Getting Your Team Certified
Why Become Certified
By implementing the serving practices tested by the Cicerone program, retailers can improve beer quality and presentation to a level that will impress and please every beer consumer. The knowledge gained by your servers or sales representatives communicates a clear message to customers that your organization is an authority on beer—and that paves the way to more sales and success. Cicerone certification lets everyone know that you have invested time and energy in making sure your organization is prepared to do business in today’s sophisticated and rapidly changing beer world.
Implementing certification for your staff pays dividends. While results vary, your trained staff will do a better job of selling beer. Managers also notice improved staff retention and greater employee engagement and enthusiasm.
Getting to Certified Beer Server
The first level is Certified Beer Server. For bartenders, wait staff, drivers, inside sales, and support roles this is an appropriate goal. For all others, it is a necessary prerequisite before going to on to Certified Cicerone® training and certification.
No one is required to purchase training before attempting the Certified Beer Server exam, but many companies find it worthwhile. Various options exist for training, but three popular approaches offer different price points. The first requires independent study by employees or use of your own in-house training. The second uses BeerSavvy, our online training program, and allows you to monitor each employee’s progress. The third uses on-site training by the Cicerone staff. All options include the Certified Beer Server exam.
- Self-study or in-house training and Certified Beer Server Exam. Cost per person: $79 for exam.
- BeerSavvy eLearning Training & CBS Exam. Cost per person: $199
- On-site training by Cicerone staff. Cost per person: $250-$350*
* Total cost of on-site training depends on number of employees, location and other conditions.
Note: Other organizations also offer on-site and remote training.
The approach you choose will depend on focus and motivation of your employees as well as the cost, location and desired timeframe for training.
Taking the Certified Beer Server Exam
The exam is taken online by each individual when they are ready. Results are reported immediately and those who pass receive an email with their certificate. Managers can log in to monitor the progress and status of each employee if the items are purchased through the bulk order page.
Beyond Beer Server
Many jobs require more than the basic beer knowledge tested by the Certified Beer Server exam. Beverage managers, beer bar managers, wholesaler craft and import sales reps, brewery sales reps, and many others who manage beer and educate others about beer should pursue Certified Cicerone. Preparation for this challenging exam will require detailed and careful study over a 6 to 18 month period. For more information on preparation, see the Certified Cicerone page or contact us for details on on-site training at this level.
When you have a group of employees preparing for the Certified Cicerone exam, contact us about the possibility of staging an exam at your facility.