Say cheers to success

Pervin Malhotra

While a wine expert is called a sommelier, someone who has a similar depth of knowledge about malt and hops and can talk beer at a high level with customers is called a cicerone (pronounced "sis-uh-rohn").

Craft beer being a rage worldwide, a recognised certification can give you a leg-up when applying for jobs at top beer bars, restaurants, breweries, or distributors.

Cicerone certifications focus on a broad set of beer knowledge i.e. world beer cultures, beer styles, storing and serving beer, flavour and tasting, brewing process and ingredients with an emphasis on service (how best to pour beer, select and clean beer glasses, clean tap systems, and pair beer and food).

And, lest you think it’s easy to get paid for drinking beer, you’re mistaken. The top-end certifications are highly demanding.

At the top of the heap is the Cicerone certification programme, US, which is offered at four levels:

Level I: Certified Beer Server (Entry-level certification for those working with beer).

LEVEL II: Certified Cicerone (for dedicated beer professionals).

LEVEL III: Advanced Cicerone (a distinguished mark of expertise and tasting skill).

LEVEL IV: Master Cicerone (The tough, ultimate test of beer expertise).

Details: www.cicerone.org

There are a few other training programmes, all of which require regular classes along with some online component.

The Doemens Academy in Germany & Siebel Institute of Technology  in Chicago (highly prestigious commercial brewing school in the US), jointly offer a two-week course to make you a Doemens Bier Sommelier.

Details: www.siebelinstitute.com

The Prud'homme Beer Sommelier programme, Toronto features three levels of training. While Level-I can be completed online, the remaining two require you to attend classes in Toronto to earn the title of beer specialist and then beer sommelier.

Details: www.tfkbeer.com

The Master Brewers Association of the Americas’ Beer Steward Certificate Programme, St. Paul.

Details: www.mbaa.com

The Beer Academy Accredited Sommelier Program, London, UK.

Details: www.ibd.org.uk

VLB Berlin’s Certified Brew Master Course.

Details: www.vlb-berlin.org