If you're familiar with sommeliers, the experts who help choose the perfect wine to complement meals, then you may be interested to know that the beer world has an equivalent. Allow us to introduce you to the Cicerone®, a certified expert in every type of beer. Cicerones® can achieve certification at four different levels, each showcasing their expertise and passion for beer. For bartenders and brewers, obtaining a Cicerone® certification offers valuable insights into the beverage industry and demonstrates professionalism in discussing and handling products. Operators can also benefit from these certifications by using them as a tool to assess potential hires or as a training resource, eliminating the need to create one internally. Explore the role of a Cicerone® and the requirements for each of the four levels of certification.
What Is a Cicerone®?
A Cicerone® is an expert in the brewing, selection, pairing, and serving of all varieties of beer. This title is earned through a certification process that involves both written and tasting examinations as well as a required demonstration of beer pairing expertise. It is the equivalent position to a sommelier in the wine industry.
What Does a Cicerone® Do?
A Cicerone® makes beer pairing suggestions, serves beer to customers, and is responsible for ensuring beer is stored and handled properly. The Cicerone® knows the proper temperatures and conditions for all beer styles and is trusted with keeping a beer garden or restaurant’s brews in their best condition.
How to Pronounce Cicerone®
Cicerone® is pronounced sis-uh-rohn.
Cicerone® Levels
There are four levels of certification in the Cicerone® Certification Program, ranging from Certified Beer Server® to Master Cicerone®. In the table below, we provide information on the certification requirements and benefits of each level.
Level 1: Certified Beer Server®
The Cicerone Certified Beer Server® exam assesses one’s ability to clean beer glassware, pour properly, and ensure beer hasn’t been ruined by improper handling. Holding this certification proves you know how to showcase a beer as its brewer intended.
- Certified Beer Server® Exam Prerequisites: None
- How to Take the Certified Beer Server® Exam: Register online and purchase the exam from the “My Account” page
- Certified Beer Server® Exam Cost: $69, two attempts provided per payment
What You’ll Learn
Below is an overview of what you’ll learn and be tested on to become a Certified Beer Server®. See the Certified Beer Server® syllabus for specific information.
- The terminology of beer, including important flavor descriptors and popular beer varieties
- Expertise in beer service, including the proper techniques for preparing glasses and pouring draft and bottled beers
- The primary ways beer flavor can deteriorate after leaving the brewery and effective methods for preventing these issues
Certified Beer Server® Exam Format
- Online only
- 60 multiple-choice questions
- 75% required passing grade
- In addition to the exam, test takers must pass a short quiz about the Cicerone® program
Level 2: Certified Cicerone®
Everyone from bartenders to brewery executives benefits from the Certified Cicerone® designation. The certification signifies professional knowledge and crucial tasting abilities in the field of beer. To obtain this certification, you must pass both a written and tasting exam.
- Certified Cicerone® Prerequisites: Must be 21 years or older and have passed the Certified Beer Server® exam
- Certified Cicerone® Written Exam Cost: $225
- Certified Cicerone® Tasting/Demonstration Exam Cost: $175
- How to Take the Certified Cicerone® Exam: Register online and view the Cicerone® exam schedule to find a test near you and sign up through the My Account page
What You’ll Learn
Below is an overview of what you’ll learn and be tested on to become a certified Cicerone®. See Certified Cicerone® Syllabus for specific information.
- Extensive knowledge of beer storage, service, and styles as well as relative knowledge of beer history
- The ability to identify flawed beers
- How to make appropriate beer pairings
Certified Cicerone® Exam Format
- In-person only
- Written exam with short answer and essay questions
- Tasting and demonstration component
- 80% required passing grade overall, with at least 70% for the tasting portion
Level 3: Advanced Cicerone®
The third level of certification is the Advanced Cicerone®. Passing this exam proves your expertise in beer, sensory skills, and ability to use advanced beer vocabulary in both industry and consumer-facing applications.
- Advanced Cicerone® Prerequisites: Must be 21 years or older and have passed the Certified Cicerone® exam. Must pass both written and tasting sections within three years.
