APCOR, the association of Portuguese cork producers, has devised an online certification course to increase awareness of the characteristics of real cork. Aimed at professionals, educators & the general public, the course involves an exam consisting of multiple choice & true/false questions. 'We conducted a survey in 2005 that indicated that customers love cork,' Carla Silva, APCOR's communications manager for USA & Australia, said. 'But it also showed there is some work to be done to educate the wine trade & customers on issues of cork & wine closures in general.' However, with questions like 'What does "amadia" cork signify?' the exam is not for the uninitiated. In the first week of its launch, 71 people took the exam with 39 succeeding on their first attempt. The passing grade is 80%. To take the test, goto: www.realcorkusa.com/
