Diploma & Master - Support FAQ
What is the format of the Diploma and Masters Examinations?
The Diploma and Masters are all examinations that are assessed in an online proctored session on the CIBD Examination Platform, TestReach.
Candidates can log in up to 15 minutes before their examination start time. This window is used to allow candidates to check their set-up, complete a system check, check ID and confirm with a proctor that they are ready to begin their examination.
Candidates are then recommended to use the first 15 minutes at the start of the examination window as reading time to plan how they are going to attempt the questions.
June Examination Session
Examination
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Exam Paper format
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Duration of Examination
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Diploma
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Section A = 30 x short answer questions
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Section B = Any FOUR (4) from SIX (6) to be answered, totalling 80 marks (20 marks each)
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195 mins
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Masters
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Paper 1:
Short answer questions, totalling 100 marks
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Paper 2:
Long answer questions – Any FOUR (4) from SIX (6) to be answered, totalling 100 marks (25 marks each)
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Paper 1 and Paper 2 are both 135 minutes each.
There is a one hour gap between the two papers
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What are the Master Level Examination pre-requisites?
Candidates for the Master level Examination must meet all of the following criteria:
- Hold a pass in an CIBD Diploma Qualification OR hold one of the recognised qualifications on this list.
- Must be sponsored by their employing organisation, with a senior person nominated as the candidate’s sponsor. The role of the sponsor is to support the candidate with resources and opportunities to carry out the full qualification programme, including the project – Module 5.
- Be a member of the CIBD at the time of their application.
What are the consequences of not meeting the Master Level Examination pre -requisites?
Candidates who do not meet the criteria not be permitted to continue with their application to study the Masters qualification. Candidates will be notified of this in writing and advised to reapply once they have successfully met the application criteria. Any fees paid will be refunded to the original payment method.
How do I download the TestReach app?
Candidates can download the TestReach app here. Candidates will also receive this information from the Examination Board 4-6 weeks before the exam with additional information on how to confirm your attendance by scheduling your exam time slot.
How do I take the TestReach tutorial?
It’s very straightforward for candidates to access.
Log into your TestReach account once you have scheduled their exam time and the tutorial is listed as a tab at the top of the page, see screenshot below:
There is a detailed tutorial available for all candidates to use to give you the opportunity to try out the system. The tutorial includes all the functionality that you may require to complete the Diploma and Master exams, including the opportunity to try out the following functions:
- Using bullets or numbering for any answers requiring a list
- Creation of a table for any answers requiring a table as part of the answer
- Math / Greek letters and symbols for any answers requiring equations or special characters
- There is a notepad function enabled at the top of the page
- There is a calculator enabled at the top of the page
The tutorial is an hour in length so you can use the full hour or exit it after you feel you have spent enough time in it. [Note that all candidates may take it as many times as they wish in the days before their exam].
The CIBD Examination Board recommends that candidates use this detailed tool to give themselves plenty of opportunities to practise their skills before taking the exam.
What are the dates of the next Diploma and Masters Examinations?
The Diploma and Masters Examinations are scheduled to take place as follows:
Examination
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Final Dates
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Diploma Brewing Module 1
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3rd June
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Diploma Brewing Module 2
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10th June
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Diploma Brewing Module 3
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12th June
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Diploma Distilling Module 1
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4th June
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Diploma Distilling Module 2
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11th June
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Diploma Distilling Module 3
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12th June
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Diploma Packaging Module 1
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5th June
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Diploma Packaging Module 2
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11th June
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Diploma Packaging Module 3
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12th June
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Master Brewer Module 1
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17th June
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Master Brewer Module 2
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18th June
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Master Brewer Module 3
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19th June
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Master Brewer Module 4
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20th June
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Master Distiller Module 1
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17th June
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Master Distiller Module 2
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18th June
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Master Distiller Module 3
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19th June
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Master Distiller Module 4
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20th June
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Candidates’ exam time range will be predetermined by their registered location.
Is there a paper option for the Diploma and/or Masters Examinations?
No, all of our Diploma and Masters level examinations are online.
Where can I take my examination?
The examination is an online proctored session, therefore the examination can be taken in a location convenient to you. It is important that candidates think about their environment when deciding where to take the examination. All candidates must ensure they take their examination under exam conditions so candidates must ensure they choose their environment wisely.
Please note that all candidates must read and adhere to the information noted CIBD Examination Regulations document as all candidates must comply with the rules stated within the document, regardless of examination location.
What equipment do I need for taking an online exam?
Minimum computer requirements to download the TestReach Candidate App are:
- Laptop / computer with 4GB of available memory. The app will not work on phones, Chrome books, Elite books or iPads/tablets. We cannot guarantee service on touchscreen devices as some devices might be incompatible with the app. We recommend that candidates source a non-touchscreen device for their exams.
