What is a Cicerone?
The word Cicerone (sis-uh-rohn) designates hospitality professionals with proven experience in selecting, acquiring, and serving today's wide range of beers. To claim the title of Cicerone, one must earn the trademarked title of Certified Cicerone®. Those with a basic level of expertise gain recognition by earning the first-level title: Certified Beer Server. Only those who have passed the requisite test of knowledge and tasting skill can call themselves a Cicerone.
A Quick Introduction
"Cicerone" is pronounced "sis-uh-rohn"
The Cicerone Certification Program seeks to ensure that consumers receive the best quality beer at every service occasion. To facilitate this, those who sell and serve beer need to acquire knowledge in five areas:
- Keeping and Serving Beer
- Beer Styles
- Beer Flavor and Evaluation
- Beer Ingredients and Brewing Processes
- Pairing Beer with Food
To encourage participation by those with various interests and ambitions, the program offers four levels of certification beginning with the simplest and building to the most complex and demanding:
- Certified Beer Server
- Certified Cicerone®
- Advanced Cicerone®
- Master Cicerone®
While more than 100,000 people from around the world have earned the first level certification, fewer than 20 people have passed the rigorous, two-day Master Cicerone exam.
Cicerone maintains a directory that includes the names of the individuals who have passed each exam. Click here to browse the directory (in English) and verify a given individual’s certification status.
The Cicerone Certification Program certifies and educates beer professionals in order to elevate the beer experience for consumers.