Artisan Baker Certification Program

THE BREAD BAKERS GUILD NOW OFFERS THREE LEVELS OF THE ARTISAN BAKER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM:

Certified Bread Baker (CBB) • Certified Viennoiserie Baker • Certified Master Artisan Baker (CMAB)

WHY GET CERTIFIED?

• Demonstrate your knowledge and skill to staff, peers, managers and the public
• Show your commitment to the highest levels of professionalism and care
• Opens career options for professionals
• Elevates self-esteem and pride in one’s work
• Improves your credibility in the field

CERTIFICATION IS FOR...

• Professional bakers looking to build their resumes and credibility and access new professional opportunities
• Bakery owners looking to establish their brand as an artisan baking expert
• Employers looking for educational challenges and opportunities for professional development for their bench bakers

REQUIREMENTS

• Be a Guild member with at least one year of professional baking experience
• Have a current ServSafe Food Handler's Certificate

• For the CMAB Certification, applicants must have passed both the CBB and CMB levels

PROCESS (AT-A-GLANCE)

• Submit an application and letter of reference
• Pass an online written exam
• Pass a hands-on practical exam

HOW TO PREPARE

ATTEND A CERTIFICATION INFORMATION SESSION (TBA)

• Or Watch Our 2025 Information Session Here

PREPARATION DOCUMENTS AND RESOURCES

• Explains the goals of certification
• Outlines the process and requirements
• Explains what to expect when taking the practical exam. 
  
• Learn what and how to study
  
• See some examples of products
  

Certified Bread Baker	Certified Viennoiserie Baker	Certified Master Artisan Baker
CBB Rules CBB Video Lecture	CVB Rules & Product Examples	CMAB Rules

RECOMMENDED READING (for preparing for both the Online and Practical Exams)

• Advanced Bread and Pastry: A Professional Approach
  San Francisco Baking Institute: Michel Suas, Didier Rosada, Brian Wood, and Miyuki Togi (Delmar Cengage Learning, 2009)
  
  
• Bread: A Baker's Book of Techniques and Recipes 
  Jeffrey Hamelman (John Wiley & Sons, 2004)

CERTIFICATION PROCESS

ONLINE TEST (CBB & CVB ONLY)

The online test consists of 100 questions on milling, flour functions and standards, preferments and fermentation, mixing and baking, baker’s percentage, and basic sanitation practices. You will receive your score immediately. A passing score is 70% or higher.

After passing the online test, you must take the practical exam within the next four practical test dates.

Online Test: $100

PRACTICAL EXAMINATION

The online test must be taken and passed prior to taking the practical examination. 
After completing the online exam, please write info@bbga.org to schedule your practical exam date.

The practical exam will occur over the course of two consecutive days and will include a timed quiz covering baker’s percentage.

We will be issuing formulas for doughs and the candidate will be responsible for an additional “baker’s choice” product. The practical exam will evaluate the skills necessary to be an asset to a bakery, including an understanding of fermentation control, shaping and scoring techniques, and time management.

The Practical Exam is a rigorous yet feasible test. Candidates are strongly encouraged to practice. Complete run-throughs, helping you develop and learn the routine, provide the best training. Additionally, focusing on a troublesome or unfamiliar product or component (braiding for example), will greatly improve your chance of success.  The practical exam measures more than baking skills.  It encompasses work organization and efficiency, sanitation, and the ability to adapt.  Focusing on baking fundamentals rather than the exam will create a calm, familiar zone for the work.  It is advisable to develop a written plan/timeline for both days of the exam.  A survey of successful candidates reveals the common thread for success: Preparation. 

A passing score is 70% or higher. You will be given the results of your practical exam electronically immediately afterwards.

Practical Exam: $750

Any questions?  Reach out to us at info@bbga.org.