FIRST IN THE NATION AND LARGEST IN THE WORLD
CHOCOLATE TASTING CERTIFICATION
FREE: Level 1 & 2 Chocolate Certification Classes
Turn your love of chocolate into real expertise.
And take these $2200 in professional level classes – at no cost.
The Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest, in collaboration with The International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting, and CNM, Central New Mexico Community College is proud to offer FREE Level 1 & Level 2 Chocolate Tasting Certification Classes, taught by internationally renowned chocolate authority Dr. Maricel Presilla, founder of the International Institute of Chocolate & Cacao Tasting and International Chocolate Awards.
LEVEL 1: APRIL 6, 2026, Albuquerque, New Mexico
LEVEL 2: APRIL 7-9, 2026, Albuquerque, NM
See class details below
Thanks to CNM Ingenuity workforce funding, qualifying participants can complete this $2200 professional chocolate tasting certification training at no cost. Details below.
What You’ll Learn
How to taste chocolate like a professional
Cacao origins, flavor development & terroir
Sensory evaluation techniques used by industry experts
Chocolate grading and flavor identification
The science and craft behind fine chocolate
Whether you’re a food professional, café owner, culinary student, chocolatier, or passionate chocolate lover — this is a rare opportunity to gain formal certification from one of the world’s leading educators.
Certification Levels Available
Level 1 — Foundations of Chocolate Tasting
Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts.
Level 2 — Advanced Sensory Evaluation
Build deeper professional tasting and evaluation skills.
Participants may apply for one or both levels.
Why This Is Special
Tuition fully covered (you pay $0)
Learn from a James Beard Award-winning expert
Professional certification credential
Hands-on tasting experience
Offered alongside the nation’s largest consumer chocolate festival
How to Apply
Complete the CNM Ingenuity funding application – see below.
Select your certification level(s)
Submit and secure your spot
Space is limited and applications are reviewed for eligibility.
Apply Now for Free Certification – See Below
CLASS DETAILS
Pay $0 for your Certification Class(es)
CNM Ingenuity – Training for Your Future Funds
Apply for Funding to Join the Level 1 Chocolate Tasting Certificate Program!
Are you looking to upskill or reskill in a field that connects to New Mexico’s vibrant culinary and specialty food industries? The Training for Your Future Fund provides financial support for learners whose training contributes to workforce development, innovation, and job creation in key industries.
Why Apply?
Successful applicants will:
• Clearly demonstrate how their participation in Chocolate Tasting Certificates aligns with industry needs, such as culinary innovation, food tourism, or fine chocolate entrepreneurship.
• Share a compelling personal story about how this training will impact their career or contribute to New Mexico’s food economy.
• Provide strong, detailed responses in their application.
How to Apply for Funding
Open the application link: Apply Here
Enter your details: First and last name, phone number, and email address.
Select your program: Choose “Ingenuity Programs.”
Enter your CNM Ingenuity Student ID:
Returning students can look up their ID here: Returning Student Lookup.
New students must create a CNM Ingenuity account: New Student Registration. You’ll receive a Student ID via email.
Choose your relevant program of interest: Select “Level 1 Chocolate Tasting Certificate OR Level 2 Certificate in Chocolate Tasting OR Levels 1 & 2 in Chocolate Tasting- Two Course Bundle”
Select your start date: Choose April 2026.
Indicate your application category:
Applying based on financial need
Applying based on economic development impact
Complete the application questions and submit!
📩 Questions? Contact sales@cnm.edu for assistance.
Take this opportunity to advance your career in the world of fine chocolate and cacao tasting while contributing to New Mexico’s growing specialty food industry! 🍫✨