- Advanced Cicerone® Written Exam Cost: $425
- Advanced Cicerone® Tasting/Demonstration Exam Cost: $375
- How to Take the Certified Advanced Cicerone® Exam: Register online and view the Advanced Cicerone® exam schedule to find a test near you and sign up through the My Account page
What You'll Learn
Below is an overview of what you’ll learn and be tested on to become a certified Advanced Cicerone®. See Certified Advanced Cicerone® Syllabus for specific information.
- Expert knowledge of brewing, beer, and beer service issues
- Theoretical and hands-on knowledge of draft systems
- Thorough knowledge of beer styles and beer and food pairings
- The ability to identify the beer flavor compounds listed on the syllabus by taste using AROXA™ flavor standards
Advanced Cicerone® Exam Format
- Two in-person oral examinations plus in-person tasting panels
- The written portion is online and remotely proctored (a limited number of in-person written exams are available)
- 80% required passing grade overall, with at least 75% for the tasting portion
Level 4: Master Cicerone®
The Master Cicerone® certification is the highest level of certification. This prestigious certification acknowledges an unparalleled comprehension of brewing techniques, beer varieties, and the art of pairing. It combines exceptional tasting skills with extensive knowledge of the vast landscape of commercial beers.
- Master Cicerone® Prerequisites: Must be 21 years or older and have passed the Advanced Cicerone® exam.
- How to Take the Master Cicerone® Exam: Register online; exams are given once a year in the United States
- Master Cicerone® Test Cost: $995
What You’ll Learn
Below is an overview of what you’ll learn and be tested on to become a Master Cicerone®. See the Master Cicerone® syllabus for specific information.
- “Encyclopedic knowledge” of all brewing, beer, and beer service issues
- Theoretical and hands-on knowledge of draft systems
- Thorough knowledge of beer styles and experience collaborating with chefs to create beer and food pairings
Master Cicerone® Exam Format
- In-person only
- 2-day exam with multiple written, oral, and tasting components
- 85% required passing grade overall
Which Level of Cicerone® Certification Is Right for You?
Depending on the type of establishment you’d like to work in, your certification goals may vary. Earning a Certified Beer Server® is helpful when working in casual bars and restaurants, but working towards the title of Master Cicerone® makes sense for bartenders working in upscale environments and brewers.
When considering certifications, it is important to think about the financial investment involved. For example, before becoming an Advanced Cicerone™, you should consider if there are job opportunities that can offset the cost of the certification. Check if there are high-level Cicerone® positions available in your area before investing. If not, you may need to consider relocating or asking if there is room to create a position for yourself. Since becoming a Master Cicerone® takes time, you can make these decisions while working towards the certifications.
Cicerone® Exam Group Discount for Businesses
The Cicerone® Certification Program offers discounted group exam rates for companies that produce and serve beer. Businesses can take advantage of individual training for staff or on-site training by a Cicerone® representative. Your employees then take their Certified Beer Server exams® individually online. This is a great option for any restaurant, brewery, or foodservice establishment that deals with the handling, manufacturing, or serving of beer.
How to Prepare for the Cicerone ® Exam
Whether you're studying for a Master Cicerone® certification or wondering how to become Cicerone Certified Beer Server®, there is a large amount of information to absorb and put to use. Thankfully, the Cicerone Certification Program® has plenty of tools and resources you can take advantage of or purchase to help get you ready for your exam.
Beginners can make preparing for their Certified Beer Server® exam easier by taking the BeerSavvy® optional paid course before taking the test. This program teaches you the information found on the exam and is available online as an e-learning program as well as in person. For the Master Cicerone® exam, the Cicerone® Certification Program suggests the following in addition to studying their free resources:
- Taste a wide range of beer styles, and be familiar enough with their flavors to describe them in great detail
- Practice recognizing when a beer is flawed by using off-flavor kits and training
- Travel to beer-producing areas (particularly in Europe) to learn more about the brewing process
- Brew alone or with partners to gain hands-on experience
- Know the proper beer glass types for serving
- Practice beer and food pairing, especially in collaboration with chefs
Becoming a Certified Cicerone® is a great investment for individuals seeking careers in all parts of the beer industry. With these certifications, you can prove your knowledge of beer and make yourself an attractive candidate for positions in breweries, restaurants, tap rooms, and more.
