CCP
February 5: Certified Pommelier Exam at CiderCon® 2025
Take the Certified Pommelier Exam at CiderCon® 2025 in Chicago, Illinois on February 5!
Ready to take the next step in your professional development in the cider industry? If you have already passed the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide exam and are looking for that next challenge? Now is your chance!
The American Cider Association is pleased to announce a Certified Pommelier Exam will be held at CiderCon® 2025 at the Chicago Hilton, 720 Michigan Ave.
The exam will begin promptly at 8:30 AM on Wednesday, February 5.
*Level 1 Certified Cider Guide certification is a prerequisite for taking the Certified Pommelier Exam. (Haven’t taken your Level 1 Certified Cider Guide Exam? Buy the bundle here! ACA Member discounts are available.)
There’s also a discount code available for ACA members for the Certified Pommelier Exam. You can find that code in our Resource Hub.
WHAT IS THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER EXAM?
The American Cider Association’s mission is to grow a diverse and successful cider industry by providing valuable information, resources and services to our members and by advocating on their behalf. One way to fulfill this mission is through the Certified Cider Professional Program, a program aimed at educating the front-line of cider hospitality (distributors, retailers, bartenders and more!) while also welcoming journalists and serious cider enthusiasts.
The exam for the introductory level certification, Certified Cider Guide (CCG), is an online test that can be taken at any time. The exam for the more advanced second level of certification, Certified Pommelier, is only available in person. The exam consists of two parts, a written theory exam comprising short answer and essay questions and a blind sensory evaluation of a number of ciders. Passing the introductory level exam is a mandatory prerequisite to sitting for the Level 2 Certified Pommelier exam.
Certified Pommeliers must have a fundamental understanding of all topics covered at the introductory level, but must also be able to think critically and demonstrate a deeper understanding of cider and the cider industry.
The topics covered in the exam are:
- Apples, the Orchard & History
- Cider Making
- Flavor & Evaluation
- Cider Families
- Keeping & Serving
- Food & Cider
- Social Responsibility
The exam is meant to be challenging. The only information necessary for successfully passing the theory section of the exam is contained in the Certified Pommelier Study Guide available on Amazon. To study for the evaluation section of the exam, candidates should consider attending one of the sensory analysis videos available through the ACA’s website or attend one of the regularly scheduled webinars. Access to pre-recorded webinars and registration for upcoming live webinars is available directly through our website.
WHY BECOME A CERTIFIED POMMELIER?
Cider is a beautifully nuanced beverage that is less well understood by most consumers. Having the knowledge and skills required to become a Certified Pommelier will equip you to better serve customers, enhance your standing in the beverage community, and give you a unique and valuable professional qualification. Being recognized as a Certified Pommelier will put you in the vanguard of advanced cider specialists in this ever growing category.
HOW MUCH DOES THE TEST COST?
The registration fee for the exam is $350. Current members of the ACA can register at a discounted price of $250 by using the discount code in our Resource Hub. If a candidate sits for the exam but does not pass either section, or only passes one of the two sections, theory or sensory evaluation, they can resit for the section of the exam that they did not pass at a future date. The fee for retaking the exam is $175 for non-members and $125 for current members of the ACA.
Read Terms & Conditions before registering.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDY FOR THE EXAM?
- The Certified Pommelier Study Guide is available directly through Amazon. It is also available at all of Amazon’s international sites.This is the official study guide for the second level of the American Cider Association’s professional certification program. It contains all of the information needed to study for and pass the examination. No other reference materials are required.
- There is also a dedicated Facebook Group (that is open for all to join) with prep materials and in-depth peer conversations that many candidates have found useful.
- Sensory evaluation is an important part of being a Certified Pommelier which is why we test your ability to accurately analyze the structural components, aromas, and flavors of a variety of ciders. In order to aid in the development of your sensory evaluation skills and understand the approach to testing them, we have several pre-recorded videos available for purchase. In addition, we host several live sensory analysis webinars each year. You can access the videos and look for scheduled webinars here.
Frequently Asked Questions (Download the Frequently Asked Questions document.)
