WSET gains Ofqual regulation for beer qualifications

London, UK, 25 February 2026 – WSET, the global leader in drinks education, is delighted to announce that its Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Beer are now regulated by Ofqual. 

Ofqual regulation strengthens recognition of WSET beer qualifications in key markets and underlines WSET’s commitment to delivering globally trusted and relevant drinks education across all major drinks categories.

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 over 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.

Alessandro D’Amico, Senior Brand Manager, Heineken UK, said: “We chose WSET’s beer qualification because it offered our team a globally recognised standard of training that goes beyond brand knowledge. 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.”

Paul Rudge, Beer and Cider Champion, Molson Coors, said: “WSET allows us to really focus on the properties of the beer. And it does so in a standardised, objective way with the Systematic Approach to Tasting."

Doreen Colondres, Founder of Vitis House, US, said: “At Vitis House, we’re proud to be one of the first to offer WSET beer education. It’s been an incredible way to elevate appreciation for beer here in North Carolina, United States, a region known for its thriving craft beer scene. Our courses help students connect with beer through a structured, global perspective, giving them the confidence and tools to taste, recommend and pair beer in both personal and professional settings.”

Mirella Amato, Master Cicerone and WSET 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.”

The Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Beer provide a structured framework for understanding beer styles, production, tasting and service, using WSET’s globally recognised Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT). The qualifications are open to both industry professionals and enthusiasts seeking to build confidence and deepen their knowledge.

– ENDS – 

Notes to Editors  

Beer is WSET’s fourth qualification category following wine, spirits and sake. The courses were created by WSET’s Sara Hobday (Head of Research and Curriculum – Beer), and Mirella Amato (Master Cicerone and WSET Senior Business Development Manager for Beer), in collaboration with the wider WSET Product team and industry experts from around the world. 

About Mirella Amato

Mirella Amato is a Master Cicerone, a title held by around 30 people worldwide, and a Grand Master Judge with the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). She was the first person globally to hold both credentials. An award-winning author and international speaker, she has more than 20 years’ experience in beer education and sensory training and now leads WSET’s global beer development strategy.

Read more about WSET’s custom courses for business online.

About WSET

WSET is the global leader in drinks education, setting the international standard for qualifications in wine, spirits, sake and beer. Since 1969, WSET has awarded qualifications to over 1.5 million candidates worldwide. Our four progressive levels of study – from beginner to expert-level diploma – are open to both industry professionals and enthusiasts. In 2024/25, over 120,000 candidates studied for a WSET qualification, with courses available in more than 70 countries and 15 languages. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn

Contact 

For any media enquiries, including interview requests, please contact: Alice James, Communications Manager at WSET: +44(0)7795 697 404 or ajames@wsetglobal.com.

Third-party news items are published as received for informational purposes. Publication does not imply endorsement by the Guild. Please use the contact details within the post for any enquiries.