A unit is the core building block – an individual piece of study with its own learning outcomes and assessment such as Teas of China or Mixology. A qualification is is a combination of units, structured into group to create a certified qualification such as the Tea Sommelier Award or World Tea Diploma.

All units are delivered online as self-study modules, which you can complete at your own pace. World Tea Diploma units includes a set of teas sent to you and a Live Tasting Tutorial with a Tea Specialist. Other units without teas include a Live Q&A session with Subject Expert. This is to consolidate your learning and allow you to tap into their expertise.

You will receive an OCN London digital badge for every unit you successfully complete. These can be shared online or downloaded for your portfolio or CV.

Each unit varies. Most core units require around 6–10 hours of study time, this is not all time spent on the unit content, it includes reading and exploring the learning resources, the live session and final assessment. You can complete the course at your own pace taking as much time as you like.

You have access for 90 days. This can be extended if required.

Yes. The units you have bought and/or completed are all in your UKTA account on the learning platform.

You will receive an Open College Network London, digital badge and a UKTA certificate.

Once you have completed all the units needed for a qualification, you need to successfully complete a Final Project and you will then achieve an OCN London Qualification with a UKTA certificate.

Both. You will get confirmation from both that you have achieved your qualification.

Yes. Your digital badges and certificates can be uploaded to your LinkedIn profile, website or online portfolio. They show evidence of your commitment to professional tea education.

Digital certificates and badges are standard. If you need a printed certificate, please contact us and we’ll advise on availability and postage options.

Tea samples to the UK are included in the price of the course. We do not charge extra for standard shipping. 

International deliveries may be subject to customs charges or local taxes which are the responsibility of the learner.

Yes, teas are included in Tea Essentials and in six of the seven core units in the World Tea Diploma. These are posted to you after enrolment. Other units do not include tea samples.

The teas for each World Tea Diploma unit are chosen by the relevant Tea Specialist who leads the Tea Tasting Tutorial.

The teas for Tea Essentials Award are chosen by our tea experts in UKTA to represent a classic teas in each category: green, black, oolong and white teas.

Some units in World Tea Diploma have teas that are readily available in the UK. You can ask your Tea Specialist on the Live Tasting Tutorial for further details.

Tea Essentials Award has 4 teas

Teas of China has 11 teas

Teas of India has 6 teas

Teas of Africa has 6 teas

Teas of Taiwan has 6 teas

Teas of Sri Lanka has 6 teas

Teas of Japan has 4 teas

We ask you to only register for a Live Tasting Tutorial once your teas have arrived.

UKTA is the first tea education provider to offer externally accredited qualifications in tea, independently endorsed and credit-rated by a UK government-regulated awarding body (OCN London). This makes UKTA qualifications a world first in combining professional tea learning with formal recognition.

Yes. The UKTA qualifications – Tea Sommelier Award, World Tea Diploma, Professional Tea Sommelier Diploma and Specialist Tea Diploma – are accredited by Open College Network London (OCN London), a UK awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual.

OfQual is the regulator of qualifications, exams, and tests in England. OfQual accreditation means that a qualification has been rigorously evaluated and meets the high standards set by the regulator.

Yes – just head to their website for more information.

https://ocnlondon.org.uk

OCN London is a nationally recognised awarding body in the UK. It accredits learning programmes across sectors, including adult education and vocational training. Certificates awarded through UKTA’s qualifications carry OCN London’s accreditation. OCN London is Ofqual approved and Ofqual is the regulator of qualifications, exams, and tests in England. Ofqual accreditation means that a qualification has been rigorously evaluated and meets the high standards set by the regulator.

Yes. Because UKTA is certified by OCN London, which is a UK government approved national acccreditation body, your qualifications will be internationally recognised.

They are recognised by employers and institutions in over 30 countries. UKTA courses are written and assessed to national standards and achieve specific educational levels. For instance the UKTA courses align with the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework at the following recognised levels:

Level 2: Tea Essentials Award

Level 3: Tea Sommelier Award and World Tea Diploma (Level 3 is equivalent to A-level standard)

Level 5: Specialist Tea Diploma and Professional Tea Sommelier Diploma. (Level 5 is equivalent to the second year of university or a Foundation Degree)

Yes. UKTA qualifications carry OCN London’s accreditation and OCN London is a nationally recognised awarding body in the UK. It accredits learning programmes across sectors, including adult education and vocational training and the certificates are designed to be recognised by employers and institutions in the UK and over 30 countries.

UKTA courses are written and assessed to national standards and achieve specific educational levels. For instance the UKTA courses align with the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework at the following recognised levels:

Level 2: Tea Essentials Award

Level 3: Tea Sommelier Award and World Tea Diploma (Level 3 is equivalent to A-level standard)

Level 5: Specialist Tea Diploma and Professional Tea Sommelier Diploma. (Level 5 is equivalent to the second year of university or a Foundation Degree)

Absolutely. The UKTA awards are designed to advance learners in their tea careers – whether that is hospitality, tea retail, education or product development. The qualifications also serve as strong evidence of expertise for tea consultancy, brand work, or further study.