- Are there ID or minimum age requirements to sit for the event? YES. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you sit for the exam, and when checking in at the exam you must provide a photo ID that will both verify your age and identity .
- Do I need to pass the Certified Cider Guide exam to take the Certified Pommelier exam? Yes. Passing the introductory exam to become a Certified Cider Guide is a prerequisite. If you have not yet taken this exam, you can purchase a package which includes an instructional video, study guide, and access to an online exam HERE.
- How many Certified Pommeliers are there currently? You can find the current number of Certified Pommelers here.
- Is the Certified Pommelier Exam available in my area? Certified Pommelier exams are held periodically throughout the year and in a variety of locations. Please check our current exam schedule to find an exam suitable for you.
- What can I bring into the event? You may bring only a water bottle into the exam space. Cell phones, smart watches, computers, books or papers, and any and all other personal items must be left at a designated storage area in the exam room. Pencils will be provided, and spare paper will be available on request. Spit cups, and water will be provided during the evaluation exam. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle for the theory exam. Please contact the Cider Education Operations Manager, Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org prior to registering for the exam if you wish to request special accommodations.
- How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Please contact Cider Education Operations Manager Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org.
- When can I register for the exam? Exam registration is open until 14 days before the posted exam date.
- What happens if I cannot attend my registered exam? Please see Exam Rescheduling, Timelines and Fees in the Terms and Conditions Document for full details. If you do need to cancel your registration, exam registration fees can be refunded up to 14 days before the exam. Please note that a $25 administration fee applies to any cancellation.
- Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends? Registrations are not transferable, so the name on the I.D. presented when checking in for the exam must match the name on the registration.
- How long does the test take? You are given 2 hours to complete the theory section of the exam and 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the sensory evaluation section. There is a 15 minute break in between sections.
- Is there a tasting section on the test? Yes. You will be asked to evaluate six ciders in two flights, one flight that assesses your ability to distinguish between key structural elements and a second where you are asked to complete a full evaluation of three ciders using the Structured Sensory Analysis format. The possible aromas and flavors document will be supplied for use during the exam.
- What is the grade needed for passing? 60% of the possible points for sensory evaluation and 70% for theory
- When will we receive our graded exams? Exams are not returned to candidates, however you will be notified as to whether or not you have passed about 6 weeks from the exam date. If you did not pass a section of the exam, you may request a breakdown of your points by general topic to help you identify areas in which you could improve your score should you wish to retake the exam.
ACA Releases 2nd Edition of Certified Pommelier Study Guide
The ACA is thrilled to introduce the second edition of its Certified Pommelier Study Guide, designed specifically for students preparing for level two of the CCP program. With the CCP program expanding globally, the Certified Pommelier Study Guide has undergone a significant update to offer a more comprehensive overview of the cider industry from an international perspective. This new edition now includes sections on emerging sectors like low and no-alcohol products, catering to the evolving landscape of the industry. The new edition is also available digitally for the first time, providing students with more ways to access the guide.
New material in the second edition will be the source for questions on the exam beginning in 2025, so candidates who have already purchased the first edition will have all the material that they need for any exam being held in 2024.
Additionally, the ACA has revamped its product categorization system, known as the Cider Families, to better align with global marketing practices, providing students with a more accurate portrayal of the market. The revised Cider Families guide offers a fresh take on product categorization, reflecting the dynamic nature of the cider market on a worldwide scale.
For those interested, the updated Cider Families guide can be accessed on the ACA website, while the second edition of the Certified Pommelier Study Guide is now available for purchase on Amazon in both print and digital formats. Information from second edition will not appear on Certified Pommelier exams until 2025 to allow people the opportunity to purchase and review the new study guide.
For aspiring Certified Pommeliers and cider enthusiasts alike, the release of the second edition of the Certified Pommelier Study Guide marks a significant milestone in the CCP program. By incorporating a more global perspective and addressing key trends in the industry such as the rise of low and no-alcohol products, the ACA continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing relevant and up-to-date resources for industry professionals.
