Beer Judge Certification Program

The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) is a non-profit organization that certifies and ranks beer judges. The BJCP was founded in 1985 and has since become a widely recognized authority in the field of beer judging and homebrewing competitions.

History

The BJCP was established in 1985 by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) and the Home Wine and Beer Trade Association (HWBTA). The program was created to provide a standardized method for evaluating and judging beer in competitions. Over the years, the BJCP has grown significantly, with thousands of certified judges worldwide.

Certification Process

The BJCP certification process involves several steps:

• Entrance Exam: Prospective judges must pass an online entrance exam that tests their knowledge of beer styles, brewing processes, and judging procedures.
• Judging Exam: After passing the entrance exam, candidates must take a judging exam, which includes both written and tasting components. The written portion tests knowledge of beer styles and brewing techniques, while the tasting portion evaluates the candidate's ability to accurately judge and score beers.
• Rank Advancement: Judges can advance through various ranks based on their experience and performance in judging exams. The ranks include Apprentice, Recognized, Certified, National, Master, Grand Master, and Honorary Grand Master.

Beer Styles

The BJCP categorizes beers into various styles, each with specific guidelines for aroma, appearance, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression. These guidelines are used by judges to evaluate beers in competitions. The BJCP Style Guidelines are periodically updated to reflect changes in brewing trends and new beer styles.

Competitions

The BJCP sanctions and supports numerous beer competitions worldwide. These competitions provide a platform for homebrewers and professional brewers to showcase their beers and receive feedback from certified judges. Some of the most notable competitions include the National Homebrew Competition and the Great American Beer Festival.

Education and Training

The BJCP offers various resources for education and training, including study guides, style guidelines, and judging procedures. The organization also conducts training sessions and workshops to help judges improve their skills and knowledge.

Related Pages

• Beer
• Homebrewing
• American Homebrewers Association
• Great American Beer Festival
• National Homebrew Competition