Judges are ranked within the certification program based upon a combination their score on a standardized certification test and experience points received for participating in sanctioned competition program events, in BJCP exams, or continuing education program events.<ref name="Mullen, Katherine"/> The ranks include "apprenticeApprentice", "recognizedRecognized", "certifiedCertified", "nationalNational", "masterMaster", several levels of "grandGrand masterMaster", and "honoraryHonorary grandGrand masterMaster".<ref name="bjcpmembershipguide">{{cite web | url = http://www.bjcp.org/membergd.php | accessdate = September 25, 2009 | title = BJCP Membership Guide | publisher = Beer Judge Certification Program}}</ref> The BJCP also certifies judges in [[mead]]. [[Cider]] certification is being considered. New judges that have passed the online entrance examination are Provisional judges but are not considered BJCP-ranked judges. Provisional judges have one year to take the the Beer judging examination which consists of blindly judging 6 different beers. Upon completing the Beer judging examination their score plus any experience points will determine their rank (Apprentice, Recognized or Certified). In order to achieve a rank of National or Master a judge must complete the Written Proficiency examination which consists of 20 true/false questions and 5 essay questions. In order to be eligible to take the Written Proficiency examination a judge must have a Beer judging score of 80 or higher and have at least 10 judging experience points.
