CHICAGO — The Cicerone® Certification Program today announced the launch of its United Kingdom Certified Beer Server exam. This exam now makes beer certification available to candidates who have experience of working in the unique environment of the United Kingdom. More than 1,000 individuals have already achieved the Certified Beer Server level in the UK. The new version makes it easier for British beer professionals to join the ranks of more than 95,000 individuals worldwide who have earned this professional beer title.
“Over the last two years, we researched the differences between US and UK bar operations and solicited input from brewers and other authorities in the UK,” said Ray Daniels, Founder and Director of the Cicerone Certification Program. “We are pleased to be able to make these UK-specific exams available starting this year.”
While British candidates have been participating in the Cicerone program since its launch in 2008, the organization has adapted syllabi for the Certified Beer Server and Certified Cicerone® exams based on feedback from pub owners, brewers, and educators. Between 10-15% of the Certified Beer Server exam has been updated to become more local to the UK.
New areas of focus in United Kingdom Certified Beer Server exam are:
- Greater emphasis on cask service
- Draught system maintenance that matches UK practice and guidelines
- UK glassware cleaning regimen that matches UK practice and guidelines
- Glassware sizes used in the UK
- Addition of beer styles that are more common in the UK, such as British Golden Ale and Scottish Export
To access the United Kingdom Certified Beer Server Exam, go to www.cicerone.org and select “International: English” when prompted to “Choose Region and Language.” From there, choose “Certifications” and then “Certified Beer Server.”
After passing any version of the Certified Beer Server exam, individuals qualify to sit the second level exam to earn Certified Cicerone® status. This second level exam has also been adapted for UK content and practices. The UK version of the Certified Cicerone exam will be offered for the first time May 21st in London. For further information, see www.cicerone.org.
The Cicerone Certification Program is built around a series of four professional certification exams starting with Certified Beer Server and ending with the top-level Master Cicerone®.
With roots in the American craft beer movement and in-depth coverage of classic European beer culture, the Cicerone program has become the global standard for assessing beer professionals since its launch in 2008.
ABOUT THE CICERONE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Launched in 2008 by brewer, author, and beer educator Ray Daniels, the Cicerone Certification Program seeks to ensure that consumers receive the best quality beer at every service occasion. To facilitate this, those who sell and serve beer are encouraged to acquire knowledge in five areas: 1) Keeping and Serving Beer, 2) Beer Styles, 3) Beer Flavor and Evaluation, 4) Beer Ingredients and Brewing Processes, and 5) Pairing Beer with Food.
The Cicerone Certification Program certifies beer professionals at four levels:
- Certified Beer Server
- Certified Cicerone®
- Advanced Cicerone®
- Master Cicerone®
To date, more than 95,000 individuals have been certified through the program. For more information on “What is a Cicerone?” visit: http://cicerone.org/about