1/1/2016 UPDATE: The CCT Process has been changed since the publishing of this article. Visit our Get Certified webpage for more info.
There's a difference between opinions and facts. There's a difference between information and education. And there's a difference between those who know and those who don't. If you read about cigars and pipes on the internet, or advertising laden magazines, you will be misled, you will believe things that aren't true and/or biased, and you will fail to appreciate the true natural artistry and wonder of the luxury tobacco industry.
TU Certification is about teaching fundamentals and facts. We do not tell you what is good or bad, but simply try to make sure you have all of the tools and knowledge to make educated decisions and enhance your appreciation: that is why we certify tobacconists and consumers.
TU CERTIFICATION: CRT, CST, & CCT
There are two main professional TU Certifications: Certified Retail Tobacconist (CRT) and Certified Salesforce Tobacconist (CST). These professional degrees require passing a 100 question test. The Certified Consumer Tobacconist (CCT) degree requires passing a 50 question final exam, with a 90% or better score. All certifications are based on the TU Academic Curriculum found in our Campus.
The CCT Process
1. Ask any CRT to be your CRT Sponsor
2. Sign up as a CCT Apprentice on the TU website. This means you accept the TU Code of Ethics & Standards, submit your personal information for your CCT listing, and tell us who your CRT Sponsor is.
3. Schedule your final exam with your CRT Sponsor anytime after you become an apprentice. The final exam will be accessed by your CRT Sponsor through a password protected secure website and the consumer will take the test on the web, with the CRT
Sponsor present.
4. Once you pass the exam you will receive your CCT credentials and be entitled to special products, certified accoutrements, and privileges with TU and at your Certified Retail Tobacconist's store*.
*Benefits will vary by retailers.
Currently, any consumer can become certified through any Certified Retail Tobacconist (CRT). TU started certifying consumers in 1996, culminating in 2014, for a fee of $500. Starting in 2015, we turned that business over to our CRT, which empowers them to certify at will and charge significantly less for the service. Now consumer certification prices are determined by CRT.
