Drinks educator WSET has announce that its Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Beer are now regulated by Ofqual.
The announcement comes two years after WSET introduced beer as its fourth qualification category, following wine, spirits, and sake.
The beer programme has since expanded to more than 50 course providers worldwide, with courses taken by both industry professionals and enthusiasts. The UK and US are currently the leading markets for WSET’s beer qualifications, followed by Hong Kong, Canada, and India.
Much of this growth is being driven by drinks businesses incorporating WSET beer qualifications into structured professional development programmes for commercial, marketing, and hospitality teams. Recent participants include Asahi UK, Heineken UK, Molson Coors, the Guinness Storehouse, and Open Gate Brewery, and alcohol-free beer brand Lucky Saint.
“We chose WSET’s beer qualification because it offered our team a globally recognised standard of training that goes beyond brand knowledge,” said Alessandro D’Amico, senior brand manager at Heineken UK.
“It’s helped build real confidence in talking about beer, improved our team’s tasting skills, and created a stronger culture of beer appreciation within the business.
“The training has had a noticeable impact already — our teams are engaging more deeply with customers, and showcasing beer in a more premium, informed way.”
Mirella Amato, master cicerone and WSET’s senior business development manager for beer, said: “I’m delighted to see so many schools joining us in bringing WSET beer qualifications to students all around the world.
“These courses are designed to empower those who enjoy and work with beer, and I believe the confidence and enthusiasm that beer education fosters are key to the growth of our industry.”
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