Cheese Certification

Master of Cheese

Achieve the highest level of cheese expertise and join the ranks of the world's cheese masters.

Open to Academy Certified Fellows

The gold standard of cheese education

Master of Cheese certification represents the pinnacle of cheese expertise and cheese education, awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, skill, and commitment to the field. This prestigious qualification, offered by the Academy of Cheese, is highly regarded across the industry as a mark of true mastery. Achieving the Master of Cheese title not only signifies a profound understanding of cheesemaking, tasting, and affinage but also reflects a dedication to the ongoing development of cheese knowledge. Those who hold this certification are recognised as leaders and trusted authorities within the global cheese community.

Why become a master of cheese?

Cheese Industry Recognition

Achieving the Master of Cheese certification elevates professional credibility, marking candidates as trusted experts in the field. This prestigious qualification can open doors to advanced career opportunities, establishing certified individuals as leaders within the cheese industry.

In-Depth Cheese Knowledge

The programme imparts extensive knowledge, covering everything from the science of cheesemaking to advanced sensory skills. Graduates emerge with a comprehensive understanding of cheese production, maturation, and evaluation, equipping them to excel in any cheese-related role.

Cheese Professional Network

Masters of Cheese gain access to a global network of cheese professionals, exclusive industry events, and ongoing learning opportunities. This network fosters connections with peers, mentors, and leaders, supporting both professional growth and lifelong learning.

Contribution to the Cheese Industry

Certified Masters of Cheese play a vital role in shaping industry trends, contributing to cheese education, and promoting cheese appreciation. Their expertise helps elevate standards across the industry and encourages broader public engagement with the world of cheese.

Certification pathway

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Master of Cheese Registration

Register your interest in the Master of Cheese pathway and begin planning your route towards the Academy’s highest level of achievement. This Learning Road helps you understand what is required, review the Master of Cheese Standards, check your current progress and return to the right guidance as you move through each stage of the pathway.

About this pathway

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Prerequisites

Candidates must complete Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 before Master of Cheese status can be awarded.

To progress fully through the pathway, candidates must become Fellows of the Academy and complete all remaining Level 3 supplementary modules, providing the breadth of knowledge required for the final Master of Cheese assessments.

Level 1: Associate

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Level 2: Member

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Level 3: Fellow

Level 3

Cheesemaking 2

Cheese Industry Knowledge

Maturation, Affinage & Grading

Buying & Distribution

Communication

Presenting & Serving

Regulation & Best practice

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Master of Cheese Portfolio

Candidates must submit a portfolio of work that demonstrates their breadth of experience and contribution to the cheese industry.

This evidence-based assessment helps the Academy understand your professional practice, ongoing development, areas of expertise and commitment to the wider cheese community.

Ready to evidence your cheese industry experience?

About this assessment

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Master of Cheese Research Paper

Candidates must complete a 10,000-word Research Paper that contributes original insight to the cheese industry.

This assessment includes a research proposal, written paper and presentation. It is designed to show how you investigate a subject, interpret evidence, reach conclusions and communicate ideas clearly.

Ready to develop original thinking for the cheese industry?

About this assessment

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Master of Cheese Tasting Assessment

Candidates must pass a practical assessment that tests structured cheese tasting and cheese identification skills.

The assessment has two halves: Sensory Analysis and Cheese Identification. Both are sat on the same day under the same examination conditions and together form a single assessment module.

Ready to test your tasting discipline at Master of Cheese level?

About this assessment

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Master of Cheese General Paper

The General Paper Assessment is one of the required elements of the Master of Cheese pathway.

This assessment is currently being finalised by the Academy and will be made available to candidates as soon as it is completed. Further guidance will be provided through the Learning Road when the assessment is ready.

Coming soon

Final assessment guidance will be added when available.

About this assessment

What is a master of cheese?

For me, a Master of Cheese will demonstrate a true passion for the craft, as well as possess a deep understanding of provenance and the process of transforming milk into one of life’s great food experiences. They will also take great pride in passing on their knowledge to others.

The Master of Cheese is the aspirational peak of people in cheese: knowledgeable and experienced across the world of cheese and the world’s cheese; generous in developing those around them; providing a lasting, acknowledged and widespread contribution to cheese.

A woman or a man being recognised by other fellow experts for his/her knowledge and experience. Main values and competencies should be the respect for the planet, caring about others and listening carefully but also sharing one’s knowledge.

It’s an aspiration. It’s the ultimate demonstration that you have grappled with the very essence of cheese and it’s industry.

Audience

Is Master of Cheese certification right for you?

The Master of Cheese Certification Pathway is for candidates who intend to work towards Master of Cheese status and want a clear, structured route through the requirements.

It is suitable for Academy learners at different stages. Some candidates may already be Fellows and ready to begin planning their Master of Cheese assessments. Others may still need to complete Level 2, Level 3 or remaining supplementary modules before they can progress fully.

You can register your interest before you are ready to sit assessments. The pathway will help you understand what has already been completed, what still needs attention and which next steps are relevant to your current stage.

Ideal candidates

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Need help?

Have questions about Master of Cheese or need assistance with your certification journey? Our team is here to help! Fill out the form, and we will be in touch to provide support, answer questions, or guide you through the next steps.