Use the scoresheet as a checklist
Hit every required element (aroma, appearance, flavor, mouthfeel, overall). If a trait is absent, say so: “No detectable esters or phenols.” Incomplete = lost points.
BJCP Tasting Exam Study Guide — Maximize Your Potential
Passing the BJCP Tasting Exam takes more than beer knowledge—it takes structured evaluation, calibrated language, and efficient scoresheet writing under time pressure. This guide gives you practical strategies you can practice and repeat on exam day.
- Exam structure & scoring insights
- Scoresheet mastery & judging technique
- Calibrated intensity language that graders respect
- Study strategies & realistic exam-day timing
Why this guide (and what it is—and isn’t)
What it is: A focused study companion for the BJCP Tasting Exam—helping you write complete, clear scoresheets; use calibrated intensity terms; manage time; and align with BJCP expectations.
What it isn’t: A promise to make you a better brewer or to overhaul your palate. It’s about performing your best on this specific exam.
Quick BJCP Tasting Exam Tips
Be precise with intensity
Avoid vague ranges like “low–medium.” Use anchored language: “just above low,” “just below medium,” or “high.” Precision signals calibration.
Feedback that helps
Issue → impact → fix. Even strong beers deserve one actionable tweak that could elevate them.
Time targets that work
Aim for 12–14 minutes per beer: quick first impressions, methodical sections, then 1–2 minutes to set the score and double-check math.
Judge independently
Don’t compare to the previous sample. Evaluate each beer against the style guideline to keep your scoring consistent.
Match words to numbers
Ensure written comments line up with the numeric score and the three summary boxes (Stylistic Accuracy, Technical Merit, Intangibles).
Like these? The full guide expands each into repeatable frameworks you can practice before exam day.
What you’ll learn inside BJCP Exam Success
- Scoresheet completeness without fluff
- Calibrated intensity language (no “low/medium” hedging)
- Constructive, brewer-useful feedback under time pressure
- Time management patterns for six beers in 90 minutes
- Common pitfalls (and simple ways to avoid them)
This guide focuses on exam execution. Palate training and brewing science matter—but this book stays in its lane: helping you perform better on the BJCP Tasting Exam.
What judges say about the book
★★★★★ If you are taking the test, read this book. I teach new judges on the tasting exam a couple times a year… Emphasizing how exams are scored and defining a structured approach are sure fire methods for prepping and passing first time. Quick read, great reference!
— Verified Amazon Review, Jul 24, 2025
★★★★★ Great tool to get a higher score. Deep dive into preparing for the tasting exam and how to describe what the taster is experiencing. Very useful and worth the cost!
— Amazon Review, Apr 30, 2025
About the author
Doug Walker is a Certified BJCP judge and active competition brewer. He wrote this guide to formalize a clear, repeatable approach to the BJCP Tasting Exam while preparing for his next test. It’s practical, structured, and built for real exam conditions.
Buy the book
Bjcp Exam Success: A Practical Study Guide by Doug Walker
Buy on AmazonCompetition feedback reviews (coming soon)
Short breakdowns of real comp sheets—what multiple judges agreed on, where perceptions diverged, and how to translate feedback into clearer scoresheets. Quick reads to reinforce exam habits.