How to become a beer judge

If you’re passionate about beer and eager to take your knowledge to the next level, becoming a certified beer judge might just be your perfect next step. Whether you’re into brewing, tasting, or simply love learning about different styles and flavours, judging is a fantastic way to deepen your understanding and contribute to the brewing community.

Here’s how to get started on the path to becoming a beer judge through the Beer Judge Certification Programme (BJCP).

Step 1: Hit the Books (and the Bottles)

Your journey begins with study. To prepare for the exams, you’ll want to familiarise yourself with BJCP styles and judging criteria. Luckily, the BJCP Education Directorate offers a variety of training materials and study programmes designed to support prospective judges. It’s also worth brushing up on cider, as the first step in the process can apply to beer, mead, and cider judges alike.

Step 2: Take the Online Entrance Exam

Next, you’ll need to pass the BJCP online beer entrance exam. This is a timed exam—60 minutes long with 180 questions—that tests your knowledge through multiple choice, true/false, and multiple answer formats. It’s available via Coursewebs and can be taken once per day. But don’t rush into it—take the time to study thoroughly before attempting a retake if needed.

It’s important to note: once you pass the online exam, you have one year to sit the practical tasting exam. So, it’s highly recommended to secure a spot in a judging exam before completing the online test. Otherwise, you risk your certificate expiring if you can’t find an available exam slot in time.

Step 3: Sit (and Pass) the Practical Judging Exam

This is where the real fun begins. The BJCP beer judging exam is a practical, hands-on assessment where you’ll judge six beers in a competition-style setting. Your performance is evaluated based on your ability to assess aroma, flavour, mouthfeel, and overall impression. Passing this exam earns you membership in the BJCP and your initial judge certification—either Recognised or Certified—depending on your score and judging experience.

Tips for Booking Your Exam

• Check the BJCP Exam Calendar: Find a beer exam near you and contact the exam administrator to check for available seats.
• Secure Your Spot: If there’s space, reserve your seat and pay any required fees to the exam administrator.
• Timing Is Key: Remember, your online exam must have been passed within the 12 months prior to your tasting exam. Some administrators may ask for proof of your online exam certificate before confirming your spot, so be prepared.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a beer judge is both challenging and rewarding. It’s a brilliant way to support your local brewing scene, refine your palate, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. So if you’ve got the passion and the palate, why not take the leap and start your journey today?

Cheers to better beer and even better judging!