Welcome to the American Cheese Society
Join ACS
ACS provides the cheese community with educational resources and networking opportunities while encouraging the highest standards of cheesemaking focused on safety and sustainability.
Annual Conference
We are so excited to be in Buffalo, New York, July 10-13, for our 41st Annual Conference, “Cheese For Real”.
Judging & Competition
The ACS Judging & Competition, a technical and aesthetic evaluation of American-made cheeses, takes place in June each year.
Learning Center
The ACS Learning Center & ACEF Webinar Archive houses the American Cheese Society’s ongoing webinar series and other resources for you to watch and review on demand. ACS members access for free. Some content is available to non-members for purchase.
The leader for American Cheese
Welcome to the American Cheese Society
The American Cheese Society (ACS) is the leader in promoting and supporting American cheeses, providing the cheese industry with educational resources and networking opportunities, while encouraging the highest standards of cheesemaking focused on safety and sustainability.
Our site offers resources, education, industry directories, and other valuable tools for cheese professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Learn, Show Your Skills, Grow
ACS Programs and Events
The American Cheese Society has numerous programs and events for the cheese community that provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and opportunities to showcase your achievements in cheesemaking, cheesemongering, and more.
Conference
As an industry and a professional association, we gather each year to celebrate and tackle challenges together. At the American Cheese Society Annual Conference, we celebrate a vibrant and growing market for world-class American-made cheeses.
Competition
The American Cheese Society Judging & Competition is a technical and aesthetic evaluation of American-made cheeses. By hosting Judging & Competition, ACS shines the spotlight on American cheesemakers by showcasing their talents and work as leaders within the industry.
Certification
The American Cheese Society offers two industry certifications: ACS Certified Cheese Professional® (ACS CCP®) and ACS Certified Cheese Sensory Evaluator® (ACS CCSE®) that formally recognizes professional achievement at a national level.
Resources
What's happening
Cheese Industry Events
Upcoming deadlines and cheese industry events
ACS Scholarship Application Deadline
ACS CCP® and ACS CCSE® Application Deadline
Three-Day HACCP Short Course
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Mon, Mar. 31, 2025 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
ACS Scholarship Application Deadline
For the 2025 Annual American Cheese Society Conference, the American Cheese Education Fund (ACEF) will grant multiple general scholarships along with a variety of named scholarships to our community. Scholarships are open to cheesemakers, retailers, chefs, students, and any other cheese professionals. -
Mon, Mar. 31, 2025 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
ACS CCP® and ACS CCSE® Application Deadline
The application period for the 2025 ACS Certified Cheese Professional® Exam and the ACS Certified Cheese Sensory Evaluator T. A. S. T. E Test® is closing March 31st! These exams will take place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 in Sacramento, CA (with a virtual option for the CCP® exam). -
Apr. 2 — 4, 2025 All Day
Three-Day HACCP Short Course
The Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP), is a three-day hands-on workshop that will be taught by certified instructor(s) with extensive experience in food safety training.
