Level 2 is the next step for everyone who has successfully completed Level 1.

It may also be the right entry point for experienced professionals who qualify to skip Level 1 by passing the Candidate Exam. This can include:

• Hobby brewers with advanced experience

• Brewing professionals, brewers, and brewmasters

• Industry specialists and consultants

• Beer journalists

• People preparing for Cicerone® Level 3–4

• Brewery educators and students of brewing

• Beer judges (including BJCP)

• Anyone with significant prior experience

Level 2 is a live-online course. We meet online once a week for 2-2.5 hours across twelve weeks. Each session covers a dedicated topic, led by our core instructors and joined by international guest speakers who are experts in their fields.

For companies or larger groups, the course can also be held in person at your location—just get in touch with us to arrange it.

Over 12 weeks, you’ll explore advanced knowledge and skills through topics such as:

• Beer history and beer in ancient cultures

• Advanced raw materials: smoked malt, special yeasts, hop oils and extracts, brewing water, and spices in certain beer styles

• A deeper dive into the beer worlds of Germany, the UK, Belgium, the US, and beyond

• Advanced beer styles, including Lambic, Geuze, Rauchbier, alcohol-free beers, and more

• Advanced beer glassware

• Barrel aging and wood maturation

• Advanced presentation skills and beer events

• Faults and off-flavors: in-depth training, recognition, and evaluation

• Training to become a beer judge, including competition frameworks and judging standards

• Describing beers with clarity, depth, and precision

• Advanced food pairing and beer cocktails

• Sustainability in brewing and hospitality

Each module concludes with 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.

At the end of the course, you will complete three major exams:

1. Sensory Exam – Identify a range of off-flavors in beer.

2. Oral Exam – Deliver a detailed, professional presentation on a selected beer.

3. Written Exam – Covering all key topics taught throughout the program.

By the end of Level 2, you will:

• Have a strong understanding of beer styles from around the world

• Spot and evaluate off-flavors with speed and accuracy

• Be ready to serve as a beer judge in competitions using international standards

• Present and describe beers with confidence and clarity

• Be able to organize and lead tastings, events, and educational sessions

• Advise breweries, bars, and restaurants on beer lists, pairings, and customer experience

• Inspire others as an ambassador for beer culture

• Build a network with passionate and professional people who share the same enthusiasm for beer

To join Level 2, you must either have completed Level 1 of our program or passed the “Candidate for Level 2” exam. A working knowledge of English is required.

Participants receive extensive resources to support their learning. This includes access to recorded classes (available for at least six months), comprehensive written materials for both Level 2 and preparatory content for Level 3, as well as practical tools such as beer glasses, off-flavor training and exam kits, tasting cards, coasters, and more.

A single glass holds the work of countless hands — so does true education. That’s why we bring together a whole team of experts!

Upon completing all module tests and final exams, you will receive a printed certificate as International Beer Sommelier, along with an official Sommelier Pin shipped to you.

Already a certified Beer Sommelier or hold an equivalent qualification? Send us proof, and you may be able to move directly to Level 3. However, we strongly encourage most participants to complete Level 2 first. This level covers many smaller but essential details that form the fundamental structure for Level 3. If your previous education was not as comprehensive, you may find the advanced content of Level 3 particularly challenging.

The full tuition for Level 2, including all materials and examinations, is €2,500 (excluding VAT).

The first 30 registrations received before December 31, 2025, qualify for a reduced tuition of €2,199 (excluding VAT).

Level 2 graduates also benefit from a special discount when registering for Level 3.