The Guild of Beer Sommeliers is a membership organisation which aims to promote and support the most elite beer experts in the sector. The Guild champions continuous professional development amongst its members through a framework of resources and events.

It also serves to educate the wider public about beer, and supplies the end-point assessment for Beer Sommelier applicants.

Beer Sommeliers all have one thing in common: a passion for learning about beer and communicating this knowledge to others. 

Acquiring this knowledge requires formal training and a dedication to self-study.  

Applicants are required to complete and pass four mandatory training courses (or their equivalent) prior to a final assessment day. In addition, it is strongly recommended that all Beer Sommelier applicants supplement the mandatory qualifications with self-study.  

The Guild has compiled a list of additional learning resources aligned to each topic covered in the assessment. An ‘assessment-ready’ on-line multi choice test is also available. 

Applicants are required to compile a personal Portfolio of Evidence demonstrating examples of extra-curricular beer related work, such as published articles, presentations, and activations. 

The Beer Sommelier final assessment is a one-to-one viva voce examination of the applicant’s beer knowledge, experience and communication skills. The assessment typically lasts up to 90 minutes and is conducted by Alex Barlow, Master Brewer and Chief Examiner. 

Applicants will find out immediately whether they have passed.  

 A full applicant checklist can be downloaded here.