Read below for dates, deadlines, and fees on the the 2025 ACS Certified Cheese Professional® Exam and the ACS Certified Cheese Sensory Evaluator T.A.S.T.E Test®.

2025 CERTIFIED CHEESE PROFESSIONAL® EXAM – IN PERSON

We will be holding the CCP® Exam in-person on July 23, 2025 in Sacramento, CA

For more information on applying for the 2025 exam, please refer to the application process and requirements for eligibility.

• When: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Pacific Time
• Where: Sacramento, CA
• How: In-person
• Cost to Apply: $35 non-refundable application fee
• Cost of the Exam: $500 for ACS members, $650 for non-ACS members 
• Exam fee is due in full by May 15, 2025, to keep your seat

2025 CERTIFIED CHEESE PROFESSIONAL® EXAM – REMOTE/VIRTUAL EXAM

We are offering a remote, virtual version of the CCP Exam in 2025, to be held simultaneously with the in-person exam. For more information on applying for the 2025 virtual exam, please refer to the application process and requirements for eligibility. The application for the virtual exam is the same as for the in-person, and the same eligibility requirements apply. However, there are some software programs to download, and technical specs that your computer will need to meet. More details about these tech specs will follow.

• When: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Pacific Time
• Where: Your Location
• How: Virtual, via computer
• Cost to Apply: $35 non-refundable application fee
• Cost of the Exam: $500 for ACS members, $650 for non-ACS members 
• Exam fee is due in full by May 15, 2025 to secure your seat
• Exam fees will be accepted from May 16-June 1, 2025, but will include a $100 late payment fee.

2025 T.A.S.T.E TEST®

We will be holding the T.A.S.T.E. Test® in-person on July 23, 2025 in Sacramento, CA.
For more information on applying for the 2025 exam, please refer to the application process and requirements for eligibility.

• When: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm Pacific Time
• Where: Sacramento, CA
• How: In-person
• Cost to Apply: $35 non-refundable application fee
• Cost of the Exam: $500 for ACS members, $650 for non-ACS members 
• Exam fee is due in full by May 15, 2025, to secure your seat 
• Exam fees will be accepted from May 16-June 1, 2025, but will include a $100 late payment fee.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES FOR THE ACS CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

January 7 – March 31: Application period open for ACS CCP® Exam and CCSE T.A.S.T.E. Test®.
March 31: Application period closes / Deadline to apply to take the 2025 ACS CCP® Exam and the 2025 T.A.S.T.E Test®.
May 15: 

• Exam fee payment due to secure seat without penalty (Late payments will incur a $100 Late Exam Fee Payment Fee)
• Deadline for deferral without penalty. (Late deferrals will incur a $100 Late Deferral Fee.)

June 1: 

• Final Deadline for Exam Fee Payment (includes $100 late payment fee)
• Final Deadline for Deferral (includes $100 late deferral fee)
• Deadline to switch from Virtual to In-person (and vice versa) CCP ®Exam

July 23: Exam Day for CCP® Exam and CCSE T.A.S.T.E Test®.
October 15: Recertification period opens
November 30: Recertification period closes

Applications will not be reviewed without an accompanying application payment. The Member rate ($500) for the Exam fee is available only to ACS members in good standing. If you wish to apply for ACS membership, please allow sufficient time for processing. Payment can be made by VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Debit Card or check. No other form of payment can be accepted. Application fees are non-refundable.

ACS CCP® EXAM FEES

ACS Members:
Application Processing Fee: $35.00
Exam Fee: $500.00

Non-Members:
Application Processing Fee: $35.00
Exam Fee: $650.00

T.A.S.T.E. TEST® FEES

ACS Members:
Application Processing Fee: $35.00
Exam Fee: $500.00

Non-Members:
Application Processing Fee: $35.00
Exam Fee: $650.00

CCP and CCSE Payment Schedule

A $35 non-refundable fee is due with the application for the American Cheese Society CCP tests or TASTE test.

Upon an applicants’ acceptance to sit for the test, the exam fee of $500 for ACS members or $650 for non-ACS members is due. The deadline for full payment of the exam fee is May 15. Exam fees will be accepted from May 16-June 1, 2025, but will include a $100 late payment fee.

Payment received after the deadline will cause applicants to risk losing their seat for the exam. Applicants that have not paid the exam fee will not be allowed to sit for the exam.

The deadline for deferral is June 1. Deferrals past the June 1 deadline will incur an additional fee of $100.

RECERTIFICATION FEE

The fee for recertification is $75.00. This fee is waived for individuals who attended one or more of the last three ACS Annual Conferences. Learn more about recertification.