Apprenticeship is a period of service & learning an art or a trade.  Cigar & pipe makers must apprentice to learn their crafts, since traditional education cannot compensate for the value of hands-on experience and oral traditions.  The same is true for Tobacconists, because books, videos, and words cannot fully explain and teach us everything we need to know about products, business, or customers.  

Certified Retail Tobacconists (CRT) must apprentice for at least 500 hours with a retail Tobacconist, before being allowed to take the final exam. 

Certified Retail Tobacconists do not hire “clerks”, “attendants”, “cashiers”, or “salespeople” to service their customers; rather, employees begin their TOBACCONIST UNIVERSITY® Certified Retail Tobacconist Apprenticeship program.  From the first day of employment, the tone is set:  you are a Tobacconist Apprentice.  And, you are joining an organization committed  to developing your personal passions, skills, talents, and potential.  There are high expectations with respect to product knowledge, customer service, and organizational standards as well as many traditions to be honored as a professional Tobacconist.

Being a Tobacconist is a special marriage of personal passion
and professional duty. It is paramount to appreciate and
respect the privilege of combining pleasure with work. 

* Newly opened store Tobacconists may start their TU Apprenticeship on the first day of business, but they must wait at least 12 months to qualify for TU Certification: unless the owner/manager has previously satisfied apprenticeship requirements.