Cicerone Beer Server
Cicerone Certified Beer Server
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Certified Beer Server is the first of the four Cicerone certification levels and is aimed at people who sell or serve beer - bartenders, servers, retail staff, brewery and distributor personnel - rather than at brewers. According to the Cicerone Certification Program, more than 150,000 hospitality professionals worldwide have earned it. The credential certifies that a candidate has mastered the fundamentals of beer service rather than deep brewing science: the language of beer including key flavor words and core beer styles, glass preparation and proper pouring of both draft and bottled beer, and the three most common ways beer flavor is ruined after it leaves the brewery, plus how to prevent that. The exam is 60 multiple-choice questions, closed book, with a 30-minute limit and a 75% passing bar; it is offered online in several languages and costs $79 (USD). Preparation starts with the official syllabus, downloaded from the Cicerone site. The program recommends BeerSavvy, its online study course, and the Beer Style Profile Cards as visual aids for style mastery; candidates may also study independently. Before the exam, candidates must pass a short program quiz with a score of 100%.
What you'll study
About Cicerone Beer Server preparation
What is the exam format and how long do I have?
It is an online, closed book exam of 60 multiple-choice questions with a 30-minute time limit. No notes, reference materials, or help from another person are allowed while you take it. The questions cover topics on the Certified Beer Server syllabus, so read that document before booking.
What score do I need to pass?
A score of 75% is required - at least 45 of the 60 questions correct. Because the exam is short, missed questions are costly: every three questions is roughly five percentage points, so there is little room for careless errors on style and service basics.
How many attempts do I get, and are fees refundable?
Purchase of the Certified Beer Server exam includes two attempts to achieve a passing score. Exam fees are non-refundable, so plan your study before your first sitting rather than treating attempt one as a diagnostic test.
Is there a prerequisite before I can sit the exam?
Yes. Prior to taking the Certified Beer Server exam, candidates must pass a 5-question quiz about the Cicerone Certification Program. A score of 100% is required, but the quiz is short and can be retaken as many times as necessary, so it is a formality rather than a knowledge barrier.
How hard is it, and what trips people up?
It is an entry-level credential, but the 30-minute limit for 60 questions leaves about half a minute each, so hesitation hurts. Common failure modes are neglecting the service domain - glassware cleaning and pouring mechanics - or the post-brewery flavor-protection domain, and over-studying brewing science that the exam does not test.
What should I study, and in what order?
Download the syllabus first, since the exam covers topics presented on it. Then work through the three learning outcomes in order: beer language and core styles, service and pouring, then flavor protection after the beer leaves the brewery. BeerSavvy is the program's recommended resource, and the Beer Style Profile Cards help with styles.
Can I get extra time if English is not my first language?
Yes. Candidates taking the exam in a language that is not their first, or who have special needs, may contact [email protected] to request a time extension. Ask well before your exam date so the arrangement is in place when you log on.
Is the exam available in languages other than English?
Yes. The Certified Beer Server exam is available in several different languages. If you live outside the United States, the Cicerone program recommends taking the version of the exam that best suits your needs. The site lists versions in Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, French, Korean, and Portuguese, among others.
Does this certification expire or lead to the next level?
The Certified Beer Server is Level 1 of four Cicerone levels, above which sit Certified Cicerone, Advanced Cicerone, and Master Cicerone, each with progressively deeper tasting and technical demands. Treat Level 1 as the foundation; the higher levels assume you already command styles, service, and flavor protection.