ACA Welcomes Sixteen New Certified Pommeliers Following CiderCon® 2024
PRESS RELEASE
American Cider Association
Contact: Michelle McGrath
Email: michelle@ciderassociation.org
The American Cider Association is pleased to announce that sixteen individuals successfully passed the Certified Pommelier examination held at CiderCon® 2024 in Portland, Oregon in January. The new Certified Pommeliers from the United States are Andrew Byers of Finnriver Farm & Cidery, Jason Cassidy of The Cider Farm, Daniel James of Pioneer Beverage, Jakob Jordan & Leah Pagett of Bold Rock Hard Cider, Molly Leadbetter of Meriwether Cider, Hard Cider Guy Adrian Luna, Valerie Scott of Duluth Cider, Pete Serventi of Serventi Ranch, Clayton Slaughter of Slaughter Orchard & Cidery, Ashley Wilson of Schilling Cider and Olivia Yi of Brooklyn Cider House. New international Certified Pommeliers are The Ciderologist Gabe Cook of the UK, John Powell of Cider Apples New Zealand Ltd, Lee Reeve of inCider Japan, and freelancer Monika Sut of Italy.
The rigorous exam tested candidates on their understanding of cider production, history, and sensory evaluation. As a result, those newly certified are now equipped with advanced skills to guide consumers through the wide variety of ciders available and to help elevate the cider industry at the point of sale. The ACA congratulates all of the newest Certified Pommeliers on displaying their specialized cider knowledge and evaluation skills!
Early on, the American Cider Association recognized the need to promote specialized knowledge about the cider category. Certifications are increasingly being used to set food and beverage professionals apart. However, most certification programs cover cider in a cursory manner or not at all. With cider being a beautifully nuanced beverage with a diverse set of elements often less understood by food and beverage professionals, the establishment of the Certified Cider Professional (CCP) program in 2016 was a strategic maneuver. Today, the CCP program is designed to educate those on the front-line of cider sales, making it the world’s most comprehensive and in-depth cider appreciation program for food and beverage professionals. Most recently, due to increased inquiries and interest the CCP program has expanded to an international audience. For more information, the ACA press release outlines the international expansion.
The CCP program begins with a Certified Cider Guide (CCG) Level 1 certification to help industry professionals develop a fundamental understanding of cider. The Certified Pommelier (CP) Level 2 takes it a step further by encouraging cider professionals to think critically and showcase a higher level of understanding of the elements of cider. The rigorous testing process consists of four types of questions, including short answer, fill in the blank, essay, and blind sensory–which is based on tasting.
The ACA is dedicated to ensuring that all information tested on the exam is made accessible to anyone who desires to learn. To that end, the ACA released a textbook in March of 2023 to help candidates prepare to take the exam with just one comprehensive resource. The textbook is available for purchase through Kindle Direct Publishing. Additionally, the ACA offers sensory analysis practice webinars and a Facebook study group, continuously updated with resources for exam candidates. Interested candidates can find links to all Certified Pommelier resources on the ACA’s website.
A live sensory analysis webiner is scheduled for March 28, 2024 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM Pacific featuring Meriwether Cider. Those interested in attending can find all the details on the ACA website. Additional sensory analysis webinars will be released at a later date once cider availability for unique offerings has been confirmed. The ACA is also currently looking for additional cideries interested in having their ciders featured in a webinar. Interested cideries can reach out to Education Operation Manager Jennie Dorsey.
2024 Certified Pommelier exams will be held at the following locations:
- April 18: Wolffer Estate Vineyard
- April 27 : Frankfurt, Germany: CiderWorld
- July 23: Bellingham, WA
- August 20: Minneapolis, MN
- October 8: Austin, TX
- February 5, 2025: CiderCon® 2025 Chicago
More details and registration for all exams will be announced as soon as they are finalized.
Contact the ACA’s Education Operations Manager Jennie Dorsey if you have questions about the Certified Cider Professional program or are interested in taking either the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide or Level 2 Certified Pommelier exams. You can also learn more at https://ciderassociation.org/certification.
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Additional Information:
Bios for all Certified Pommeliers can be found on the ACA website.
