Diploma in Brewing | Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers

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Diploma in Brewing

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The CIBD Diploma in Brewing provides a comprehensive, practical understanding of brewing science and technology and a globally recognised certification. This qualification is most applicable to a technical brewer or brewing manager in a larger brewery or a head brewer of a smaller, independent brewery.

You will be taught brewing science in depth, covering all aspects of the brewing process and associated functions. The qualification is split into three modules, each building on the knowledge gained in the General Certificate in Brewing.

You can complete the modules in any order, but you must pass each module’s exam to attain the Diploma in Brewing qualification. Once you have attained the Diploma in Brewing you can use the post nominal Dipl. Brew.

Exam Dates

Module 1 2 June 2026

Module 2 9 June 2026

Module 3 11 June 2026

Registration Opening: 16 June 2025

Registration Closing: 12 March 2026

Prices

Per Module £600

Includes all learning material (online and self-directed) and the exam.

Tutor Guided Learning £1,500

Our recommended support package.

Membership From £30

From 29th October 2025, CIBD membership will be required for all candidates booking a Diploma qualification.

Study Requirement 120 Hours minimum per module

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Pre-requisites

You need to be a CIBD member to sit for the CIBD Diploma qualification. You can choose between the new £30 online membership, a full student membership with BDI magazine delivery for £50 or full membership for £150 (£155 from 2026).

From 29th October 2025, to study for the CIBD Diploma, you must be a member of CIBD, the professional body that sets the technical education standards for the brewing, distilling and allied profession.  CIBD membership provides access to many benefits that are important as you prepare and sit for your exam, particularly at Diploma level, including range of free or low cost CPD information from conference presentations and section events, networking opportunities, latest news and analysis in the BDI magazine and more. In addition, our online student membership provides a low cost way to become a member during qualification studying. CIBD members are required to abide by the Institute’s Code of Professional Conduct and undertake continuing professional development to ensure the highest levels of professional standards. For more information about Diploma and membership, see the frequently asked questions.

No prior educational qualifications are required for applicants to sit the Diploma Examinations. However, the CIBD Board of Examiners recommends that candidates should have successfully completed the relevant CIBD General Certificate Examination and/or have studied Chemistry, Biology, and mathematics ideally to a minimum of A-level or equivalent* in advance of registering for the Diploma.

*Equivalents include (but are not limited to) International Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate, USA AP’s, Australian ATAR

Module 1

You will gain an in-depth technical and scientific understanding of brewing raw materials. You will learn how they are produced, how best to use them and how to specify their key parameters to suppliers. You will then put this knowledge to use and discover how the technology and processes of wort production enable us to get the best out of these raw materials.

Module 1 Syllabus

Module 2

You will learn about yeast biochemistry and the importance of managing yeast effectively to produce consistently excellent beer in fermentation. You will then discover the science and technology of maturation and beer finishing before learning about key beer properties like foam and haze. Finally, you will gain a detailed knowledge of how breweries manage quality and conduct robust sensory analysis.

Module 2 Syllabus

Module 3

This is the widest-ranging module in the diploma, taking you from health and safety through to hygienic process design. In this module you will gain a detailed insight into the engineering aspects of brewing like heat transfer and fluid mechanics. As well as providing a wealth of knowledge, it will equip you with new skills that will help you to address brewery engineering challenges.

Module 3 Syllabus

Your study of the Diploma in Brewing is facilitated by online, self-directed learning material which explains all topics in the syllabus comprehensively. The learning material features clear and engaging text, numerous technical illustrations, and videos to help you reinforce your understanding of the subject.

You can answer detailed technical questions throughout the course. These self-assessment questions help you test your understanding and identify areas where further study is required. You can also check your understanding of the learning materials by answering advanced multiple-choice questions at the end of every unit. 

From 29th October 2025, to study for the CIBD Diploma, you must be a member of CIBD, the professional body that sets the technical education standards for the brewing, distilling and allied profession.  

CIBD Student membership, available as an online (£30) or standard (£50) version, is an entry point to membership for those studying with the CIBD or gaining relevant education. Membership benefits include access to BDI, extended access to Diploma and General Certificate learning material for candidates, discount on short courses and reduced or free entry to CIBD events. See the FAQs about diploma and membership here.

You can get this membership if you are:

  • studying brewing, distilling, fermentation or associated subjects full-time at an academic institution (verification required).

or

  • booked to sit a CIBD qualification.

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The CIBD has reinforced its bursaries and scholarships with the aim to support those candidates from less advantaged backgrounds willing to progress in their careers by taking our qualifications. 

Applications are open from 1st August to 30th of September for examination in the following year.

Find out more about them and discover if you are eligible for any of them.

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The scope of CIBD examinations is always the syllabus and is not limited to the learning materials.  For a breakdown of what candidates will be examined, please download the syllabus.

In advance of your examination, a series of instructions and support mechanisms will be sent to you by email which will include the requirement to download an application for the CIBD examination platform supplier.

Once you have followed these instructions you will be able to take your test on the computer you downloaded the Application onto. You take your test by logging into your account and connecting with your remote invigilator who will go through a series of checks with you before starting your exam.

Support

Tutor Guided Learning

  • Participate in live online tutorials delivered by CIBD tutors, in groups of less than 20.
  • CIBD tutors are handpicked experts in their field, are certified in online learning delivery and located around the globe.
  • Participate in the dedicated TGL forums, where you can ask your tutor questions and discuss topics with other learners.
  • Expand your network by interacting with other learners.
  • Answer weekly questions to assess your understanding of the topics covered in the live sessions and receive structured feedback from the tutor team.
  • Access recordings of all tutoring sessions to consolidate your knowledge.
  • Learn in the comfort of your own home and at a time convenient to you.
  • Complete practice exam-style questions and get detailed feedback on your answer.
  • Participate in exam preparation sessions and receive tips for tackling questions that you might face.

Tutor Guided Learning for Brewing

Qualifications

What's Next

For those who have achieved the Diploma in Brewing, the journey to Master Brewer is the next stage in your professional certification programme. The CIBD’s Master Brewer qualification is the industry's highest level of recognition for brewing professionals.

Tutor Guided Learning

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What people are saying

"Choosing the CIBD was a natural step to structure and expand my knowledge while gaining a comprehensive understanding of the brewing process. The diploma helped me better understand each step of beer production, from raw materials to the final product.

Earning the first module of the Diploma also played a crucial role in demonstrating my commitment to my employer, which helped me advance to a managerial position, overseeing the brewing and utilities team. I greatly appreciated the program’s holistic approach, which enabled me to master the technical, biological, and economic aspects of brewing."

Sébastien Joly, Team Leader, Fabrication & Utilites, HEINEKEN France

Student Membership

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