Certifications

ICF offers four professional credentials, all with 3-year validity periods:

1. Certified Cheese Professional (CCP) — Foundation credential, $395 members/$595 non-members
2. Advanced Cheese Sommelier (ACS) — Retail/hospitality focus, $695, requires active CCP
3. Advanced Affineur Credential (AAC) — Cave/aging specialization, $795, requires active CCP
4. Cheese Safety & Quality Professional (CSQP) — Regulatory/QA focus, $495 members/$695 non-members

All certifications require recertification every three years through continuing education (30–45 CEUs depending on credential).

Eligibility (must meet ONE): Two years of documented professional experience in the cheese industry, OR completion of ICF’s Cheese Fundamentals Certificate Program ($595 members/$795 non-members), OR current enrollment in food science or dairy science degree program with cheese coursework.

Process: Submit application ($150 members/$250 non-members), receive eligibility approval within 4–6 weeks, schedule exam at Pearson VUE testing center or Annual Conference, pass written (120 questions, 70%+) and practical (8-cheese sensory evaluation, 70%+) components. Exam fee: $395 members / $595 non-members.

ICF does not currently offer a “Master Cheesemaker” certification. Our advanced credentials are the Advanced Affineur Credential (AAC) specializing in aging and cave management, and the Advanced Cheese Sommelier (ACS) focusing on retail, hospitality, and education.

Both require active CCP certification and are offered only at the Annual Conference (not online). If you’re asking about the CCP exam, it’s offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers and at the Annual Conference. Not available online due to the required practical sensory evaluation component.

ICF does not recognize credential transfers from international guilds or cheese associations. All candidates must complete ICF’s certification requirements, including application, eligibility verification, and examination.

However: Your international experience and training may fulfill the eligibility requirements. Two years of documented professional cheese experience (including international work) qualifies you for the CCP exam without additional training. Contact certifications@intlcheese.org with details about your French guild certification.

The CCP exam is available year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers nationwide. You can schedule your exam anytime after receiving eligibility approval. The exam is also offered at the Annual Conference each June. Schedule at members.intlcheese.org/ccp-exam after receiving your eligibility approval.

ICF does not offer a “Cheddar Certification.” Our certification programs are CCP (general cheese proficiency), ACS (retail/hospitality/education), AAC (aging and cave management), and CSQP (food safety and QA).

If you applied for one of these and haven’t received eligibility notification within 4–6 weeks, please email certifications@intlcheese.org with your name, application submission date, certification program, and confirmation number. We’ll provide a status update within 2 business days.

Log in to the certification portal at members.intlcheese.org and select “My Certifications.” Your transcript shows total CEUs earned, CEUs needed, breakdown by source, and upcoming expiration date.

CEU requirements: CCP requires 30 CEUs (at least 15 ICF-approved). ACS requires 45 CEUs (at least 25 ICF-approved). AAC requires 45 CEUs (at least 30 technical, 20 ICF-approved). CSQP requires 45 CEUs (at least 30 technical, 20 ICF-approved).

CEUs from ICF webinars and courses are automatically reported but can take 7–10 business days to appear on your transcript.

If it’s been longer than 10 business days, email certifications@intlcheese.org with the webinar title and date, your member number, and a screenshot of your completion confirmation if available. Staff will manually verify and post credits within 2–3 business days.

If your CEU claims were denied during the annual audit, you have 30 days from the denial notice to appeal. Email certifications@intlcheese.org with “CEU Audit Appeal” in the subject line, include your certification number and audit reference number, provide additional documentation, and explain why you believe the original documentation was sufficient.

The Certification Committee reviews appeals within 15 business days. Appeals decisions are final. If approved, your certification renewal will be processed without penalties. If denied, you may complete additional CEUs or allow the certification to lapse.

Certification suspension typically occurs for failed CEU audit (unable to document claimed credits), expired certification not renewed within 90-day grace period, ethics complaint under investigation, or non-payment of renewal fees.

Email certifications@intlcheese.org immediately to request specific details. Include your certification number and reference any correspondence you’ve received. Time-sensitive: If suspension is related to CEU audit or renewal, you may have limited time to remediate before the certification moves to Lapsed or Revoked status.