Denver, CO (August 21, 2015) – One hundred eighty-seven (187) individuals
passed the American Cheese Society’s fourth Certified Cheese Professional®
Exam, which was held on July 29, 2015 in Providence, Rhode Island. This class of
ACS Certified Cheese Professionals® (ACS CCPs®) includes individuals from 51
different companies in the United States and Canada. They join an elite group that
now totals five hundred ninety-five (595) individuals who have earned the
prestigious ACS CCP credential. A complete directory of ACS CCPs is available at
http://tinyurl.com/acs-ccps.

Each ACS CCP receives an official lapel pin, embroidered patch, and a certificate, along with the right to call
themselves an ACS Certified Cheese Professional® or ACS CCP®. ACS CCPs are required to demonstrate
continued active participation and professional development within the cheese industry to maintain their
credentials, and they must recertify every three years.

“We are not only proud of these distinguished individuals and their professional achievement, but also of the
industry’s adoption of the ACS CCP designation as the standard for cheese professionals”, says Nora Weiser,
Executive Director of the American Cheese Society. “The entire cheese industry – from cheesemaker to
consumer – benefits from the understanding, education, and professionalism of ACS CCPs. They are a
testament to the growth, quality, and passion of today’s American cheese scene.”

The Certified Cheese Professional Exam encourages high standards of comprehensive cheese knowledge and
service for professionals working in all areas of the industry. The exam is based on the knowledge and skills
required to successfully perform cheese-related tasks in a range of different jobs. Testing encompasses a broad
range of topics including raw ingredients, the cheesemaking process, storing and handling cheese, selecting
distributors, marketing and communicating about cheese, nutrition, and regulations and sanitation.

Due to tremendous interest in the exam, ACS is pleased to offer two seatings in 2016: a small seating will be
offered on January 16 in San Francisco, California, and a larger seating will take place on July 27 at the 33rd
Annual ACS Conference & Competition in Des Moines, Iowa. Cheese professionals who meet the eligibility
requirements outlined on the ACS website are encouraged to apply early. Applications will be accepted for the
San Francisco exam between September 30 and November 30, 2015. Applications will be accepted for the Des
Moines exam between January 1 and March 31, 2016. Space is limited.

To learn more about the ACS Certified Cheese Professional Exam, visit www.cheesesociety.org.