Certification Exam

The Highest Standard for Cheese Professionals
As the leader in specialty cheese, the American Cheese Society has launched the Certified Cheese Professional™ Exam (CCPE) – the only exam of its kind. The CCPE was established to encourage improved standards of comprehensive cheese knowledge and service, offering professionals in the cheese industry the opportunity to earn the distinguished title of ACS Certified Cheese Professional™, or ACS CCP™.

The letters ACS CCP™ designate that an individual has acquired thorough knowledge and the level of expertise that is demanded of the cheese industry. The American Cheese Society will maintain an online directory of individuals with the ACS CCP™ designation for reference by organizations and individuals seeking employees, giving ACS CCP™s and their employers a competitive edge.

Apply for the 2014 Exam

ACS is now accepting applications for the 2014 exam.

• Steps to Earning Your Certification
• Exam Handbook & Application
• About the Exam
• Exam Eligibility Criteria
• Exam Fees
• 2013 Exam Details
• Exam Administration & Oversight
• Computer Requirements
• Body of Knowledge
• Bibliography
• CCPE Newsletter
• Recertification
• Sponsors & Supporters
• Exam Advisors

Steps to Earning Your Certification

1. Carefully read the Certification Handbook.
2. Apply to take the exam via the link provided in the Certification Handbook. Each application will be carefully reviewed to ensure that candidates meet the eligibility criteria. Read more about the Application Review Process.
3. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to register for the exam.

About the Exam
The CCPE is given electronically. Candidates will have a maximum of 3 hours to answer 150 multiple choice questions. The exam measures candidates’ mastery of cheese knowledge and best practices, and evaluates candidates’ understanding of core competencies common to the majority of cheese industry jobs: retailers, cheesemongers, cheesemakers, distributors, importers/exporters, restaurateurs, educators, and food writers. Exam content is developed from domains within the ACS Body of Knowledge.

Exam Eligibility Criteria
All candidates must meet the CCPE eligibility criteria before applying to take the exam. Find out more about the Application Review Process.

Exam Fees*

• Application Processing Fee (see step #2 above): $35
• Exam Registration Fee (see step #3 above): $500 for ACS members / $650 for non-members*
• Has your application been accepted? Please remember to log in to our website if you haven’t already done so, and then pay your Exam Registration Fee.

*All fees are non-refundable. If you would like to become an ACS member to enjoy the lower exam registration fee, visit our Membership page or call 720-328-2788.

2013 Exam Details
The 2013 exam will be administered in Madison, WI on July 31, 2013, immediately prior to the 30th Annual ACS Conference & Competition. ACS will offer spaces to individuals who are approved to take the exam in 2013 on a rolling basis, based on the order in which applications are received.

On May 8, 2012, ACS offered an informational webinar for exam-takers with important information about the exam. View the webinar online.

Exam Administration & Oversight
A committee consisting of ACS staff and cheese industry leaders reviews all applications for certification. The American Cheese Society is responsible for administering the exam.

Recertification
ACS CCP™s will be required to renew their certification with ACS every 3 years by demonstrating continued professional development in the cheese industry.

Sponsors & Supporters The CCPE is made possible through the generous contributions of industry supporters.

Exam Advisors
Many industry professionals have contributed to the development of the CCPE, including: