
Become a certified…
Level One: Associate.
Want to know your Le Gruyère from your Gorgonzola? Learn how cheese is made? Discover a structured approach to tasting and understand how to assess quality and provenance? Want to do so at your own pace? then the Level one eLearning program (and certification) is for you.
Level one eLearning program (and certification).
What you’ll Get
When you enrol you’ll receive instant access to:
Plus, upon successful completion of the exam you will also receive:
Includes one year’s FREE Academy of Cheese membership (Worth £25.00) which includes:
Academy of Cheese Level 1: Associate online course details.
In this course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to take your Level 1 exam and become an Academy of Cheese Associate. You will learn the correct way to taste cheese, how to present it and more…
Who should get certified
Retail Professionals
Distributors
Food Writers
Cheesemongers
Chef’s & Restaurateurs
Fanatical foodies
Cheesemakers
Sommeliers
Cheese Judges
Testimonials
“As a new business owner and a mum to a toddler, spare time is something of a rarity for me – that’s why it was wonderful to have the opportunity to study online.”

Svetlana
Owner | TheCheeseLady.co.uk
“Having completed the level 1 course and learnt how to use their Simple Flavour Tree, I now feel able to objectively judge any cheese in any situation.”

Guy Dymott
Account Manager | Aubrey Allen
Why should you get certified?
If you’re an individual…
This industry recognised course, exam and accreditation are a must-have for cheese professionals looking to enhance their career. Recognised by leading Cheese Awards competitions
Exclusive categorisation (Make, Post make) model
Specific vocabulary and structure for examining and classifying cheeses
So, if you want to:
If you’re a business owner
Maybe you don’t need the certification. But what about your team?
Do you know for a fact that they’re up to speed on all the latest and greatest Cheeses?
They’ll love the fact that you’re investing in them, and you’ll love the fact that they’re performing at the highest level possible for your company.
Also, there’s no rule that you have to sit for the test. If the training is more important to you than the certification, then just take the training and look at the test as an optional extra. (But if I were you I’d take it anyway just to make sure you’re fully grasping all the concepts.)
Educational resources and networking opportunities
Explore all varieties of cheese, Understand cheese provenance & Network with Cheese lovers all over the globe
Either way, if you expect the best for your company, then this course and certification is for you.
Recognised by Employers and Cheese Awards competitions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is course too advanced for me?
No, Our level one course, starts right at the beginning, and we don’t assume any prior knowledge.
Are there any entry requirements?
Level One is open to everyone! Delegates that undertake Academy of Cheese accredited courses aspire to becoming more knowledgeable and develop a great understanding about all aspects of cheese. If that sounds like you then welcome aboard.
I am not in the UK can I study Online?
Yes, we have created an easy to use online learning system specifically for you. Follow our learning roads to access the same content as you would in our class, you only need to source cheeses to taste.
What do I need?
You will need access to the internet to complete our elearning materials and take an online exam.
Can I buy the cheeses I need taste myself?
Yes, we will provide you with a list of the various cheeses needed at each level.

How It Works

Enroll today
The Level 1 Associate online course covers the same syllabus as the classroom course – We make learning about Cheese easy and fun.

Study Online
Our study programme is all online, accessible 24/7. Our online study programme gives you the flexibility to study when and where you want and around your existing commitments. Your personal journey through the Academy of Cheese standards. Study on a PC, tablet or phone.

Order (and taste) the 25 Cheeses
You will need to source, taste and assess the 25 cheeses yourself. Order a tasting pack to teach your taste buds the secrets of the Level one cheeses.

Take your Exam
No stressful examinations. Take a multiple choice exam, from the comfort of your own home. The multiple choice exam is also online and requires you to get 24 marks and above, from a possible 30 questions, to pass and gain Level One Associate certification.

Celebrate your Success
Congratulations! Display your certificate and wear your pin badge with pride.