ACA Announces International Expansion of Certified Cider Professional Program
PRESS RELEASE
February 26, 2024
Contact: Michelle McGrath
Email: michelle@ciderassociation.org
The American Cider Association is pleased to announce the expansion of its beverage professional education and certification program to the global cider community. The Certified Cider Professional program was launched at CiderCon® 2016 with a particular focus on the United States. Since then, the certification program has developed to become the most robust and thorough cider appreciation and education program for beverage professionals in the world. Most recently the ACA has revised study and exam materials to have a broader scope, and the ACA’s Certified Cider Professional program is now applicable to anywhere in the world that cider is made and sold.
“We have been getting an increasing number of inquiries about the CCP program from all over the world,” says Jennie Dorsey, ACA Education Operations Manager. “A number of candidates for the second level of certification, Certified Pommelier, have even made a trip to the U.S. just to sit for the exam, so clearly there is an unmet need out there and no other comparable education program available.”
Award winning educator and global cider expert Gabe Cook, aka The Ciderologist, has joined forces with the ACA to help expand its certification program to a global audience. Cook says, “I am delighted to be teaming up with the ACA through CCP to increase the knowledge, respect and passion for one of the world’s truly great and ancient drinks.” He continues, “Now is the time for a unified education program that is applicable and open to anyone and everyone from Seattle to Somerset to Sydney. It is a true reflection of the globalization of cider and indicative of this being an incredibly exciting time for cider.”
Additional updates geared toward program growth include CCP branding. The ACA has newly retitled CCP’s introductory level to “Certified Cider Guide,” and has updated the CCP branding to better distinguish the two offered CCP levels–(1) Certified Cider Guide and (2) Certified Pommelier.
The first international in-person Certified Cider Guide training workshop and exam was held in Melbourne, Australia in the fall of 2023 with the support of Cider Australia. The exam took place following the Australian Cider awards and ten individuals earned the title of Certified Cider Guide.
Additional in-person classes and exams are planned for Europe in the coming months. On-demand virtual training and Certified Cider Guide exams are also available at any time.
The inaugural international Certified Pommelier exam is scheduled to be held in April 2024 to coincide with the Cider World event in Frankfurt, Germany. To earn their title Certified Pommeliers are rigorously tested on their cider knowledge with a written theory exam and a sensory evaluation exam.
“We are very confident in our educational programming, and these recent steps will help us reach more US beverage professionals as well as international ones,” says ACA’s CEO Michelle McGrath. “Gabe Cook is uniquely suited to helping us grow the program overseas, and we’re really excited about the partnership. He works tirelessly for the cider category,” McGrath adds.
There are currently 2,480 Certified Cider Guides and 97 Certified Pommeliers.
The American Cider Association is an organization of cider and perry producers in the United States. The Certified Cider Professional program is helping the ACA reach its vision for the US cider industry which includes but is not limited to the following aspirations: (1) Throughout America, it is widely understood that cider pairs exceptionally well with food, (2) America’s most talented chefs and beverage professionals are promoting cider and food pairings on their menus, in their public relations and on television, (3) US cider is the most coveted cider in the global marketplace.
Visit cidercertification.org to learn more about CCP training and exam opportunities around the world. International certification inquiries can be made with Gabe Cook at Gabe@ciderassociation.org. North America based inquiries can be made with Jennie Dorsey at Jennie@ciderassociation.org.
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Additional Information:
Certified Cider Professional Logos: CLICK HERE
Certified Cider Professional Photos: CLICK HERE
Gabe Cook Photos and Bio: CLICK HERE
March 28: Live Sensory Analysis Webinar with Meriwether Cider
You’re invited to a Live Sensory Analysis webinar on Thursday, March 28, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Pacific Time! Join our Certified Pommelier panel as they guide you through an immersive sensory experience featuring cider from Meriwether Cider in Idaho.
During this live practice session, you’ll learn how to analyze and appreciate cider like a pro and prep for your Certified Pommelier exam. Not able to make it to the live event? No worries! The webinar will be recorded and available for you to purchase and practice at your convenience.
We recommend ordering Meriwether Cider well in advance so you have it available to practice with during the webinar. You can purchase your Meriwether Cider for the webinar here.
