BIIAB Award in Beer and Cellar Quality (ABCQ)

The BIIAB ABCQ can be used as a stand-alone qualification or as part of an induction programme

What does the qualification cover?

BIIAB ABCQ course content - Cask and Keg

• Understanding beer products
• Define different types of beer and the business benefits of serving beer correctly
• Maintaining hygiene in the bar
• Learn personal and food hygiene procedures relating to the bar
• Glassware
• How to clean, maintain and store glassware
• Selecting the appropriate glassware for beer products
• How to operate and maintain glass-washing equipment
• The Perfect Pint
• How to pour the perfect pint
• Identify and rectify dispense problems
• Know the in-glass service temperatures for various beers
• Learn how to clean beer lines
• Maintaining a safe and effective cellar
• Learn how to receive, store and control stock
• Learn how to maintain a safe and hygienic cellar
• Conditioning cask ale
• Learn how to manage and dispense cask ales
• Understand how to clean and maintain lines for cask products
• Dispense systems
• Know about the different types of cooling equipment
• Understand how dispense systems should be maintained
• Bottled Beers
• Learn how to store and serve bottled beers.

BIIAB ABCQ course content - Keg

For businesses which do not offer cask beer products, there is a 'keg only' version of the test, which consists of 25 multiple-choice items and excludes material directly relating to caring for and serving cask conditioned products.

What are the benefits of obtaining this qualification?

On successful completion, candidates achieve the BIIAB ABCQ, a national qualification awarded by the BIIAB.