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TAKE THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER™ EXAM DURING NEW YORK CIDER WEEK!

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 the Angry Orchard Innovatoin Cider House in Walden, NY. The exam will take place Wednesday, October 11, 2023 starting at 8:00 AM. Registrants are asked to arrive by 7:45 AM.

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: 

*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

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.