Beer Scholar · est. 2014

learn beer &
crush the cicerone exams

Pass on your first take.

Since 2014, Beer Scholar has been the most organized, exam-focused study material on the market. Everything you need, at the exact right depth. Nothing you don't.

With Chris Cohen, Advanced Cicerone® & National BJCP Judge
Behind the bar at Old Devil Moon, San Francisco
99%Student pass rate
4,400+Certified Cicerones helped
2014Teaching since
3Exam levels covered
Chris Cohen, Advanced Cicerone, raising a glass
Your guide

I guessed what to study, over-prepared, and went in nervous.

When I studied for the Cicerone® exams, I wanted someone to show me exactly what to study, at what depth, and how to beat the tasting exam. It was frustrating, so after passing I built it myself. Since 2014, the majority of Certified Cicerones® have used my Beer Scholar course to pass.

Today I'm an Advanced Cicerone, a National BJCP beer judge, and a sensory and beer educator. I've spent over a decade turning the Cicerone syllabus into the fastest path to passing.

Advanced Cicerone®National BJCP JudgeGABF Judge (4x)Partner, Old Devil MoonCo-founder, SF Homebrewer's Guild
The method

Everything you need to pass, in one well-organized place.

No stack of books. No guessing what's on the exam. A clear, syllabus-tracking path from where you are now to getting Certified.

01 · Learn

Fast & focused lessons

Short video lessons that track the syllabus topic-by-topic, at the exact depth the exam tests. No filler, no over-reading.

02 · Drill

Practice tests & flashcards

Full practice exams that mirror the real thing, plus flashcard decks covering every syllabus topic.

03 · Pass

Expert in your corner

Exam day strategy, panel-by-panel tasting exam prep, and live weekly Tasting + Q&As with an Advanced Cicerone® who took it and passed.

Choose your level

Which exam are you studying for?

Level 1

Certified Beer Server Course

Knock it out in a day or two
  • Short video lessons that track the syllabus
  • A quick quiz after every lesson
  • Tips & tricks for exam day
  • 5 full practice tests
Prep for the CBS exam
Level 2

Certified Cicerone® Course

Everything you need to crush the CC exam
  • Complete video course + practice tests
  • Flashcard decks for every syllabus topic
  • Weekly live tastings + Q&As and an active online community
  • Everything organized to the syllabus
Prep for the CC exam
Level 3

Advanced Cicerone® Course

Complete course · we guarantee you pass
  • Lessons recorded by Advanced and Master Cicerones
  • Weekly live tastings + Q&As and an active online community
  • 2 full practice AC exams
  • Optional live practice runs for the oral exams
  • Direct access to Chris & AC Matthew Shapiro
Explore the AC course
"It helped me smoke the exam like the people of Bamberg smoke their malt over beechwood."
Graham Frizzell · Certified Cicerone · Perth, Australia
★★★★★
"The practice exams alone are worth every penny. I passed with a 93% and it really boosted my confidence."
Michele Best-Miller
Michele Best-Miller
Advanced Cicerone · Burlington, WA
★★★★★
"Beer Scholar took the intimidation out of studying and gave me a clear path of learning and expectations."
Lauren Lerch
Lauren Lerch
Certified Cicerone · Salt Lake City, UT
★★★★★
"When someone asks me what materials they need to prepare for the exam, Beer Scholar is at the top of my list."
David Nilsen
David Nilsen
Advanced Cicerone · Dayton, OH
Recent articles & videos

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