HOSPITALITY/BEVERAGE SPECIALIST

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 HBSC provides a broad base of knowledge, covering all commercially relevant beverages. 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 certificate validates that the holder has attained working knowledge about beverage products and the beverage industry, equivalent to a first-line supervisor or manager. The HBSC may be completed as an online self-paced, self-study program.

The program is issued by the Society of Wine Educators (SWE). Founded in 1977, its a membership-based nonprofit organization focused on providing wine and spirits education along with the conferral of several certifications. The Society is internationally recognized and its programs are highly regarded for both their quality and relevance to the industry.