Posts Tagged ‘current’
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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Certified Pommelier™ Exam at CiderCon® 2024
TAKE THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER™ EXAM AT CIDERCON® 2024!
Are you ready to take the next step in your professional development in the cider industry?
If you have already passed the Certified Cider Professional Level 1 Certification 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® 2024 in Portland, Oregon. The exam will take place Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at the Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232. Deadline to register is December 18, 2023.
Read on to learn more about the Certified Pommelier™ Exam and how to prepare, what to expect, and how to register! (P.S. There’s a discount code available for ACA members who want to take the test. You can find that code HERE by logging in to your account.)
WHAT IS THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER™ EXAM?
The American Cider Association’s mission is to grow a diverse and successful U.S. 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 sales (distributors, retailers, bartenders and more!).
The intro-level certification (CCP Level 1) is an online test that can be taken at any time. The more advanced level of certification–the Certified Pommelier™ exam–is an in person hand-written exam in two parts: Theory and Sensory. The theory portion of the exam consists of four types of questions: short answer, fill in the blank, matching, and essay, and the sensory portion of the exam is a blind tasting using the ACA’s structured sensory analysis forms.
*CCP Level 1 is a prerequisite for Certified Pommelier. (Haven’t taken your CCP Level 1? Buy the bundle here.)
Certified Pommeliers™ must have a fundamental understanding of all topics covered in CCP Level 1, but must also be able to think critically and use the basics to demonstrate a higher understanding of the elements of cider. This exam is meant to be challenging. Studying is highly recommended.
The topics covered in the exam are:
- Apples, the Orchard & History
- Cider Making
- Flavor & Evaluation
- Cider Families
- Keeping & Serving
- Food & Cider
- Social Responsibility
*If a test-taker passes only the Theory or only the Sensory portion of the exam, they are permitted the opportunity to retake the un-passed portion of the exam at a future date (within 18 months). After the 18 month grace period has lapsed, any portions of the exam not passed may be retaken at a 25% discount.
WHY BECOME A CERTIFIED POMMELIER™?
Cider is a beautifully nuanced beverage with a diverse set of elements that are often misunderstood by food and beverage professionals. Certifications are increasingly used in the professional realm to set oneself apart as an individual with specialized knowledge, though cider is often covered in a cursory manner by most certification programs, if at all. Although there are already more than 2.200 Level 1 Certified Cider Professionals, being recognized as a Certified Pommelier™ will put you in the vanguard of verified advanced cider specialists in this ever growing category.
HOW MUCH DOES THE TEST COST?
For ACA members, the exam is $200. There is a discount code that members can access to receive the exam at the membership rate of $200. That discount code can be found here.
For non-members, the exam is $275.
Price now includes access to a pre-recorded introductory webinar to the updated sensory form and sample sensory forms from key cider regions. The webinar can be accessed at any point to prepare for your exam.
FAQs
- Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event? YES- You must be 21 or older and you must provide an ID to prove you are who you say you are.
- Do I need to pass the level 1 CCP exam to take the Certified Pommelier™ test? Yes. Passing the Level 1 CCP exam is a prerequisite. If you have not yet taken the Level 1 exam, you can purchase the Level 1 bundle on demand HERE. The bundle includes an on-demand webinar, study guide, and access to the online exam.
- What can I bring into the event? Nothing may be brought into the exam room. Cell phones must be left at the door. Pencils and drinking water will be provided.
- How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Please contact Education Operations Manager Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org.
- What’s the refund policy? We will refund test takers until two weeks before the exam.
- Is there a training workshop? This is not a workshop, but an exam only. Once you register for your exam, sensory exam prep materials will be emailed to you. These prep materials include a sensory form instruction video, sample sensory forms, and blank sensory forms. We strongly suggest you purchase the Certified Pommelier™ Study Guide from Amazon. The study guide will cover all information presented in the theory portion of the exam. There is also a dedicated Facebook Group (that is open for all to join) with prep materials and in depth peer conversations. STUDY! We highly recommend interviewing cidermakers and cider tenders to help prepare. Blind tasting flights are also good prep. In addition, there are sensory webinars available for purchase here, and new live sensory analysis webinars will be announced on our certification page.
- Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends? If you are transferring registration to another person, please email us in advance.
- Is there a tasting section on the test? Yes. You will be asked to evaluate ciders from multiple cider families.
- How long does the test take? You are given 2 hours to complete the theory portion of the exam and 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the sensory portion. There will be a 15 minute break in between exam portions.
Refund and Opt Out Policy
Refunds will be offered up to 2 weeks before the exam.
Any purchaser can opt out of the exam up to 72 hours prior to scheduled time. If opt out is chosen, another exam date must be chosen within 18 months. No refunds will be given.
Live Sensory Analysis Webinar with Haykin Family Cider
Join our Certified Pommelier™ panel in a live practice sensory webinar on Thursday, November 9 from 4:00-6:00 PM Pacific featuring cider from Haykin Family Cider. This webinar will also be available to watch again and practice as a prerecorded event. ACA Members can register for a discounted rate of $15. The discount code for members can be found here.
Cider must be purchased separately. Please be aware that it may take several days to receive your cider order, so we encourage you to purchase your ciders as soon as possible. Also, please verify that cider can be sent to your state before purchasing ciders. Ciders can be purchased from Haykin Family Cider here.
Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email. This email is a placeholder for the event. The evening before the event you will receive an email with a Zoom link to the webinar. Please note this link will be sent to the registered email.
ACA Welcomes Three New Certified Pommeliers
The American Cider Association is proud to announce that three individuals have successfully passed the Certified Pommelier™ examination. The new Certified Pommeliers™ are Anthony Chen–head brewer at AleSmith Brewing Company in San Diego; Lester Koga–owner of Bare Bottle Brewing in San Francisco; and Jessica Arlich–cider enthusiast from Vancouver, Washington. The rigorous exam, held in San Francisco 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. The ACA congratulates Anthony, Lester and Jessica on certifying their specialized cider knowledge and evaluation skills!
Lester Koga, Jessica Arlich, Anthony Chen
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 Level 1 certification to help industry professionals develop a fundamental understanding of cider. The Certified Pommelier™ certification (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 ACA has three upcoming exam dates for those interested in pursuing their Certified Pommelier™ designation.
- October 11: Certified Pommelier™ Exam during New York Cider Week
- October 24: Certified Pommelier™ Exam in Asheville, North Carolina
- January 17: Certified Pommelier™ Exam at CiderCon® 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.
New York Cider Week Certified Pommelier Exam
Are you looking for the next big step in your professional development? If you’ve already passed the Certified Cider Professional Level 1 Certification, then the American Cider Association has an exciting opportunity for you! We will be hosting a Certified Pommelier™ Exam on October 11, 2023 at the Angry Orchard Innovation Cider House in Walden, NY during New York Cider Week.
As a Certified Pommelier™, you’ll be recognized as an expert in the cider industry, with in-depth knowledge of apple varieties, orcharding, and cidermaking techniques. The exam will cover a wide range of topics, from the history of cider to the sensory evaluation of different ciders.
Don’t worry, though – you won’t be going into the exam blind! The ACA has provided plenty of resources to help you prepare, including study guides, online courses, and a Facebook study group. And if you’re an ACA member, you can even get a discount on the exam fee by logging into your account and finding the discount code.
So what are you waiting for? Register now for the Certified Pommelier™ Exam and take your cider knowledge to the next level! The registration deadline is October 1, 2023 so there’s no time to lose! Remember, the exam takes place on October 11, 2023, and registrants are asked to arrive by 7:45 AM. Good luck!
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!
October Certified Pommelier™ Exam in North Carolina
TAKE THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER™ EXAM IN ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA!
Are you ready to take the next step in your professional development in the cider industry?
If you have already passed the Certified Cider Professional Level 1 Certification 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 in Asheville, North Carolina! The exam will take place Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at the Bold Rock Taproom, 39 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Read on to learn more about the Certified Pommelier™ Exam and how to prepare, what to expect, and how to register! (P.S. There’s a discount code available for ACA members who want to take the test. You can find that code HERE by logging in to your account.)
