EBCU has established a formal endorsement scheme for professional and expert-level beer education programmes across Europe. The scheme was approved by delegates at the 73rd Delegates Meeting in Rome on 10–11 April 2026 and is now open for applications.
What the scheme covers
The EBCU Endorsed Beer Education scheme recognises programmes that train beer professionals and experts: Beer Sommelier certifications, beer judge certification programmes, advanced sensory training, and expert-level courses on beer styles and culture. The scheme does not aim to harmonise programmes or create a single European standard. Instead, it identifies programmes that meet a shared threshold of quality and independence, wherever in Europe they originate.
The scheme is open to any organisation — not only EBCU member organisations. Endorsed programmes will be listed on the EBCU website.
The criteria
Programmes are assessed against three core criteria. First, independence: the programme must not be funded by or designed to promote a specific brewery, brand, or commercial interest. Second, educational quality: it must have a qualified teaching body, a rigorous assessment process, and a documented curriculum. Third, consumer awareness: it must include content on responsible consumption and the handling and presentation of beer.
No fee is charged for endorsement.
Background
The proposal was first put forward by Simone Monetti of Unionbirrai, who suggested that EBCU formalise its support for beer education in the same way it already endorses beer competitions. The endorsement scheme for competitions has operated since 2011 and currently covers fourteen competitions across Europe and beyond. The education scheme follows the same principles: independent review, clear published criteria, and a listing on the EBCU website.
The Beer Styles and Beer Competitions working group has been given an expanded remit to cover beer education endorsement and has been mandated to develop a detailed audit template for the review process.
How to apply
Organisations wishing to apply for endorsement should submit a programme description, curriculum, details of the teaching body, and details of the assessment process to executives@ebcu.org.
Full details of the scheme, including the endorsement criteria and application guidance, are available on the EBCU Beer Education page.
