Posts Tagged ‘current’
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!
CCP In Person Training at South Hill Cider
South Hill Cider is excited to collaborate with the American Cider Association to host a training workshop in person for the Certified Cider Professional Level 1 Certification at their cidery on August 21, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern. Participants will have the opportunity to take the test online immediately after the training or take the test at a later date.
This is a great opportunity for the NY cider community to gather in person to attend the workshop and get CCP Level 1 certified. Anyone who sells cider, works in a tasting room or retail shop, is an owner, chef, sommelier, cicerone, buyer or cidermaker who is interested in cider education and adding a cider certification to their accreditation is welcome and encouraged to join the training session!
Lunch will also be available for purchase at the South Hill Cider tasting room after the training.
Details :
- 9:45 AM: Arrival and check-in
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Workshop in tent
- 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM: Lunch break (food will be available to purchase)
- 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM: Take the online CCP 1 exam (please bring your own laptop)
- 2:15 PM: Enjoy a glass of cider and the view
Cost per person is $45 which includes the test fee. Tickets are available on EventBrite.
Interested in learning how you can host an in-person training event at your location? Learn more on our CCP Level 1 website.
Live Sensory Analysis Webinar with Alma Cider
Join our Certified Pommelier™ panel in a live practice sensory webinar on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 PM Pacific featuring cider from Alma Cider. This webinar will also be available to rewatch 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 Press then Press.
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.
Certified Pommelier™ Exam to Be Held in San Francisco August 13
TAKE THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER™ EXAM IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA!
Are you ready to take the next step in your professional development in the cider industry? Already passed the Certified Cider Professional Level 1 Certification and looking for that next challenge? Now’s your chance!
The American Cider Association is pleased to announce that the next Certified Pommelier™ Exam will be held in San Francisco, California! The exam will take place Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Barebottle Brewing, 1525 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110.
After the exam you can stick around for a tour and tasting at Barebottle Brewing too!
PREPARING FOR THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER™ EXAM
The Certified Pommelier™ Exam is our second tier of certification and requires in depth study. You must have passed our CCP Level One Certification prior to taking the Certified Pommelier™ Exam. You can purchase a CCP Level One bundle here. (ACA members can find a discount code to purchase the bundle here). The bundle includes an on demand training webinar, a study guide, and two exam attempts.
The ACA has also recently released a Certified Pommelier™ Study Guide that covers the information needed for the theory portion of the exam. It can be purchased here on Amazon.
In addition, several pre-recorded sensory webinars are also available for purchase and can be found here. Please be aware that cider must be purchased separately. Also, be aware that key sensory elements of these ciders may vary from year to year.
Stay tuned for the option to participate in a live sensory analysis webinar this summer prior to the exam in San Francisco. You can check our certification page for the latest news.
WHILE YOU’RE IN SAN FRANCISCO
Why not make it a weekend (or longer) since you’ll be heading to the beautiful Bay Area of California anyway, especially since it’s the weekend of the Gravenstein Apple Fair, which will be celebrating it’s 50th year!
ACA Welcomes New Certified Pommelier™, Industry Veteran Nicole LeGrand Leibon
The American Cider Association is thrilled to announce that Nicole LeGrand Leibon has passed the Certified Pommelier™ exam. Deeply experienced in cider, from orchard to package, Nicole has been there for industry growth from its modest beginnings to the juggernaut it is today. Nicole joined Farnum Hill Ciders and Poverty Lane Orchards in 2000, where she helped create a style that honored the terroir and the fruit, while gaining renown for the best ciders in America. In 2018, while finishing her 19th harvest at Farnum Hill Ciders, Nicole went on to expand her skills to distilling. She became the Assistant Distiller at SILO Distillery in Windsor, VT, as well as Head Cidermaker. Currently, Nicole is the cider blend consultant, LeNose Knows and a board member for the Cider Institute of North America (CINA). Nicole is the first person from Vermont to become a Certified Pommelier™.
The Certified Pommelier™ certification was developed to move beyond a fundamental understanding and to encourage cider professionals to think critically while demonstrating a higher understanding of the elements of cider. The rigorous test consists of five types of questions: short answer, fill in the blank, matching, essay and blind sensory (based on tasting).
While the Certified Pommelier™ exam is designed to be challenging, the ACA is dedicated to making sure all of the information tested on is accessible for all who desire to learn. To that end, the ACA recently announced the release of their new textbook to help candidates prepare to take the exam with just one resource. Those interested in preparing for the exam can purchase the new textbook through Kindle Direct Publishing. In addition, sensory analysis practice webinars and a Facebook study group are continually being updated with resources for candidates studying for the exam. Links to all CCP resources can be found on the ACA’s website.
The ACA has recently announced several new sensory analysis webinars and exams for those interested in pursuing their Certified Pommelier™ designation. Upcoming events include:
- July 26: Live Sensory Analysis Webinar with Alma Cider
- August 13: Certified Pommelier™ Exam in San Francisco, CA
- October 24: Certified Pommelier™ Exam in Asheville, North Carolina
- November: Date TBD Sensory Analysis Webinar with Haykin Cider
- 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.
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ACA Announces Release of New Certified Pommelier Textbook
The American Cider Association is very pleased to announce the release of its new textbook for candidates preparing for the exam to become a Certified Pommelier™. Certified Pommelier™ is the second level of the ACA’s Certified Cider Professional program, the world’s most comprehensive and in-depth cider education program for beverage professionals.
“Cider is a broad and complex category,” commented ACA chief executive officer Michelle McGrath. “Our program is designed to give professionals in the beverage and hospitality industries a thorough knowledge of cider, the how and why as well as the what, empowering them to not only improve their ability to help advise customers but to create and grow whole cider programs. It is really the equivalent of any of the other well known and respected professional certification programs such as Cicerone® or the Court of Master Sommeliers. It is clear how much having those credentials can enhance someone’s career prospects, and we’re seeing that with the CCP program, too.”
The Certified Pommelier™ exam has two separate parts, one examining theory and the other a candidate’s ability to taste and accurately describe a cider. Study materials geared toward the theory portion of the exam have previously been made available through the ACA’s website, but these materials are now considered obsolete. Those interested in preparing for the exam can purchase the new textbook on Amazon.com.
You can learn more about our Certified Cider Professional Program on our website.
Thinking about studying for the exam? Join our Certified Pommelier™ Facebook group.
For more information, contact Michelle McGrath at michelle@ciderassociation.org
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