Perfect Pint Owner Michael gets certified.

The wine industry has had an official certification program for wine experts, or Sommeliers, for a long time. Now such a certifying board exists for beer. The Cicerone Certification Program was founded by Ray Daniels and is based in Chicago. On November 23rd, I went to Chicago to take the Cicerone certification exam.  I received my results tonight. I am now officially a Certified Cicerone.

The exam covers a wide base of beer knowledge including beer styles and history, storage and service, production and distribution laws, and brewing ingredients and process. It is a four hour exam that includes a 250 question written section, a 12 beer tasting section, and a demonstration. An overall score of 80% with a minimum of 70% on the tasting section is required for certification.

Michael now joins a small group of people that have achieved this certification.