FAQs | Brewing & Distilling Center

Is there a minimum age, education or physical requirements for the Professional Brewing & Distilling Technology (PBDT) certificate program?

All students must be 21 years of age at the start of the session attended. All students must have graduated from high school or passed all GED requirements. All students must be able to climb up and down stairs and be able to lift 50lbs.
Is there assistance in job placement?

Yes. The BDC PBDT certificate job placement rate is very high. The BDC has a proven track record of success in placing qualified and motivated graduate candidates with breweries and distilleries at various employment positions. BDC – Brewing & Distilling Center PBDT – Professional Brewing & Distilling Technology certificate program
What type of equipment do you utilize for teaching?

The lecture classroom is equipped with a Promethean Smart Board for on site and virtual lecture presentations. Our on site instructional brewhouse features: Ss brewtech 1BBL Electric Brewhouse Ss brewtech 1BBL Jacketed Unitanks Ss brewtech Ss Grain Mill
What are the Professional Brewing & Distilling Technology certificate program learning options?

Fall | 6 Week Session Lectures: On-site Brew Days: On-site September to October 28 hours weekly Monday - Friday 3:30pm - 9:30pm Spring | 13 Week Session Lectures: On-site or Virtual (online) Brew Days: On-site (virtual lecture students have a week on-site to achieve their brew day requirements) February to May 12 hours weekly Monday - Wednesday 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Where is the Brewing & Distilling Center located?

Administrative office, lecture classroom and teaching brewhouse are all located at 130 Bearden Pl. Knoxville, TN. 37917
What is the tuition cost for the Professional Brewing/Distilling Technology (PBDT) certificate program?

$8,849.00, which includes all textbooks, brewery work shirt, lab fees. There are no other fees. The only additional safety item that students are responsible are non-slip, steel-toed, safety shoes/boots.
What are the qualifications of the BDC instructors?

All our instructors are either currently active professional brewers or distillers or they are experts in their field of expertise, as well some who are brewery or distillery owners.
What educational credentials does the PBDT and BDC have?

The Brewing & Distilling Center is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the Department of Veterans Affairs for Post 911/GI Bill Educational Benefits.
For students ready to start their own brewery or distillery, is there business and entrepreneurial instruction and guidance?

Yes. As stated above, many instructors are owners and have founded their own businesses and provide extensive assistance and guidance in the journey to business ownership. During each session, all students receive foundational instruction and assistance from résumé building to business plan presentation.

At the Brewing & Distilling Center, we want to make sure that our prospective students get answers to any and all of their questions. If you have any additional questions or concerns that have not been addressed, please call us at (865) 622-7511 or email us.