Certified Cheese Professional® (CCP) Certification

What is CCP®? How it works ACS Recognition approved courses GET STARTED

Certified Cheese Professional® (CCP) Certification Support

Are you passionate about cheese and seeking to become a Certified Cheese Professional® (CCP)? The Academy of Cheese is here to support your journey! The hours of course work completed through the Academy of Cheese are recognized towards meeting the eligibility requirements of the CCP® Exam.

What is the Certified Cheese Professional Certification®?

The world of cheese is not just about enjoying its delicious flavors; it’s a complex and nuanced
world of craftsmanship, science, and culture. The American Cheese Society has created the
Certified Cheese Professional® (CCP) Certification as a key that unlocks the door to a world of
knowledge, experience, and professional recognition, for those who are passionate about
cheese and aspire to reach the pinnacle of cheese expertise.

CCP certified cheese professional certification examination — Photo credit @The Mobile Monger

The CCP® is a prestigious credential awarded by the American Cheese Society (ACS) to
individuals who have demonstrated their exceptional expertise and dedication to the cheese
industry. It is more than just a certification; it is a testament to your profound understanding of
cheese and your commitment to the art and science of cheesemaking.

How do I become a Certified Cheese Professional®?

Becoming a Certified Cheese Professional® is not a simple endeavor, nor should it be. The
journey to CCP® status is one that requires dedication, education, and hands-on experience.
The path to achieving this esteemed certification begins with a passion for cheese and a desire to excel in this industry.

As you embark on your journey to becoming a CCP®, you’ll explore the multifaceted world of
cheese, from the origins of different varieties to the intricacies of cheesemaking and affinage.
You’ll need to acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, all while immersing
yourself in the culture and history of cheese.

The American Cheese Society (ACS), the governing body responsible for the CCP® Certification, has set rigorous standards for education, work experience, and expertise. To
ensure that one is ready to take this exam, the ACS requires that the exam taker has a
minimum of 4,000 hours of work experience within the cheese industry over the last six years,
or a minimum of 2,000 hours work experience within the cheese industry + 2,000 hours of any combination of work experience and formal education, continuing education, or professional development.

These hours are a crucial part of your journey, and they can be earned through accredited programs like those offered by the Academy of Cheese. For more info on the eligibility requirements, please see their page: https://www.cheesesociety.org/certification-eligibility-criteria/

The Academy of Cheese would like to guide you through the essential steps to become a ACS
CCP®, demystify the certification process, and illuminate the invaluable role that recognized
educational hours play in your quest for excellence in the cheese world. Your journey to
becoming a Certified Cheese Professional begins here, and it’s a journey that promises to be as rich and rewarding as the cheeses themselves.

Why choose the Academy of Cheese for CCP Certification®?

ACS Recognition

We’re proud that the programs offered by the Academy of Cheese meet the eligibility requirements for their CCP® Certification requirements, making your path to certification seamless.

Tiered Cheese Educational Program

Our tiered approach ensures that you receive comprehensive cheese education. Choose from three levels of coursework, all recognised by ACS for your CCP® Certification.

Hands-On Cheese Learning

Experience the world of cheese firsthand. Visit cheesemakers and even get involved in the cheese making process in Level 2 of our program.

Hands-On Cheese Learning

Experience the world of cheese firsthand. Visit cheesemakers and even get involved in the cheese making process in Level 2 of our program.

Flexible eLearning certification

Our programs offer a blend of classroom and home study, allowing you to fit your cheese education into your busy schedule.

300+ hours of recognised education and professional development

Discover the extensive array of accredited programs and opportunities that count towards your 2,000 hours of education and experience required for the Certified Cheese Professional® Certification.

CCP® Certification approved Academy of Cheese courses

Level One

Build your cheese knowledge with 6-8 hours of classroom study and 12-24 hours of home study, including cheese tasting. All these hours count towards your CCP® Certification education requirement.

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Level TWO

Take a deeper dive into cheese with 18-24 hours of classroom study, 54-72 hours of home study, and a chance to visit a cheesemaker. All these hours are accredited by ACS.

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LEVEL THREE

Our most advanced level with approximately 150 hours of study. Master the art and science of cheese while earning hours towards your CCP® Certification.

