Earning the Certified Bourbon Professional™ designation results in the life-long privilege to carry the title and use its postnominals, “CBP”. Upon passing the exam, candidates receive printed diploma and lapel pin, both in digital as well as physical versions.
The Council of Whiskey Masters sets the highest global standard for knowledge and competence in Bourbon and other American whiskey appreciation. Its study program and certification exam are the gold standard in the industry. Successful candidates enjoy a wide range of career and networking opportunities as well as a deep understanding of the beverage, based on the best body of knowledge available today.
The CBP program is completed 100% in remote format, removing all barrier for candidates around the globe. Studies and examination are supported efficiently by our competent and responsive office team in Los Angeles, California.
The Certified Bourbon Professional (CBP) program covers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum. There are no prerequisites or special requirements to enroll in the program, the Council welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.
Beginners will find the program accessible without prior knowledge, and experienced professionals or hobbyists will find the depth of the curriculum demanding and satisfying.
Enrollment in the CBP study program costs 4 330 SEK, non-refundable. This fee includes all necessary study materials, the online exam, plus diploma and lapel pin upon passing. The exam is challenging, but fair: ~73% of the candidates pass on first attempt. Retake fee is 3 226 SEK.
What happens after you enroll? You will get a confirmation email from us swiftly, usually within a few hours of signing up. It will include additional information about the program and confirm that can you can expect to receive your hardcopy study guide within a few days.
Your study guide is a textbook designed to support the study curriculum outlined above; all exam questions will be exactly based on this document. We use a well written and illustrated study guide that many thousands of Bourbon experts and students have rated highly. The expected study and preparation time for this exam is between 60 and 90 hours, depending on the candidate’s prior experience.
Once you are ready to take the exam, you may select and self-schedule a time slot on the website. Exams are offered several times each month on Fridays and Saturdays, with convenient time slots available for all global time zones. A calendar invitation with all important details will be emailed to you immediately upon scheduling
Exam results will reach you via email within two days of taking the exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and it takes up to 60 minutes to complete. You must correctly answer at least 75% of the questions to pass the exam.
Exam protocol:
The exam may be taken online, in a browser window, using a laptop or desktop computer. The exam is entered through a link sent by the Council on exam day.
Candidates may be located anywhere in the world, but reliable internet and phone connections are required. Anti-cheating methods are in place and are enforced.
No study materials or other persons are permitted in the room during an exam.
Candidates receive an email with the exam link a few hours in advance of the scheduled appointment time.
Note that the Council enrollment may expire if a candidate neither takes nor schedules the exam within 2 years of enrolling for that level.
Upon passing the exam, you will receive your printed diploma via mail, on high-quality stationery suitable for framing. You will also receive a beautiful copper lapel pin to wear proudly at any occasion.
Physical copies of the diploma and the lapel pin are shipped globally from office in Los Angeles, California.
Digital versions are sent in advance via email, together with the exam results.
Many successful candidates take a next step and enroll in one of our other exams, building an impressive portfolio of tasting expertise that can shape their careers and enhance their personal enjoyment. Take your first step toward your Bourbon certification today!
The History of Bourbon
The Whiskey Rebellion
Mount Vernon Distillery
Prohibition
Small Batch Production
Modern Bourbon Production Methods
Grains: Corn, Rye, Wheat and Barley
Water
Sour Mash Process
Distillation
Stripping Run
Spirit Run
Oak: Ageing, Charring, Vatting
Filtering
Proofing
Bourbon Regulation and Terms
Age Statements
Straight and Blended Bourbon
Bourbon Name Protection
Production Statements
The Whisky Regions of America
Kentucky Bourbon
Tennessee Whiskey
Canadian Whisky
The Bourbon Distilleries of Kentucky
Overview of Active Distilleries
Tasting Character of the Main Bottlings
The Wine Hub Scandinavian School of Sommeliers AB
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Tel: 08 867 161
Mail: hello@thewinehub.se