WHAT IS THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER™ EXAM?
The American Cider Association’s mission is to grow a diverse and successful U.S. 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 sales (distributors, retailers, bartenders and more!).
The intro-level certification (CCP Level 1) is an online test that can be taken at any time. The more advanced level of certification–the Certified Pommelier™ exam–is an in person hand-written exam in two parts: Theory and Sensory. The theory portion of the exam consists of four types of questions: short answer, fill in the blank, matching, and essay, and the sensory portion of the exam is a blind tasting using the ACA’s structured sensory analysis forms.
*CCP Level 1 is a prerequisite for Certified Pommelier. (Haven’t taken your CCP Level 1? Buy the bundle here.)
Certified Pommeliers™ must have a fundamental understanding of all topics covered in CCP Level 1, but must also be able to think critically and use the basics to demonstrate a higher understanding of the elements of cider. This exam is meant to be challenging. Studying is highly recommended.
The topics covered in the exam are:
- Apples, the Orchard & History
- Cider Making
- Flavor & Evaluation
- Cider Families
- Keeping & Serving
- Food & Cider
- Social Responsibility
*If a test-taker passes only the Theory or only the Sensory portion of the exam, they are permitted the opportunity to retake the un-passed portion of the exam at a future date (within 18 months). After the 18 month grace period has lapsed, any portions of the exam not passed may be retaken at a 25% discount.
WHY BECOME A CERTIFIED POMMELIER™?
Cider is a beautifully nuanced beverage with a diverse set of elements that are often misunderstood by food and beverage professionals. Certifications are increasingly used in the professional realm to set oneself apart as an individual with specialized knowledge, though cider is often covered in a cursory manner by most certification programs, if at all. Although there are already more than 2.200 Level 1 Certified Cider Professionals, being recognized as a Certified Pommelier™ will put you in the vanguard of verified advanced cider specialists in this ever growing category.
HOW MUCH DOES THE TEST COST?
For ACA members, the exam is $200. There is a discount code that members can access to receive the exam at the membership rate of $200. That discount code can be found here.
For non-members, the exam is $275.
Price now includes access to a pre-recorded introductory webinar to the updated sensory form and sample sensory forms from key cider regions. The webinar can be accessed at any point to prepare for your exam.
FAQs
- Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event? YES- You must be 21 or older and you must provide an ID to prove you are who you say you are.
- Do I need to pass the level 1 CCP exam to take the Certified Pommelier™ test? Yes. Passing the Level 1 CCP exam is a prerequisite. If you have not yet taken the Level 1 exam, you can purchase the Level 1 bundle on demand HERE. The bundle includes an on-demand webinar, study guide, and access to the online exam.
- What can I bring into the event? Nothing may be brought into the exam room. Cell phones must be left at the door. Pencils and drinking water will be provided.
- How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Please contact Education Operations Manager Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org.
- What’s the refund policy? We will refund test takers until two weeks before the exam.
- Is there a training workshop? This is not a workshop, but an exam only. Once you register for your exam, sensory exam prep materials will be emailed to you. These prep materials include a sensory form instruction video, sample sensory forms, and blank sensory forms. We strongly suggest you purchase the Certified Pommelier™ Study Guide from Amazon. The study guide will cover all information presented in the theory portion of the exam. There is also a dedicated Facebook Group (that is open for all to join) with prep materials and in depth peer conversations. STUDY! We highly recommend interviewing cidermakers and cider tenders to help prepare. Blind tasting flights are also good prep. In addition, there are sensory webinars available for purchase here, and new live sensory analysis webinars will be announced on our certification page.
- Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends? If you are transferring registration to another person, please email us in advance.
- Is there a tasting section on the test? Yes. You will be asked to evaluate ciders from multiple cider families.
- How long does the test take? You are given 2 hours to complete the theory portion of the exam and 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the sensory portion. There will be a 15 minute break in between exam portions.
Refund and Opt Out Policy
Refunds will be offered up to 2 weeks before the exam.
Any purchaser can opt out of the exam up to 72 hours prior to scheduled time. If opt out is chosen, another exam date must be chosen within 18 months. No refunds will be given.
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!