A Journey Towards Becoming a Beer Judge: How to Become Certified with the Beer Judge Certification Program
Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world, loved by millions for its refreshing taste and variety of flavors. But some people take their passion for beer to the next level and become certified beer judges. If you’re interested in pursuing this path, the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) is the go-to organization for certification. In this article, we’ll take you through the journey of becoming a BJCP-certified beer judge.
What is the Beer Judge Certification Program?
The BJCP is a non-profit organization that trains and certifies beer judges. It was founded in 1985, with the mission of promoting beer education and appreciation through the development of standardized judging and evaluation procedures. The BJCP has over 15,000 members worldwide, and its certification program is recognized as the premier certification program for beer judges.
Why Become a Beer Judge?
Becoming a beer judge has several benefits, including:
– Increased knowledge and appreciation of beer
– Opportunities to judge beer competitions and events
– Networking with fellow beer enthusiasts
– The ability to give back to the beer community by providing feedback to brewers
The Journey Towards Certification
The BJCP certification program is a multi-step process that involves study, tasting, and evaluation. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to become certified:
Step 1: Study
Before you begin the certification process, you’ll need to study the BJCP’s Beer Judge Certification Program Study Guide. This comprehensive guide covers topics like beer styles, ingredients, brewing techniques, and sensory evaluation. You’ll also need to study for an online entrance exam, which covers the information in the study guide.
Step 2: Tasting
After passing the entrance exam, you’ll need to start tasting beers. The BJCP requires that you taste and evaluate a minimum of 10 beers for each of the 100+ beer styles listed in their guidelines. This means you’ll be tasting over 1,000 beers in total! You’ll also need to record your evaluations and submit them to the BJCP for review.
Step 3: Evaluation
Once you’ve completed your tastings, you’ll need to take a written exam that covers beer styles, brewing techniques, and sensory evaluation. The exam is designed to test your knowledge and ability to evaluate beers using the BJCP’s guidelines.
Step 4: Certification
If you pass the written exam, you’ll be awarded a BJCP rank. The ranks range from Apprentice to Grand Master, and are based on your exam score and your overall performance in the tastings and evaluations. As you progress through the ranks, you’ll have the opportunity to judge at more prestigious competitions and events.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of becoming a BJCP-certified beer judge?
A: Becoming a beer judge can increase your knowledge and appreciation of beer, provide opportunities to judge at competitions and events, and allow you to network with fellow beer enthusiasts.
Q: How long does it take to become certified?
A: The certification process can take several months to several years to complete, depending on how much time you commit to the study and tasting requirements.
Q: What is the online entrance exam like?
A: The exam covers the information in the BJCP’s Study Guide. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, and you have 60 minutes to complete it.
Q: Can I retake the written exam if I don’t pass?
A: Yes, you can retake the exam as many times as you need to pass. However, there is a waiting period between attempts.
In Conclusion
Becoming a BJCP-certified beer judge is a challenging but rewarding journey for anyone who loves beer. With dedication and commitment, you can join the ranks of some of the most knowledgeable and respected beer judges in the world. So what are you waiting for? Start studying, tasting, and evaluating today!