematic Approach to Tasting, students will be equipped with a universal language to describe what they’re tasting and a framework for assessing quality.

Michelle Brampton, WSET CEO, says: “Extending our qualifications to encompass beer is an exciting time for WSET and a natural fit for us as leaders in global drinks education. Bringing over 50 years of educational experience to the beer category, our new Level 1 and 2 Awards in Beer will bring a unique and interactive approach to tasting and learning. We hope people will be inspired to pursue their passion for beer, whether for career or personal development, using our courses to build their knowledge.”

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Needless to say this marks the expansion in the business model of WSET, which like any corporate house is always looking for a bigger role in the alcohol beverage industry globally.

WSET was founded in 1969 an was heavily supported by the spirits industry of UK and has become the largest global provider of wine, spirit and sake education including India. Their new beer qualifications running across two levels is expected to find many takers in India where the focus of education has so far been more on wine.

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According to the WSET figures, its non-wine (spirits and sake) candidates have grown at the fastest rate, increasing by 27% in the previous year (2022-23), while the number of wine candidates has grown by 21%. Wine still remains the strongest performing qualification for WSET, with candidates making up 88% of its student base in the last academic year. During that academic year 2022-23, there were 143,000 candidates enrolling for a qualification, with courses offered in 78 countries including India by over 700 course providers.

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To learn more about WSET’s qualifications or to find a local course provider, visit wsetglobal.com.

Subhash Arora