Cost is $30 for non-members and $20 for ACA members. Are you an ACA member? Contact Education Operations Manager Jennie Dorsey for your discount code.
Certified Pommelier™ Ceremony at CiderCon® 2024
We are thrilled to share that the American Cider Association is hosting the inaugural Certified Pommelier™ Ceremony at CiderCon® 2024 in Portland, Oregon. This isn’t just any ceremony, it’s a celebration of achievements, a recognition of passion, and a toast to education.
Each and every Certified Pommelier™ brings their hard work, dedication, and cider expertise to the table. Their journey deserves to be celebrated, and what better place to do so than in the cider haven of Portland, Oregon.
So come join us at lunch on Thursday, January 18 at CiderCon® 2024 to raise a glass high to our Certified Pommeliers™ accomplishments and the beginning of a new chapter in cider education. Let’s toast to the future of cider and the continued success of our Certified Pommeliers™!
Interested in learning more about our Certified Cider Professional programs? Head to our Certification page.
Introducing Certified Pommelier™ Chapters
We were so excited to share the news of our 12 new Certified Pommeliers™ last week, but that’s not all we have to share; we’re not just about numbers (although they are fun) – we’re also about community, education, and advocacy. That’s why we’re also thrilled to announce the launch of the Certified Pommelier™ Chapters program.
Picture this: a network of educated cider enthusiasts spreading an understanding of the beverage across the globe. With leaders appointed in all six current ACA regions and Canada, the chapters are set to redefine the regional cider experience.
Meet Your Chapter Leaders:
- East: CT, MA,ME, PA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT- Paige Flori
- Midwest: IA,IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI, KY- Sean Niemisto
- South: AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV, MD, DE, DC- Josh Corl
- Mtn West: AZ, CO, NM, NV, UT, WY, SD, ND, KS, NE, OK, TX- Matthew Ostrander
- Northwest: OR, WA, ID, MT, AK- Storie Madrid
- Pacific Coast CA, HI- Brandon Buza
- Canada- Sara Boyd
How Do We Plan to Redefine the Regional Cider Experience?
- Community building: Our chapters, meetings and events will be more than just gatherings, they will help ignite a spark in the heart of local cider communities. Imagine sharing stories, clinking glasses, and forging friendships with like minded individuals who appreciate the art of cider. Chapters will play a pivotal role in nurturing these connections creating regional cider centric hubs.
- Education: Certified Pommelier™ chapters will be the epicenter of knowledge-sharing and skills development. From cider tastings to hands-on workshops, we hope to bring these educational events down to the local level and make them accessible for any cider lover.
- Advocacy: We’re not just sitting in the wings; we’re raising our glass high and advocating for the value of cider education. Certified Pommelier™ chapters will champion the industry in their respective regions aspiring to advance consumer understanding of the beverage and how it is made.
So, whether you’re a seasoned cider aficionado or just starting to dip your toes into the world of cider there’s a place for you in the Certified Cider Professional education community.
ACA Welcomes 12 New Certified Pommeliers™ After October Exams
The American Cider Association is proud to announce that twelve individuals successfully passed the Certified Pommelier™ examination in October 2023. The new Certified Pommeliers™ are Ann Bliss of Mullers Cider House, Bryan Barry, Christian Rodriguez, and Tom Hansen of Angry Orchard, Katie Black of DSSOLVR, Johnny Rice of Orchard Hill Cider Mill, Don Whitaker of Castle Hill Cider, Henry Johnson of Bold Rock Hard Cider, Chris Jackson of Treasury Cider at Fishkill Farms, Aaron Gore of Fresh Pitch Beverage Consulting, and cider enthusiasts Sabrina Nencetti and David Lindsey.
The rigorous exam, held in both New York and North Carolina last month, tested candidates on their understanding of cider production, history, and sensory evaluation. As a result, these newly Certified Pommeliers™ are now equipped with advanced skills to guide consumers through the wide variety of ciders available and to help elevate the cider industry at the point of sale.
