School of Business & Information Technology (BIT)
The Brewing Technology Certificate of Achievement provides students with the knowledge and skills to enter into the brewing industry in entry level positions. These courses include brewing equipment and maintenance, beer production and styles, and food safety principles. Topics include:
- Beer production & styles
- Brewing equipment & maintenance
- Draught beer technology
- Brewhouse operations
- Cellar operations
- Food safety and workplace safety
Students learn the basics of beer production and recipe formulation. Students will apply their knowledge of beer production in hands-on laboratory-style classes located both on-campus and in commercial-scale breweries. This Certificate emphasizes the knowledge of equipment, technology, and skills required of entry-level employees in commercial-scale breweries.
See Recommended Sequence of Courses
The Brewing Technology Certificate is a required part of the associate of applied science degree in brewing & beverage management.
Educational Option Information
- This educational option can be completed: Part-time or full-time. Full-time students can complete the program in one term.
- This educational option is designed for: Professionals seeking the knowledge and experience necessary for entry-level positions in the brewing industry.
- This educational option can be started: Any term
- Primary course location: Main Campus; class meetings may be held at commercial breweries.
Special Requirements
- Students must be at least 21 years of age or older at the start of term for all BEV courses except BEV 1160
- Students must be able to repeatedly lift 55 pounds
- Students must be able to stand for the duration of the laboratory class
This program includes production, identification, and evaluation of alcoholic beverages. Students are urged to consider their ability to consume alcohol before enrolling in this program. If you have concerns about the role of alcohol consumption in this program, please contact an Advisor.
Additional tools or supplies required for this educational option
- Students are required to purchase textbooks, personal protective equipment and clothing, and tools.
Approximate Costs of this Educational Option
Financial Aid Considerations
- This program is pending Financial Aid approval.
- Some courses are not eligible for Financial Aid. Please check the list here when considering a course.
Educational Opportunities
Students will have the opportunity to earn the following industry certifications: level 1 Cicerone® certificate, forklift operator certificate, New Mexico ServSafe® alcohol server’s permit, ServSafe® Manager Training and Certification, and brewery safety training certificates. Students completing the certificate may pursue an associate of applied science degree in brewing & beverage management at CNM.
Many of the courses in this program are transferable and some may be applied to four-year degree programs at other institutions. CNM currently has transfer agreements with many colleges and universities in New Mexico and elsewhere.
Career Opportunities
Both nationally and locally in New Mexico, the brewing industry continues to show a strong growth trend with new breweries opening and existing breweries expanding every year since 2006.
Breweries in New Mexico and nation-wide have expressed a strong interest in hiring trained employees who are familiar with the skills, equipment, and technology necessary for entry-level work in the brewing industry. While the Certificate emphasizes content relevant to workers in packaging, cellaring, and brewhouse roles of a brewery, the Certificate would also provide important background knowledge for affiliated jobs, including:
- Beverage wholesalers
- Beverage retailers
- Beverage servers
- Draft technicians
- Brewery owners and managers
Ten Year Rule for CTE Courses
Career and technical education courses in this program will qualify for credit for a period of ten academic years. Due to changing technologies, trends, and professional demands, courses completed ten or more years in the past will satisfy program requirements only if they are approved by the instructional school in which they were offered. Cohorted programs may have additional restrictions.
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