Level 2 Award in Beer

Curious how ingredients and techniques shape everything from crisp lagers to complex sours? The WSET Level 2 Award in Beer takes you deeper into production, style and quality, building clear, structured beer knowledge for confident learning. 

If you are eager to increase your knowledge and appreciation of beer, WSET has launched an intermediate level qualification. This immersive and interactive course will help you understand how key ingredients and production processes influence the flavour profile and quality of beer. 

You can join us at our central London location for training in-person, or for online classes – whatever suits you. 

Upon completion you’ll gain a recognised qualification and the skills to select, taste and describe beers with confidence. 

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The WSET Level 2 Award in Beer focuses on how key ingredients and production processes influence the style and quality of beer. It will also teach you how to taste, describe and evaluate the quality of beer. 

If you’re a beer or hospitality professional, you’ll be able to offer valuable guidance on selection and service to your colleagues and customers as a beer expert. If you’re a beer enthusiast, you’ll know exactly what to look for when choosing beers for any occasion. 

What's covered?

The main ingredients used in beer production, how they are processed and their influence on the style of beer produced 

  • Malt and adjuncts, water, hops and other flavourings, yeast and bacteria 

 

How beer production influences the style and quality of beer 

  • Alcoholic fermentation process, brewing process, brewing equipment, beer production options, spontaneous and mixed culture fermentation options 

 

The key principles and processes involved in the storage and service of beer 

  • Ideal conditions for storage, packaging and shelf life, service temperatures, glassware, beer on tap, bottled beer, common faults, beer and food 

 

How over 60 beer styles are produced and labelled and their typical characteristics 

  • Malt-driven lagers, malt-driven ales, hop-driven lagers, hop-driven ales, yeast-driven ales, mixed fermentation styles, other speciality beers 

COURSE DELIVERY

Available in-person, the Level 2 Award in Beer requires: 

  • 16 hours or guided learning with a WSET course provider 
  • 11 hours of private study 
  • A one-hour exam 

We offer the course in a variety of formats, for example over consecutive days, weeks or evenings. It can also be studied through WSET’s Online Classroom, an interactive e-learning platform where you complete activities at your own pace over five weeks, under the guidance of an expert educator. 

 

Available to study in these languages: 

  • English

“This course was a real highlight of my year and some of the best three days well-spent in my beer career. I found the Systematic Approach to Tasting a very useful and relevant way of tasting beer. I now have fresh perspective in describing beer aromas and flavours and can talk about all areas of beer and brewing at a higher level than before.”

Natasha, Level 2 Award in Beer

COURSE INFORMATION

Entry requirements 

This qualification is suitable for beginners as well as those with some foundational beer knowledge. If you are completely new to the subject we recommend starting with the Level 1 Award in Beer, though this is not a requirement. 

You must be of legal drinking age in the UK to participate in any alcohol tasting. However, this is not a barrier to successfully completing the qualification. 

 

Assessment 

Your learning will be assessed by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 60 minutes. Exams will be available both online and in-person. 

This qualification is graded: 

  • Pass: 55% - 69% 
  • Pass with Merit: 70% - 84% 
  • Pass with Distinction: 85% or more 

You'll receive your results approximately four weeks after the exam. On successful completion of the examination, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated certified logo. 

WSET is committed to making our exams fair and accessible, and ensuring that no candidate is placed at a disadvantage. If you have any special requirements or need to request reasonable adjustments, please do discuss this with us. 

 

Course specification 

For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification below. 

 

When can you enrol? 

To register your interest in booking a WSET beer course, please complete the below form. 

 

STUDY OPTIONS

Day release course - £250

Location: WSET School London

Duration: 09:00am-5:00pm on one day (includes exam)

Private study: Not required. There are recapping and revision exercises throughout the day

 

What's included?

  • Workbook
  • Beer samples
  • 6 hours of tuition
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

Evening course - £250

Location: WSET School London

Duration: 6:30-8:30pm once a week for three weeks (includes exam)

Private study: 11 hours. This format gives you the most time to pre-read and recap topics between classes

 

What's included:

  • Workbook
  • Beer samples
  • 6 tasting glasses
  • 16 hours of tuition, with access to additional resources on WSET's Online Classroom
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

 

Designed for those who are unable to study in the daytime. A popular choice for beer enthusiasts and trade professionals with demanding daytime jobs.

Saturday course - £250

Location: WSET School London

Duration: 10:30am-2:00pm over two consecutive Saturdays (includes exam)

Private study: Not required, but this format gives you the flexibility to pre-read or recap topics between classes

 

What's included:

  • Workbook
  • Beer samples
  • 6 hours of tuition
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

 

A popular option for those want to explore the local area or those who are unable to study on weekdays.

Enhanced online course - £210

Location: Online via WSET's Online Classroom, with an online exam*

Duration: 4 weeks self-guided study to be completed around your schedule

Private study: At least three hours a week

 

What's included:

  • Workbook
  • Beer samples
  • 6 hours of tuition
  • Exam
  • Exclusive offers via our Student Deals Card

 

Enhance features:

  • Revision videos
  • Flash cards
  • Exam tips

 

Technology requirements:

We recommend that you use a laptop or desktop device and have a reliable internet connection. To sit your exam online you will also need one additional smart device such as a smartphone or tablet

 

Suited for those who need a flexible study option, international students or those far aware from our classroom centres.

 

*More information on how online examinations work will be shared with you once you enrol. If you are a student in Mainland China or the UAE, it's not possible for you to take the exam online due to technological restrictions.

Book a Level 2 Award in Beer course

MORE FROM WSET

Level 1 Award

Beer

Friday 30 October 2026 • Day Release • WSET School London, 39-45 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF
Course details

Level 1 Award

Wine

Thursday 3 September 2026 • Evenings • WSET School London, 39-45 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF
Course details

Level 2 Award

Sake

Monday 14 September 2026 • Consecutive • WSET School London, 39-45 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF
Course details