Academy of Cheese
Certification Courses
Levels 1 and 2
Levels 1 and 2
The only Master of Cheese certification course in the world is offered by the Academy of Cheese in the U.K. This course will appeal to Cheesemongers, Sommeliers, Chefs and even keen amateurs. Frances is studying at Level 3 of this four-level program and will become a Training Partner offering Level 1 and 2 certification classes in 2025 and 2026.
The Academy of Cheese has developed a certification program that offers its own unique way to learn about cheese. They have broken down the different cheese styles into subcategories to help students make sense of the large numbers of unique cheeses in the world. They also offer a structured approach to tasting to guide you through simple and complex flavours and a cheese tasting wheel to assist in differentiating and identifying different cheeses.
Associate Certification is challenging but can appeal both to the keen amateur and to those working in the industry. Students included deli workers, Chefs, Sommeliers, food writers and anyone with an interest in cheese and a love of learning.
The fee will include a day long class, twelve cheeses and the exam fee. It also includes 12-month membership in the Academy of Cheese, the Academy of Cheese delegate pack, access to 9 online learning modules and a final exam. The course fee will also include a light lunch and refreshments. The Level 1 exam can be written anytime within the year after completing the course, further self study is usually required. Upon successful completion, the student will receive their Level 1 Associate Certificate.
The first Level 1 certification class will be offered in September 2025.
This class is quite a bit more challenging and is for the serious student. It will be offered in six weekly sessions of two hours each. The course fee will include 25 cheeses from the list of 75 required for Level 2. It also includes a year long membership in the Academy of Cheese, the Academy of Cheese delegate pack, access to 25 online learning modules and a final exam. Upon successful completion of the exam students will receive their Level 2 Member Certificate.
Level 2 certification will be offered in the January of 2026.