How long should I study for a Cicerone exam?

Preparation time depends on the knowledge and experience you bring into the process, as well as your comfort across each area of the syllabus. For the Certified Cicerone exam, candidates often find that the Written and Tasting exams require different levels of preparation. Because these exams may be taken in either order, many candidates choose to focus on one before preparing for the other.

As a general guideline, many candidates spend about 10 hours preparing for Certified Beer Server and about 100 hours preparing for Certified Cicerone, although current Certified Cicerone guidance notes that preparation may range from several months to two years depending on background and goals. Advanced and Master candidates typically invest substantial time in study, tasting practice, and applied experience. The syllabus remains the best measure of readiness.