BJCP On-Line Exam - did you finish?

[AmandaK]

@gmac

…but quickly realized that there was no way that anyone could remember all the style differences that they were asking for.

So how did any of us pass the written exam of old?

[gmac]

@AmandaK

@gmac

…but quickly realized that there was no way that anyone could remember all the style differences that they were asking for.

So how did any of us pass the written exam of old?

Well clearly, you’re a lot smarter than I am

[tomsawyer]

@gmac

@AmandaK

@gmac

…but quickly realized that there was no way that anyone could remember all the style differences that they were asking for.

So how did any of us pass the written exam of old?

Well clearly, you’re a lot smarter than I am

I retook the written exam and did two points worse than the first time.  So I’m either getting dumber or the standards are getting higher.  Or both.

She is smart by the way, she works in construction but doesn’t swing a hammer.  I think thats one definition of smart.

[tcanova]

I haven’t taken the online test yet but I did take the course to get you ready to take the test a little over a year ago and had the same problem with trying to find a testing close to me.  The closest one, 2 hours away, was filled a year in advance. 

[thetooth]

@phunhog

@gsandel

I took it at lunch while at work, on a whim, with no reference materials…and just barely squeeked by.  I thought I was done, and then had a few unanswered questions that I thought I had answered…my intent was to fail to get an understanding of what they were asking, but I passed by the hair on my chinny chin chin (as they say).

The wording of such entrance exams are designed to throw you off…after all, it is beer nerds testing you to see if you are worthy of being in the club.

The real challenge is finding a testing slot within a 12 month window.  I have one in March 2013 *I think, and I tested just after the opening of the new on-line exam in April 2012.  There are at least 5 exams scheduled in my area in the next 12 months, and to my knowledge, I got the last slot.  I even checked my old home town (fly to test) and the 3 or 4 scheduled in the next year were also booked.

That is the biggest problem with the BJCP exam process.  I want to study,take, and pass the online test. But…why if there are no testing slots in the major metro area I live in (Los Angeles)?  I can travel either 3-4 hours south or 5-6 hours north and “maybe” find an open slot.  Seems like a major headache…just so somebody can wave a wand over my head and say “you are a beer judge”.  Yet everytime there is a comp…they are hurting for judges and will take just about anyone.

I totally agree with what you are saying about the lack of slots in LA.  I plan on taking the online test soon, but just to see where I stand on knowledge.  I’ve pretty much given up on the thought of taking the next level of exams due to lack of availability.  If something pops up for me, great… but otherwise, I can live without it.  I’m hoping that the online exam is only a small part of the testing overhaul, and that they will iron out the rest eventually.

[AmandaK]

@tomsawyer

She is smart by the way, she works in construction but doesn’t swing a hammer.  I think thats one definition of smart.

HA. I quite like that definition!  8)

[robertwoodson (Hydro)]

@gmac

@udubdawg

there was no way that anyone could remember all the style differences that they were asking for.

I’m glad you passed, though I certainly don’t agree with this statement.
ability to look up things quickly is not knowledge.

Well let’s put it this way.  If I had to invest the amount of time I’d need to remember every subtle nuance of all 70+ styles, I wouldn’t be doing it.  I’ve read the BJCP style guidelines more than once for all of the styles, I’ve listened to Jamil’s show, many of them several times and I’ve read most of the popular brewing books as well as brewing over 50 batches a year and I still struggled because of the way some of the questions were worded. 
The reason I posted this in the first place was because I wondered if everyone else got through it and also because I really don’t understand why they have the survey first.  The survey asks “is 1 hour enough time…”  After doing the test, my answer would be no.

[/quote]

Well I just finished taking the 200 question test and only got to 158 before time ran out.  Unfortunately I did not pass.  I am not sure if the test is adaptive or not.  It seemed to definately hammer away at some of my weaknesses.  My advice is to prepare as if you were going to take the tasting test.  The way the questions are presented it would be beneficial to know as much about the styles and off flavors in conjunction with brewing techniques as much as possible.

[thetooth]

I just took the test and passed.  I was convince that there was no way I could answer 200 questions in 60 minutes, but I was able to do it with time to spare… which I used to go back and review some questions I wasn’t totally sure of.

