The NPO Cheese Professional Association is accepting applications for the 2026 Cheese Professional certification examination.
Applications are open through Monday, June 15, 2026.
About “Cheese Professional”
“Cheese Professional” is a certification for systematically learning cheese production, culture and history, sales and service, and communicating the appeal of cheese to consumers. This will be the 26th examination.
In recent years, attention to the qualification has reportedly grown both inside and outside the industry as a kind of passport to making everyday food life richer and more enjoyable.
The Cheese Professional Association identifies three trends symbolizing contemporary food culture:
1. Diversification of cheese experiences, from everyday life to specialty stores
2. Beyond deliciousness: the nutritional and health value nurtured by milk and fermentation
3. “Japanese cheese” attracting global attention
As the field broadens, consumers increasingly need clear information about cheese flavor, nutrition, handling and the stories behind products.
The importance of communicators who can explain these points accessibly is growing, and the role of Cheese Professionals is expected to expand.
About the Certification Examination
Candidates use The Cheese Textbook as the official text and systematically study fundamentals of production, history, tasting, sales and service.
In restaurants and retail stores, the ability to assess cheese type and maturity and introduce it in appropriate language can build customer trust and improve service value.
It also enables proposals backed by logic, such as harmonizing sake with aged cheese or using craft beer to refresh the palate.
The skill of cutting cheese beautifully and serving it with compatible ingredients such as dried fruit and spices can also turn service into an experience that communicates a shop's individuality.
Examples of qualification holders' careers include:
Case 1: Winning an international-standard restaurant service competition, service
Case 2: Moving from engineering into cheesemaking and taking on the world through logic and sensibility, production
Case 3: Serving as a bridge between consumers and producers, distribution, sales and specialty retail, among others
If you are interested, why not take on the 2026 Cheese Professional certification examination?
Reference
■ 2026 Cheese Professional Certification Examination Overview
Qualification
Cheese Professional Certification Examination
Application period
Monday, March 2–Monday, June 15, 2026
Eligibility
Open to anyone
Examination
First stage: CBT at venues nationwide / Second stage: tasting and written response
Official materials
The Cheese Textbook 2026–2028 and basic seminar videos
Details / Application
https://www.cheese-professional.com/info/qualification_cpa.php