Recognition of professional achievement

Certifications

The American Cheese Society offers two industry certifications: ACS Certified Cheese Professional® (ACS CCP®) and ACS Certified Cheese Sensory Evaluator® (ACS CCSE®). To obtain these certifications, eligibility criteria must be met, and an exam must be passed.

There are many benefits of American Cheese Society Certifications, including:

• Formally recognizes professional achievement at a national level
• Demonstrates cheese-related knowledge and skills to staff, peers, managers, and the public
• Exemplifies proven knowledge of various domains in the cheese industry
• Shows commitment to the highest levels of professionalism and care
• Opens career options for cheese professionals
• Elevates self-esteem and pride in one’s work
• Improves credibility with employers and the general public
• An online directory of ACS Certified Industry Professionals® is available online for reference by organizations and individuals seeking employees, giving ACS CCPs® and ACS CCSEs®, and their employers, a competitive edge.

Questions on ACS Certification? Email certification@cheesesociety.org or call 615-880-4124 and we are happy to help!

Important Updates to the 2026 ACS Certification Program

Several upcoming updates to the ACS Certification Program are designed to improve clarity, streamline the candidate experience, and support the long-term sustainability of our certification offerings. These changes will take effect for applications submitted for this year’s exam cycle.

1. New Application Portal

We are introducing a new online application portal designed to improve the candidate experience. The updated system will:

• Provide a more user-friendly application process

• Improve communication and status tracking throughout the certification and recertification processes

This enhancement reflects our ongoing commitment to making ACS certification programs more accessible, transparent, and efficient for candidates.

2. Application and Exam Fees Collected Up Front

Beginning with the next application cycle, candidates will be asked to pay both the application fee and the exam fee for a total of $535 for ACS members, $685 for nonmembers at the time of application.

Collecting both fees up front allows ACS to more efficiently administer the program, secure exam services earlier in the process, and reduce delays and follow-up communications for candidates. This change also provides greater clarity around total costs at the outset of the application process.

3. Exam Administration Options

Candidates will have three options for taking the certification exam, all offered on the same official exam day, July 7, 2026:

• In person, prior to the ACS Conference in Louisville, KY

• Virtually on your own device, using live remote proctoring

• At a Prometric testing center, part of Prometric’s global network of secure test sites

Candidates can select the testing environment that best fits their needs and circumstances. Multiple testing formats and locations provide greater accessibility by reducing travel and scheduling barriers. Exam content and scoring are identical across all three options, ensuring fairness and rigor.

4. Simplified Exam Naming: CCSE Exam

To reduce confusion and improve consistency, ACS will eliminate the use of the “TASTE Test” name. Moving forward, the exam will be referred to exclusively as the Certified Cheese Sensory Evaluator (CCSE) Exam across all materials, communications, and systems.

This change aligns our language more clearly with the credential itself and supports better understanding among candidates, employers, and stakeholders.

We appreciate your continued engagement with ACS certification programs and your support as we implement these improvements.