I’ve got a BJCP study group happening one day a month for the next 4 months.  I’ll take the judging exam at that point if there is one available.  If not, I’ll be happy with what I’ve learned anyway. 

[mtnrockhopper (Jimmy K)]

@udubdawg

there was no way that anyone could remember all the style differences that they were asking for.

4000 BJCP judges would dissagree.

[mmitchem]

The test wasn’t THAT bad. I am sure I missed a couple regarding style differences. No sweat. It is the journey…right?

[bbuerger (Bruce B)]

@thetooth

@phunhog

@gsandel

I took it at lunch while at work, on a whim, with no reference materials…and just barely squeeked by.  I thought I was done, and then had a few unanswered questions that I thought I had answered…my intent was to fail to get an understanding of what they were asking, but I passed by the hair on my chinny chin chin (as they say).

The wording of such entrance exams are designed to throw you off…after all, it is beer nerds testing you to see if you are worthy of being in the club.

The real challenge is finding a testing slot within a 12 month window.  I have one in March 2013 *I think, and I tested just after the opening of the new on-line exam in April 2012.  There are at least 5 exams scheduled in my area in the next 12 months, and to my knowledge, I got the last slot.  I even checked my old home town (fly to test) and the 3 or 4 scheduled in the next year were also booked.

That is the biggest problem with the BJCP exam process.  I want to study,take, and pass the online test. But…why if there are no testing slots in the major metro area I live in (Los Angeles)?  I can travel either 3-4 hours south or 5-6 hours north and “maybe” find an open slot.  Seems like a major headache…just so somebody can wave a wand over my head and say “you are a beer judge”.  Yet everytime there is a comp…they are hurting for judges and will take just about anyone.

I totally agree with what you are saying about the lack of slots in LA.  I plan on taking the online test soon, but just to see where I stand on knowledge.  I’ve pretty much given up on the thought of taking the next level of exams due to lack of availability.  If something pops up for me, great… but otherwise, I can live without it.  I’m hoping that the online exam is only a small part of the testing overhaul, and that they will iron out the rest eventually.

A bit off topic from the original post but this could be useful to those that are looking to take the Beer Judging Exam and are having a hard time finding a location in their area.

I would suggest working with a homebrew club or local professional brewer to get a Beer Judging Exam scheduled.  The testing admin has to be approved by the exam director, not necessarily a National or Master judge.  You’ll also need two qualified Proctors to come to your area on the day of the exam.  You can find a list of qualified Proctors here on the BJCP web site - Potential BJCP Beer Judging Exam Proctors

This is how we got BJCP judges in Milwaukee going years ago.  Someone local was approved by the exam director and we kindly asked two Chicago area judges to come up and Proctor.  Bought them a beer and a lunch as a thank you.  Today we have over 40 judges in South Eastern WI.

[thetooth]

@thetooth

I totally agree with what you are saying about the lack of slots in LA.  I plan on taking the online test soon, but just to see where I stand on knowledge.  I’ve pretty much given up on the thought of taking the next level of exams due to lack of availability.  If something pops up for me, great… but otherwise, I can live without it.  I’m hoping that the online exam is only a small part of the testing overhaul, and that they will iron out the rest eventually.

A bit off topic from the original post but this could be useful to those that are looking to take the Beer Judging Exam and are having a hard time finding a location in their area.

I would suggest working with a homebrew club or local professional brewer to get a Beer Judging Exam scheduled.  The testing admin has to be approved by the exam director, not necessarily a National or Master judge.  You’ll also need two qualified Proctors to come to your area on the day of the exam.  You can find a list of qualified Proctors here on the BJCP web site - Potential BJCP Beer Judging Exam Proctors

This is how we got BJCP judges in Milwaukee going years ago.  Someone local was approved by the exam director and we kindly asked two Chicago area judges to come up and Proctor.  Bought them a beer and a lunch as a thank you.  Today we have over 40 judges in South Eastern WI.

Thanks for the info.  I’m hoping that we can put something together after the study sessions my club organized are done in January.  If that doesn’t pan out, I might see if I can work out something from your info.