**Take the Certified Pommelier™ Exam at Pennings Farm Cidery in Warwick, NY on Monday, November 16th, 2026!**

Are you ready to advance your professional development in the cider industry? If you've already passed the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide exam and are looking for your next challenge, now is your opportunity!

 

The American Cider Association is pleased to announce that a Certified Pommelier™ Exam will be held at Pennings Farm Cidery in Warwick, NY. The exam will take place on Monday, November 16th, 2026, beginning promptly at 9:00 AM.

 

*Note: Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ certification is a prerequisite for taking the Certified Pommelier™ Exam. If you haven't yet taken the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide Exam, consider purchasing a bundle! ACA member discounts are available in the Resource Hub*

**What is the Certified Pommelier™ Exam?**

The American Cider Association’s mission is to foster a diverse and successful cider industry by providing valuable information, resources, and services to our members while advocating on their behalf. One way we fulfill this mission is through the Certified Cider Professional™ Program, which aims to educate the front-line of cider hospitality, including distributors, retailers, bartenders, and more, while also welcoming journalists and serious cider enthusiasts.

The introductory-level certification, Certified Cider Guide™ (CCG), is an online test that can be taken at any time. In contrast, the advanced second-level certification, Certified Pommelier™, is only available in person. The exam comprises two parts: a written theory exam with short-answer and essay questions, and a blind sensory evaluation of several ciders. Passing the introductory-level exam is mandatory before sitting for the Level 2 Certified Pommelier™ exam. Certified Pommeliers must have a fundamental understanding of all topics covered at the introductory level and must be able to think critically, demonstrating a deeper understanding of cider and the cider industry.

**Topics Covered in the Exam:**

- Apples, the Orchard & History

- Cider Making

- Flavor & Evaluation

- Cider Families

- Keeping & Serving

- Food & Cider

- Social Responsibility

**Why Become a Certified Pommelier™?**

Cider is a wonderfully nuanced beverage that most consumers do not understand. Acquiring the knowledge and skills required to become a Certified Pommelier™ will empower you to better serve customers, enhance your status within the beverage community, and provide you with a unique and valuable professional qualification. Being recognized as a Certified Pommelier™ will place you among the forefront of advanced cider specialists in this ever-growing category.

**How Much Does the Exam Cost?**

The exam registration fee is $350. Current members of the ACA can register at a discounted rate of $250 by using the discount code available in the Resource Hub. If a candidate sits for the exam but does not pass either section—the theory or the sensory evaluation—they may retake the section they did not pass at a later date. The fee to retake the exam is $175 for non-members and $125 for current ACA members.

For non-members, the exam fee is $350.

*Please read the Terms & Conditions before registering.*

 

**What Materials Are Available to Study for the Exam?**

The Certified Pommelier™ Study Guide is available on Amazon and at all of Amazon’s international sites. It is the official study guide for the second level of the American Cider Association’s professional certification program and contains all the information needed to prepare for and pass the examination. No additional reference materials are required.

Additional study resources, including Certified Pommelier™ Flashcards, downloadable PDF's, and access to the Certified Pommelier™ Facebook Group, are available on our website.

Since sensory evaluation is crucial for a Certified Pommelier™, we assess your ability to accurately analyze the structural components, aromas, and flavors of various ciders. To help develop your sensory evaluation skills and understand the testing approach, we offer several pre-recorded videos for purchase. We also host the Certified Cider Professional™ YouTube Channel featuring free training and educational videos. 

 

**Frequently Asked Questions** 

• Are there any ID or minimum age requirements to sit for the exam? YES. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you sit for the exam, and when checking in at the exam, you must provide a photo ID that will both verify your age and identity.
• Do I need to pass the Certified Cider Guide exam to take the Certified Pommelier™ exam? Yes.  Passing the introductory exam to become a Certified Cider Guide™ is a prerequisite. If you have not yet taken this exam, you can purchase a package which includes an instructional video, study guide, and access to an online exam HERE.
• How many Certified Pommeliers are there currently? You can find the current number of Certified Pommelers here.
• Is the Certified Pommelier™ Exam available in my area? Certified Pommelier™ exams are held periodically throughout the year at various locations. Please check our current exam schedule to find an exam suitable for you. 
• What can I bring into the event? You may bring only a water bottle into the exam space. Cell phones, smart watches, computers,  books or papers, and any and all other personal items must be left at a designated storage area in the exam room. Pencils will be provided, and spare paper will be available on request. Spit cups and water will be provided during the evaluation exam. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle for the theory exam.
• Can I request special accommodations? Yes, special accommodations can be requested PRIOR to registration. Please contact the Director of Education, Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org prior to registering for the exam if you wish to request special accommodations.
• How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Please contact Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org.
• When can I register for the exam?  Exam registration is open until 14 days before the posted exam date. 
• What happens if I cannot attend my registered exam? Please see Exam Rescheduling, Timelines, and Fees in the Terms and Conditions Document for full details.  If you do need to cancel your registration, exam registration fees can be refunded up to 14 days before the exam. Please note that a $25 administration fee applies to any cancellation.
• Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends? Registrations are not transferable, so the name on the ID presented at check-in for the exam must match the name on the registration.
• How long does the test take? You are given 2 hours to complete the theory section of the exam and 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the sensory evaluation section.  There is a 15-minute break in between sections.
• Is there a tasting section on the test? Yes. You will be asked to evaluate six ciders in two flights, one flight that assesses your ability to distinguish between key structural elements and a second where you are asked to complete a full evaluation of three ciders using the Structured Sensory Analysis format. The possible aromas and flavors document will be supplied for use during the exam.
• What is the grade needed for passing? 60% of the possible points for sensory evaluation and 70% for theory. To achieve the Award of Distinction, a grade of 75% or above in Sensory and 85% or above in Theory must be achieved.
• When will we receive our graded exams? Exams are not returned to candidates; you will be notified of whether you have passed about 6 weeks after the exam date. If you did not pass a section of the exam, you may request a breakdown of your points by general topic to help you identify areas in which you could improve your score should you wish to retake the exam. At this point, you can request to know the ciders used in the sensory exam. You will not be told the sensory ciders on the site of the exam.