your questions about the beer scholar study guides, answered
How do I enroll in a Beer Scholar Online Course?
You're in the right place. You can purchase the Beer Scholar Online Courses or get more information about them on this website.
After your purchase, you’ll get access to your Beer Scholar study material and courses within minutes. If you have any questions, reach out to Chris at [email protected]
What's in the online courses?
The Beer Scholar® Online Courses for the level 1 Certified Beer Server and level 2 Certified Cicerone® Exams contain everything you need to pass your Cicerone Certification Program® exam.
The Beer Scholar Online Course for the Certified Beer Server Exam is the quickest and easiest way to ramp up for the CBS test. The course consists of ~40 video lessons, each with an outline of the material covered, and a short quiz. At the end of the course you get 5 practice exams that are just like the real thing. It’s easy and convenient - work at your own pace and watch the lessons on any device. Some people have gone through the entire course in a day or two and then crushed the CBS exam, no problem!
The Beer Scholar Online Course for the Certified Cicerone Exam is a very well-organized series of video lessons that track the Cicerone Certification Program® syllabus. The exam already costs a lot, this will ensure you pass on your first try! In addition to teaching you all the info you need to know for the written and tasting sections of the exam, other lessons cover what to expect on the test, how to prep most effectively, and tips and tricks for ensuring you pass. The online course includes three full practice tests. And here's a HUGE BONUS - you'll get an access code to Beer Scholar's massive set of digital flashcards on the Brainscape app. These flashcard decks are custom designed to help you memorize all the beer style info in particular (plus everything else!). You can work at your own pace and view the course on any device. Some folks, no kidding, have blazed through the course in a single month and then passed the CC exam, but on average it'll take you 2-3 months to prep. Some of us are busier than others, so you get access to the course for 9 months.
Who created the Beer Scholar Online Courses for the CBS and CC Exams?
Chris Cohen is a San Francisco-Portland based beer geek. He's one of just a ~160 Advanced Cicerones® in the world. He's a National BJCP judge and has judged the Great American Beer Festival, among many beer comps. Chris is a former beer writer for SeriousEats.com and the San Francisco Chronicle. He's the founder and former President of the SF Homebrewers Guild, San Francisco's biggest homebrew club. In 2016 he opened one of San Francisco's best beer bars - Old Devil Moon.
Chris is a former attorney. He applied the techniques he used to pass the NY state bar exam to passing the CBS, and the Certified and Advanced Cicerone® exams. He has distilled all the info you need to crush the exams, plus tips and tricks, into these well-organized and comprehensive study courses.
Are the Beer Scholar Online Courses worth it?
The online Certified Beer Server® exam costs ~$80 to take and has a 75% pass rate. You can guarantee passage by purchasing and studying with the Beer Scholar online course. It's a time and a money saver.
The Certified Cicerone® exam costs nearly $400 just to sign up for. About 1 in 3 people pass the test, that's a lower pass rate than the California Bar Exam for lawyers, which is BONKERS! Don't be one of those who flunk. Don't just start reading books and hope you're studying the right stuff. I've already organized and condensed ALL the info you need in a single comprehensive course. There's no worrying about missing anything, not studying the right stuff, or being disorganized. The course includes full practice tests, incredibly effective digital Brainscape flash card decks for memorizing all the beer style info, and loads of info about what to expect on the test, including insider tips and tricks. Go into the exam with total confidence and crush it after going through the Beer Scholar Online Course for the Certified Cicerone Exam. It's an easy decision when you consider the cost of NOT passing. This is a career move, get after it!
Why get a Cicerone Certification Program certification?
The craft beer industry is exciting! Whether you're looking to break into the biz, switch beer jobs, get a raise, move up the ladder, or even if you just love beer and want to learn everything about it, you're in the right place. The Cicerone Certification Program's® certifications are a great way to prove you're serious about your work in the industry and that you have a high level of beer expertise. Imagine you're competing for a job against someone who has shown their dedication and passion for beer by passing the Certified Cicerone exam...the employer is going to really like that...why not BE THAT PERSON!
The Cicerone Certification Program's® certifications are the industry standard. Everyone understands that the Cicerone Certification Program® demands a very high level of competency to become certified. That's why it's such a big deal. As of 2023, there are STILL only a little over 4,000 Certified Cicerones in the world!
What's the difference between the prep courses for the Certified Beer Server and Certified Cicerone®?
The Beer Scholar Study Guide for the Certified Beer Server® is a full online course of over 40 video lessons, quizzes, flashcards, and full practice tests. It will teach you everything you need to know to pass the online CBS exam.
The Beer Scholar Study Guide for the Certified Cicerone® Exam contains everything you need to know to pass the more intense level 2 CC exam. The material in the CC guide is a complete set of information you'll need to know, plus tips for passing the tasting portion. It also contains 3 full practice tests, Brainscape flash card decks, and more.
Both courses are the products of years of beer experience and a lot of work by Advanced Cicerone Chris Cohen to distill everything you need to know into a single comprehensive course.
If you’re definitely planning to take the level 2 CC Exam, already have strong beer knowledge, and are merely taking the CBS exam to get it out of the way, consider purchasing just the CC course. The CC course is much more robust and covers everything needed to pass the CBS Exam. On the other hand, the CBS course will not prepare you for the CC Exam.
If you want to do both, grab a bundle of both courses to get a great discount!
Are these courses or the author associated with the Cicerone Certification Program?
Noooope!
Chris is an Advanced Cicerone®, but he is not employed by or otherwise associated with the Cicerone Certification Program®. His study material have been created independently of the program's control, that's why he can provide you with tons of great insider tips and tricks to ensure you pass!
The term Cicerone® is the trademark of the Craft Beer Institute®. This website and the Beer Scholar® courses are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Cicerone Certification Program.
The copyright for all material on this website is owned by Chris Cohen and Beer Scholar LLC.
Who should consider buying these guides?
You should purchase one of these guides if:
- You're planning to take the CBS or CC exam...and you want to pass.
- You love beer and want to know everything about it.
- You are considering entering the beer industry and want to increase your chances of getting a good job.
- You are already in the beer industry and want to raise your game so you get that promotion & raise.
- You want some serious beer geek bragging rights.
- You're a wine Somm or cocktail ninja and want to expand your skills.
- You love one of the above people!
Have you done an AMA on Reddit about the Cicerone program and your study guides?
Why yes, it's so funny you should ask!
Here's my Reddit AMA about the Beer Scholar Study Guides for the Cicerone Exams.