The Okayama Prefecture Apparel Industry Association and Kurashiki Fashion Center have established Japan's first jeans certification program, the "Jeans Sommelier Certification Program." The exam is held annually, with the first one held on November 14th at three locations: Tokyo, Osaka, and Okayama. Successful candidates will receive a certificate and badge. The program aims to revitalize the jeans market and contribute to the spread of jeans culture, cultivating jeans professionals in the textile and retail industries. The exam covers the following categories: "Jeans Materials (from cotton to spinning, dyeing, and weaving)," "Jeans Sewing and Products (from cutting to sewing)," "Jeans Washing (from washing to the finished product)," and "Jeans Distribution and Retail." The exam tests knowledge of jeans from manufacturing to sales. An essay about jeans will also be required. The exam fee is ¥7,900 (including ¥3,150 for the textbook). Questions are drawn from the official textbook provided upon application. A score of 80 or above out of 100 is required to pass. A certification ceremony will be held in Okayama Prefecture on January 23, 2014. On the same day, successful candidates will also be given a tour of a jeans manufacturing factory. Mr. Hanabusa of the Jeans Sommelier Project Secretariat said, "Jeans are sold not only in specialty stores but also in select shops. Because jeans are an everyday item, it's important to develop experts with accurate knowledge of jeans. We hope that successful candidates will deepen their knowledge by seeing the jeans manufacturing process, which they normally don't get to see." Applications for the first Jeans Sommelier Certification Exam will run from September 2 to October 15. Applications will close once each venue reaches capacity.