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LEVEL

THREE

SELF-STUDY

ENGLISH

Cheesemaking 2 : Recipes, Techniques, and Underlying Principles

ANYTIME

Your Path to CCP® Certification Starts Here

Join us on your journey to becoming a Certified Cheese Professional®. With the Academy of Cheese, you’ll receive top-notch education and the recognition of the American Cheese Society. Your dream of working with cheese at the highest level is closer than you think. Ready to Get Started?

Start your CCP® journey

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to Contact Us or check out our FAQs below.

Welcome to your journey towards CCP® Certification with the Academy of Cheese. Your love for cheese and our top-tier education will take you to new heights in the cheese industry!

No, the Academy of Cheese and the American Cheese Society (ACS) are separate entities. The American Cheese Society is an organization dedicated to supporting the North American artisanal and specialty cheese industry. It oversees the Certified Cheese Professional® (CCP) certification, setting standards for cheese expertise and knowledge.

On the other hand, the Academy of Cheese is an educational institution focused on providing comprehensive cheese education. While they collaborate and align their educational programs with the requirements set by the American Cheese Society for the CCP® certification, they are distinct entities with their own missions and operations. The Academy of Cheese offers structured educational programs that contribute to the educational hours required for CCP® certification but operates independently from the American Cheese Society.

The Certified Cheese Professional (CCP) certification is administered by the American Cheese Society (ACS). The ACS is responsible for overseeing the CCP certification program, setting the standards, guidelines, and requirements for individuals seeking this professional accreditation in the cheese industry.

The ACS manages the certification process, including establishing eligibility criteria, developing the examination content, setting passing scores, and awarding the CCP designation to individuals who meet the stringent requirements. They ensure that the certification maintains its credibility and reflects a high level of expertise in cheese knowledge and skills. More info can be found at: https://www.cheesesociety.org/

The CCP certification is a hallmark of expertise and dedication within the cheese industry. It signifies a comprehensive understanding of cheese varieties, production methods, and industry standards. The Academy of Cheese plays a pivotal role in assisting individuals aspiring for the CCP certification. Through its structured educational programs aligned with the certification requirements, such as Levels 1, 2, and 3, the Academy offers invaluable knowledge and recognized educational hours necessary for CCP eligibility. This accreditation ensures that individuals are well-equipped to meet the stringent standards set by the American Cheese Society (ACS) for the CCP certification.

The CCP® certification opens doors to various career opportunities within the cheese industry. Roles can range from becoming a cheesemonger, wholesale cheese manager, communications coordinator, cheese importer, cheese room manager, to roles in quality control, education, research, and more. The Academy of Cheese supports career progression by providing education that aligns with these diverse career paths. Its programs not only contribute towards CCP® certification but also offer practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and a network of industry professionals, setting a solid foundation for career advancement.

The Academy of Cheese stands out due to its commitment to providing comprehensive and aligned cheese education recognised by the American Cheese Society (ACS) for CCP® eligibility. Its tiered educational programs cover the spectrum of cheese knowledge, from foundational understanding to advanced expertise. The Academy’s emphasis on hands-on experience, expert guidance, and industry-relevant curriculum ensures that the educational hours accumulated through its programs contribute significantly towards the 2,000 hours required for the CCP® certification. This recognition solidifies the Academy’s standing as a premier institution for cheese education and career progression in the cheese industry.

The Academy of Cheese offers a structured educational framework that aligns with the knowledge domains required for the Certified Cheese Professional (CCP) certification. These educational programs contribute recognized hours toward meeting the educational requirements for CCP eligibility.

All Academy of Cheese courses at levels 1, 2, and 3 are recognized as comprehensive educational pathways that align with the rigorous knowledge requirements set forth by the American Cheese Society (ACS) for individuals pursuing the esteemed Certified Cheese Professional (CCP) certification.

All study resources will be available to download.

Delegates access to the online Learning Road will be open ended until all modules are available from the Academy of Cheese. It is recommended the online assessment is completed within 6 months. There is no time limit to complete all modules.

There is a resit fee, payable to the Academy of Cheese.