- A Windows v7.0+ or Mac10.10+ operating system, and MacOS BigSur users need to upgrade to 11.3+.
- Intel Core i3 (or equivalent).
- A working webcam that can be used to scan the room, microphone and speakers.
- Minimum candidate internet speed of 2 Mbps.
- Recommended screen size of at least 13" and a resolution of 1024 x 768.
When booking/scheduling my exam what format are the time and date?
The TestReach platform shows the time in 24 hour clock format.
The TestReach platform shows the date in DD/MM/YYYY format.
Once you have scheduled your exact slot you will be sent a confirmation email from TestReach. This will confirm the exact slot you have chosen and will also state the time zone that you have set (please note this will automatically be set to the location you are in or that your device is synced to, and will need to be amended before choosing your time slot if you wish to do so), see image below as an example:
What happens if I am late to my examination?
Should you be more than 15 minutes late for your examination your exam time will lapse, and you will forfeit the exam. In the event that you are experiencing technical issues that the TestReach support team are aware of, they will continue to assist you as much as possible and allow time for this.
What if I have issues accessing the internet?
Immediately prior to the examination:
If candidates are unable to access the internet or are aware of issues with their connection immediately prior to the examination they must apply for a mitigating circumstances claim directly to the CIBD (Exam Policies (cibd.org.uk))
On the day of the examination:
If candidates experience issues with access to the internet during the examination they should work with the proctor and/or TestReach support in the first instance, to see if the issues can be resolved. If it is not possible to resolve the issues candidates must submit a mitigating circumstance claim directly to the CIBD in accordance with our Exam Policies
How do I reschedule my exam?
Please read our Deferral Policy for full information on changing your exam date and contact examinationboard@cibd.org.uk to put in your request.
What happens if I am unable to complete my exam due to technical reasons?
Full guidance for what to do if you experience any problems during your exam is contained in the joining instructions that will be emailed to you before the exam date.
In most cases, you will be able to continue with your exam once you have regained your connection and you may be able to communicate with your proctor via the chat box.
However, if the loss of connectivity is longer than the scheduled exam time or you are unable to complete the exam then please follow the guidance noted in the CIBD Mitigation policy (Exam Policies (cibd.org.uk)). If there are any issues candidates must submit a mitigation claim and CIBD will look into all claims on a case by case basis.
Can I reschedule the time of my exam?
No.
The only exception to this is if you are going to be in a different country or time zone from the one you originally registered with. For example if you have had to travel for work and need to change your time zone you must contact CIBD immediately so that we can change the time zone. You must provide evidence of this if requested by the CIBD.
Please note that it is not possible to change the date of your exam.
Do I need to follow any examination rules?
Yes, there are strict rules that must be followed. These are detailed in the CIBD Examination Regulations (Exam Policies (cibd.org.uk))
Can I use my own notepad/paper to make notes in the proctored exam?
Yes. Only 2 pieces of plain A4 paper are permitted in your exam. You will be required to show this to your online proctor at the start of your exam.
Do I need a calculator in the Diploma or Masters Examinations?
Yes. It may be necessary to carry out calculations in the Diploma or Masters exams.
You will have access to an online calculator in the TestReach proctoring system, alternatively you are permitted to have a non-programmable scientific calculator, which will be the only calculator type permitted in your exam. You will be required to show this to your online proctor at the start of your exam.
What do I need to do/expect on examination day?
On the day of your examination, you must:
- Bring Identification – On the day of the examination you will be required to show a government issued photo ID to the proctor via webcam. Acceptable forms of identification include: Driving License, Passport or Government issued photo identification card.
Your identification must be in date. Expired ID will not be accepted.
No other forms of ID will be accepted.
- Username and password – You must ensure you have your username and password ready to log in at your start time. If you cannot remember these you must contact the IBD BEFORE the day of your examination so these can be re-sent to you.
- Login to Portal – Login into the CIBD Examination Portal, TestReach and connect with the online proctor.
Is my examination recorded?
Yes. All the online proctored exams are recorded for marking and moderation quality purposes.
Can I take a Comfort Break during the exam?
If a candidate requires a Comfort Break they must contact the proctor as the validation checks will need to be re-confirmed before the exam can continue.
For full details please also refer to the Examination Guidelines (Exam Policies (cibd.org.uk)
Are past papers available for review?
What parts of the syllabus could I be examined on?
All parts of the syllabus may be covered in the examination questions. Questions will cover the breadth and depth of the syllabus so candidates are recommended to cover all aspects as part of their revision preparation.
How do I submit my Master Brewer/Distiller Module 5 paper?
All Master Brewer and Distiller Module 5 papers should be submitted by 20th June 2025 via email to examinationboard@cibd.org.uk.
What units of measurement are used for conveying temperature in the examination?
The examination makes provision for questions and answers to be supplied and accepted in both °C and in °F.