This course is designed for everyone starting out on their beer journey, or those with basic beer knowledge. Perfect for:

• Beer enthusiasts and hobbyists

• Hospitality staff (bars, restaurants, hotels)

• Beer sellers, distributors, and importers

• Brewery marketing managers and tour guides

• People preparing for Cicerone® Level 1–2

• Hop/Malt farmers

• Anyone curious about beer and eager to learn more

Level 1 is offered as video course with ten modules, each focusing on a specific topic and lasting about one hour. The course is designed so you can study at your own pace, and every module includes a quiz to reinforce what you’ve learned.

For companies or larger groups, we can also bring the course to you and deliver it in person at your location. Just reach out to us to arrange it.

Our 10-module curriculum builds a strong foundation across these topics:

• Raw Materials – Learn about beer’s essential ingredients: what they are, where they come from, and how they’re produced.

• Classical Brewing – Follow the brewing process step by step, from milling malt to packaging the finished beer.

• Tasting, Food Pairing & Glassware – Discover how to taste beer properly, recognize basic off-flavors, pair food, and select the right glassware.

• The Beer Worlds – Dive into the three major beer cultures—Germany, the UK, and Belgium—as well as classic international styles. Learn their history, how they’re brewed, their flavor profiles, and how to pair them with food.

• Prevention & Special Beers – Alcohol-free, gluten-free, and organic beers, plus recognizing and addressing alcohol misuse.

• Serving & Maintenance – Best practices for pouring, serving, and caring for beer and taps, especially in hospitality.

• Beer Events & Sales – How to organize tastings, present beer, and introduce it to customers.

At the end of each module, you’ll complete a short test to make sure the key points are clear. Each test can be retaken up to three times if needed, with different questions each time. After finishing all ten modules and tests, the course concludes with an oral assessment, giving you the chance to demonstrate your understanding and confirm that you’re ready for certification and the next level.

By completing Level 1, you will build a solid foundation in beer styles, flavors, and culture. You’ll gain the skills to conduct brewery tours and organize tastings, recommend simple food pairings, and work confidently in a beer bar or other hospitality setting. Most importantly, you’ll be able to share your passion for beer—whether purely for enjoyment or as part of your professional career.

No previous knowledge is required. The course begins at an introductory level and builds progressively. The only prerequisite is a working knowledge of English.

If you already have strong experience with beer—maybe as a brewer, brewmaster, or industry professional—you can choose to take the Level 2 Candidate Exam and skip directly to the next stage. However, we still encourage most people to start with Level 1. It covers many small but important details that even experienced professionals may not have come across, and it helps ensure a strong foundation to build on in the higher levels.

Upon successful completion of all module tests and the oral assessment, participants will receive a digital certificate as International Beer Connoisseur. Along with your certificate, you’ll receive a Connoisseur Pin, shipped directly to you.

The full tuition for Level 1, including video modules and comprehensive written course materials, is €500 (excluding VAT).

If you register before December 31, 2025, you’ll receive an early bird discount, bringing the price down to €399 (excluding VAT).