Approximately 70% of Examinees Intend to Repeat: 'Beer Ken (Japan Beer Test)' Scheduled for Fall 2026
The Japan Beer Culture Research Association has announced that the 16th 'Beer Ken' will be held in fall 2026, and the official 2026-2027 textbook will be released on April 15. The certification aims to spread the culture of enjoying beer through knowledge.
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The Japan Beer Culture Research Association (Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yuya Doshiro) has announced the outline for the 16th "Beer Ken" (Japan Beer Test). Applications will open on Wednesday, July 1, and the test will be held from Tuesday, September 1 to Friday, October 30. Alongside this, the official textbook for the test, "The Expanding World of Beer Through Knowledge, 2nd Edition: Japan Beer Test Official Textbook 2026-2027," will be released on Wednesday, April 15.
Beer Ken is a certification test where you can systematically learn about beer ingredients, manufacturing methods, history, and beer styles. Aimed at "knowing and enjoying" beer, it is taken by a wide range of demographics, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts.
In examinee surveys, top ratings such as "Very Satisfied" and "Satisfied" account for the vast majority, and furthermore, about 70% responded that they would like to take the test again in the future (Note 1).
Backed by such support from examinees, Beer Ken will reach its 15th year in 2026 since its inception in 2012. Through the implementation of this certification, we will continue to provide opportunities for more people to learn about beer.
(Note 1) From the 2024 post-Beer Ken examinee survey.
Outline of the 16th "Beer Ken (Japan Beer Test)" Fall 2026 Implementation
[Level Classification]
Level 3 / Level 2 / Level 1
[Schedule]
- Application Period: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 to Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Testing Period: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 to Friday, October 30, 2026
* The application deadline for Level 1 is Wednesday, September 30, 2026, and the test will only be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 15:00.
[Testing Method]
CBT (Computer Based Testing) system
[Eligibility]
- Must be 20 years of age or older as of Monday, August 31, 2026
- Passing Level 2 is required when applying for Level 1
- Level 2 can be taken without passing Level 3
[Sponsorship]
Organizer: Japan Beer Culture Research Association
Supporters: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany / Embassy of the Czech Republic / Japan Beer Journalists Association / Japan Belgian Beer Professional Association
Cooperation: Sapporo Breweries Ltd. / Sapporo Lion Ltd.
■ Latest Edition of the 'Beer Ken Official Textbook' Released on April 15
"The Expanding World of Beer Through Knowledge, 2nd Edition: Japan Beer Test Official Textbook 2026-2027" will be released on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. As a "beer textbook" that systematically teaches the basic knowledge of beer, this book can be utilized not only by examinees but also by those who want to enjoy beer more deeply. We recommend taking the Beer Ken to solidify the contents of this book as your own knowledge and education. The exam questions from Level 3 to Level 1 are based on the contents of this book.
[Main Points of Revision]
1. Reflects the latest findings and data
2. Reviewed the text and structure of all pages
3. Completely revised the beer style chapter
[Editor-in-Chief's Comment]
"This book is packed with a lot of beer knowledge that you thought you knew but actually didn't. By increasing your knowledge, your usual...
Beer Ken is a certification test where you can systematically learn about beer ingredients, manufacturing methods, history, and beer styles. Aimed at "knowing and enjoying" beer, it is taken by a wide range of demographics, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts.
In examinee surveys, top ratings such as "Very Satisfied" and "Satisfied" account for the vast majority, and furthermore, about 70% responded that they would like to take the test again in the future (Note 1).
Backed by such support from examinees, Beer Ken will reach its 15th year in 2026 since its inception in 2012. Through the implementation of this certification, we will continue to provide opportunities for more people to learn about beer.
(Note 1) From the 2024 post-Beer Ken examinee survey.
Outline of the 16th "Beer Ken (Japan Beer Test)" Fall 2026 Implementation
[Level Classification]
Level 3 / Level 2 / Level 1
[Schedule]
- Application Period: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 to Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Testing Period: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 to Friday, October 30, 2026
* The application deadline for Level 1 is Wednesday, September 30, 2026, and the test will only be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 15:00.
[Testing Method]
CBT (Computer Based Testing) system
[Eligibility]
- Must be 20 years of age or older as of Monday, August 31, 2026
- Passing Level 2 is required when applying for Level 1
- Level 2 can be taken without passing Level 3
[Sponsorship]
Organizer: Japan Beer Culture Research Association
Supporters: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany / Embassy of the Czech Republic / Japan Beer Journalists Association / Japan Belgian Beer Professional Association
Cooperation: Sapporo Breweries Ltd. / Sapporo Lion Ltd.
■ Latest Edition of the 'Beer Ken Official Textbook' Released on April 15
"The Expanding World of Beer Through Knowledge, 2nd Edition: Japan Beer Test Official Textbook 2026-2027" will be released on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. As a "beer textbook" that systematically teaches the basic knowledge of beer, this book can be utilized not only by examinees but also by those who want to enjoy beer more deeply. We recommend taking the Beer Ken to solidify the contents of this book as your own knowledge and education. The exam questions from Level 3 to Level 1 are based on the contents of this book.
[Main Points of Revision]
1. Reflects the latest findings and data
2. Reviewed the text and structure of all pages
3. Completely revised the beer style chapter
[Editor-in-Chief's Comment]
"This book is packed with a lot of beer knowledge that you thought you knew but actually didn't. By increasing your knowledge, your usual...