Consumer Certification

[Schatzman]

Sounds interesting! I'll definitely take a look.



I hear you, but it's not about the certificate as opposed to the knowledge from an "Industry insider" point of view.



If you took yourself out of being in the industry, what benefit do you see as a smoker/hobbyist?

I think the benefit is you get a history lesson and you will learn somethings you didn't know before. I think the bigger benefit is you are supporting the idea of a certified standard in the industry. Also the entry level is worth it as a consumer if you are the type of consumer who likes to hang out at the shops and talk cigars. I have found customers take me more seriously knowing I am "certified". I think you would be surprised at how many fellow consumers in the shop would take your opinions and statements more seriously as well.

Would you say this is the equivalent of becoming a Cicerone or Sommelier? Is this something thats worth getting into if your not involved in the industry?

I think the entry level certification is not the same as a Cicerone or Sommelier. I think the Master level is. The Master level requires significant time in the fields or factories. I don't mean you do a simple tour or cigar safari. You actually have to be in the dirt working with crops from what I understand. You also have to write a scholarly article that is approved by Jorge. So to answer your question, in order to get to B you have to do A first.

[TreySC]

closest place for me is a 2 hour drive so I'm out. There is a guy I follow on IG that has been talking about a cigar mastery course he is working on. I'm interested to see what that's all about

[Marc L]

In addition to study of Tobacco U, CigarHistory.info should be a standard for all truly interested. Void of certification.

[HabanoMan]

I'll pass. Don't need a certificate to tell me what I know and don't know about my hobsession. Guess if I was aspiring to open a shop or something along those lines it would be ok to have.

[Marc L]

New Jersey, March 23, 2015: Starting in April of 2015, Tobacconist University (TU) will hand off their consumer certification program to Certified Retail Tobacconists (CRT). The University updated this program allowing certified retailers the exclusive right to administer final exams to consumers who want to become certified. TU anticipates that these changes will elevate credibility throughout the luxury tobacco industry and strengthen retailer/consumer bonds.

TU started certifying consumers in 1996, culminating in 2014, for a fee of $500. Starting in 2015, they turned that business over to their CRT, which empowers them to certify at will and charge significantly less for the service. Now consumer certification prices are determined by CRT. A current list of existing CRT and Certified Consumer Tobacconists (CCT) can be seen on the TU website.
“While facts, truth, and knowledge may not matter to many marketers, they do matter to retailers and consumers.” President and Founder, Jorge Armenteros noted. He added, “Through certification we can establish a strong foundation of knowledge which bonds consumers, media, and retailers, thereby helping to build credibility and culture for the luxury tobacco industry.”
The 2015 Media Challenge: As part of the new consumer certification process, TU is offering free CCT Certification to all industry media who sign up during the month of April. Any member of the industry media can follow the CCT process and become certified for free. Visit the TU website to GET CERTIFIED.

Headquartered in Hopewell, NJ, Tobacconist University is the nation’s leading educational resource for consumers and professional tobacconists. TU is the exclusive educational curriculum of the IPCPR.

[Bruck]

Looks interesting, tnx for the heads-up, Brian. I might go for a certification, probably get the handbook first though - more interested in the education than the wallpaper.

[Marc L]

The Tobacconist Newsletter

2015 Media Challenge!

Inviting the Media to become Certified!

Starting April 1, 2015, all Certified Retail Tobacconists (CRT) will be able to certify consumers. During the month of April, TU will be providing free CCT (consumer certification) to any and all industry media BOTL and SOTL that are interested in proving their knowledge and earning credentials. We are excited to see who will have the moxie to stand up and prove their knowledge! Stay tuned for updates...

If you are interested in becoming a CCT, please visit the TU web page or email [email protected] if you have any questions.

What is a Certified Consumer Tobacconist (CCT) ?

Let the education begin!