Early on, the American Cider Association recognized the need to promote specialized knowledge about the cider category. Certifications are increasingly being used to set food and beverage professionals apart. However, most certification programs cover cider in a cursory manner or not at all. With cider being a beautifully nuanced beverage with a diverse set of elements often less understood by food and beverage professionals, the establishment of the Certified Cider Professional (CCP) program in 2016 was a strategic maneuver. Today, the CCP program is designed to educate those on the front-line of cider sales, making it the world’s most comprehensive and in-depth cider appreciation program for food and beverage professionals.
The CCP program begins with a Certified Cider Guide (CCG) Level 1 certification to help industry professionals develop a fundamental understanding of cider. The Certified Pommelier™ (CP) Level 2 takes it a step further by encouraging cider professionals to think critically and showcase a higher level of understanding of the elements of cider. The rigorous testing process consists of four types of questions, including short answer, fill in the blank, essay, and blind sensory–which is based on tasting.
The ACA is dedicated to ensuring that all information tested on the exam is made accessible to anyone who desires to learn. To that end, the ACA released a textbook in March of 2023 to help candidates prepare to take the exam with just one comprehensive resource. The textbook is available for purchase through Kindle Direct Publishing. Additionally, the ACA offers sensory analysis practice webinars and a Facebook study group, continuously updated with resources for exam candidates. Interested candidates can find links to all Certified Pommelier™ resources on the ACA’s website.
The next Certified Pommelier™ Exam will be held at CiderCon® 2024 in Portland, Oregon on January 17, 2024
Contact the ACA’s Education Operations Manager Jennie Dorsey if you have questions about the Certified Cider Professional program or are interested in taking either the Level 1 or Certified Pommelier™ exams. You can also learn more at https://ciderassociation.org/certification.
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In Person CCP Level 1 at Angry Orchard
Are you ready to take your passion for cider to the next level? Join us at Angry Orchard Innovation Cider House during New York Cider Week for an in-person Certified Cider Professional Level 1 certification workshop! We are thrilled to collaborate with the American Cider Association to bring you this amazing opportunity to become CCP Level 1 certified.
During the workshop, you will learn about the history of cider, the cider making process, and the different styles of cider. This workshop also features a Certified Pommelier™ led tasting experience featuring New York Ciders! After the training, participants can take the test online immediately (BYO computer) or at a later date.
The cost per person for this fantastic experience is $65, which includes the test fee. But that’s not all! Lunch and, of course, more cider will be available for purchase at our tasting room after the training.
We would love to see anyone who sells cider, works in a tasting room or retail shop, owners, chefs, sommeliers, cicerones, buyers and cidermakers who are interested in cider education and adding a cider certification to their accreditation sign up and join us!
Space is limited, so register now and get ready to become a Certified Cider Professional!
CCP Level One Workshop at Far West Cider
Far West Cider is excited to collaborate with the American Cider Association to host an in person Certified Cider Professional workshop on the afternoon of August 14!
Do you sell cider or work in a tasting room or retail shop? Are you a chef, sommelier, cicerone, buyer or cidermaker? Do you just love cider and want to be able to spread the word with some serious cider knowledge to back it up? Then this workshop is perfect for you! This is a great opportunity to gather with fellow California cider folks to develop your cider knowledge so you can keep on promoting the amazing California ciders you know and love or to learn about them if you’re new to cider! Not to mention, you’ll have the chance to walk away with a Certified Cider Professional Level One designation!
Attendees will enjoy a two hour workshop and tasting session with American Cider Association Education Operations Manager and Certified Pommelier™ Jennie Dorsey. After the workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to take the online test at Far West Cider (bring your own computer). The test can also be taken online at a later date if so desired.
Did we mention that after the workshop, you’ll be able to purchase Far West Cider to take home or to enjoy with fellow attendees in the tasting room?!
Cost to attend is $65 per person and includes the test fee (this is a $30 savings from individual bundle purchases AND includes a cider tasting).
*A note about arriving at Far West Cider: Use the above address in Google Maps and just follow the navigation, if it feels like you’ve headed the wrong way you’re right on track. Riggers Loft is located at the end of the long winding road. Look for a building marked “SHEET METAL / PAINTING” and a red banner marked “WINE TASTING HERE.” Far West is right inside!