All our qualifications are accredited by OCN London and recognised by employers. The World Tea Diploma is appropriate working in the tea industry if you need a good general knowledge on tea regions. The Tea Sommelier Award is more focused towards creativity in the hospitality industry.

Level 3 is equivalent to A-level standard.

Level 4 is equivalent to the first year of university or a Higher National Certificate.

Level 5 is equivalent to the second year of university or a Foundation Degree.

UKTA offers qualifications at:

Level 3 for World Tea Diploma and Tea Sommelier Award

Level 5 for Professional Tea Sommelier Diploma and Specialist Tea Diploma

OCN London has strict criteria on what courses can be accredited and must go through their approval process. Though our original courses were not externally accredited, they do have recognised value as they are associated with the UKTA.

No. World Tea Diploma is a similar level to the previous UKTA Tea Sommelier course.

Your next step would be Specialist Tea Diploma for a self-directed research project. To enrol on the current Professional Tea Sommelier Diploma you would need to complete the Tea Sommelier Award first. Look at the website to see which route you would lke.

We will offer live montly Q&A sessions for all previous learners. Look out for them in social media and on Academy Extras on our website.

If you want to discuss your next step you can contact us on info@ukteaacademy.com

No – you can contact us and go straight to the qualification you want to achieve.

Not yet – but it’s in development. We are working on building a global directory of certified tea professionals who have completed UKTA qualifications. This will support professional visibility and peer connection.

We love to hear from past learners and professionals who want to stay engaged. Opportunities include blog contributions, case studies, community events, and feedback sessions. Let us know of your interest via the contact page.

Yes. Some courses include access to a learner discussion forum or tasting session. We are also developing ways for alumni to connect, including through future events and online discussion groups.

Once you’ve completed a unit or qualification, you’ll remain on our alumni list (unless you opt out) and continue to receive learning opportunities, early access to events, and community updates.

UKTA learners and graduates receive invitations to special events, expert webinars and occasional tasting panels. You’ll also receive updates on course launches, exclusive content and news from the global tea industry – including The Leafies International Tea Awards, founded by the UKTA

We are currently developing new ways for learners and alumni to stay connected and involved with the UKTA community. While we don’t offer a formal paid membership, learners automatically gain alumni access after completing a qualification.

Yes. Keep an eye on our social media, newsletters and our website for when we offer courses and events in person.

No, not through UKTA. Their time is valuable and their privacy is our priority. You can of course contact them through their own website or company, but not about the UKTA learning.  

For some higher level courses you have a Mentor. This is quite different and you will have a prescribed time allowance for guidance and support from the Specialist.

You will have access to the recording if you miss the tutorial you enrolled in. You can contact us to see if there are places availble on another one, but this is not guaranteed.

You need no special equipment beyond basic brewing kit of kettle and several small brewing vessels, a strainer to separate the loose leaves and a cup. There is a full list equipment outlined in each unit to help you be organised, but you probably have the essentials already.

Yes, if you miss the tutorial you are booked onto, you can have access to the recording.

Usually around 6 to 8 people. It is useful to learn from others and their questions as well as the Tea Specialist

The online learning in other languages is in progress. Look at our Specialists page on the website for international Tea Specialsists who offer in person learning.

Your purchase includes access to all online learning materials, assessments and (where applicable) teas and a LiveTasting Tutorial or Live Q&A session. 

For higher level qualifications (beyond Tea Guide), it includes a digital badge (for each unit) and the OCN London and UKTA certificate.

For Tea Essentials Award and Tea Guide Award, and you will receive an OCN London digital badge and a UKTA certificate

Yes. Once you have completed the prerequisite units (Tea Essentials and Tea Guide), you can purchase most units individually. This allows you to build your own path toward a qualification or extend your knowledge in an specific area of interest.

All payments are made securely through our website. We accept major credit and debit cards. You’ll receive an email confirmation as soon as your payment is complete.

You’ll receive a discounted rate when you purchase a qualification or bundle rather than buying units individually. 

Yes. If you buy the Tea Guide Award first and then decide to do a qualification, the bundle price for each (World Tea Diploma and Tea Sommelier Award) is reduced.

You’ll receive a confirmation email immediately after payment. If you need a formal invoice or receipt for business or tax purposes, just contact us via the website.

In most cases, yes. UKTA hosts open-access events such as expert panels, tastings and webinars. These are announced via social media, our mailing list and the website, and are open to all with an interest in tea.

There may be occasional Academy Extras that are limited to UKTA alumini.