Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate (HBSC)
Society of Wine Educators
The Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate (HBSC) is an entry-level, beverage knowledge program designed to fulfill the needs of the hospitality and culinary industries and their employees. The Beverage Specialist Certificate can also be used as an entry-level course for those planning to pursue higher levels of wine, beer, or spirits certification.
Duration
Not specified
Credits
Not specified
Cost
Not specified
Format
Hybrid
What You'll Learn
AI-generatedKey competencies developed through this program
- KnowledgeApply beverage pairing principles when matching drinks with food in restaurant and catering environments.Developing
- Hands-onPerform proper beverage service techniques using appropriate glassware and service equipment under supervision.Developing
- Hands-onHandle beverage products during storage and service following safety and quality standards in hospitality operations.Developing
- MindsetEngage with customers to enhance their beverage experience demonstrating professionalism and hospitality service values.Developing
- KnowledgeApply responsible alcohol service practices following legal requirements and ethical guidelines in hospitality environments.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify characteristics of major wine, beer, and spirits categories using industry-standard terminology in hospitality settings.Emerging
- KnowledgeDescribe production methods for wines, beers, and spirits to educate customers and support beverage service operations.Emerging
- KnowledgeClassify beverages by region, style, and quality indicators following industry standards for inventory and menu development.Emerging
- KnowledgeExplain beverage selections and recommendations to customers based on their preferences and occasions.Emerging
- KnowledgeDistinguish quality indicators and common defects in beverages through sensory evaluation in service settings.Emerging
Skills developed through this program
- Apply knowledge of coffee and tea in a hospitality beverage service context
- Apply knowledge of beer in a hospitality beverage service context
- Apply knowledge of sake, cider, and perry in a hospitality beverage service context
- Apply knowledge of wine in a hospitality beverage service context
- Apply knowledge of spirits in a hospitality beverage service context
- Evaluate beverages using sensory evaluation and tasting notes in a hospitality context
Occupations this program prepares you for
Detailed information about this program
The Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate (HBSC) is an entry-level, beverage knowledge program designed to fulfill the needs of the hospitality and culinary industries and their employees. The Beverage Specialist Certificate can also be used as an entry-level course for those planning to pursue higher levels of wine, beer, or spirits certification. The HBSC provides a broad base of knowledge, covering all commercially relevant beverages, not just wine or spirits. The program’s content covers: coffee, tea, beer, sake, cider, perry, wine, and spirits. Details about sensory evaluation, tasting notes, and service standards for each beverage type are included as well as a chapter on the responsible service of beverage alcohol. The HBSC may be completed as an online self-paced, self-study program. The registration fee ($99) includes access to the Online HBSC Course and an Online Exam. An accompanying, 192-page paperback study guide second edition is available for individual purchase through Amazon at a separate fee. An ebook version of the HBSC Study Guide Second Edition is available on Amazon and on Apple Books. Successful completion of the Online HBSC Exam—accessible at the end of the Online Course—will earn candidates the Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate. The exam is 80 multiple-choice questions. Passing the exam requires a score of 75% or higher. Unsuccessful candidates may attempt the exam a second time at no additional cost. Candidates receive a score upon completing their exam. The HBSC Certificate may be printed out by the candidate immediately after passing the final exam. Candidates will have access to the Online Course and Exam for one year from the date of purchase. To sign up, visit our HBSC Course page.
What you need to earn this credential
No requirements listed.
Eligible funding programs
No funding information available.
Scholarships
No scholarships listed.