Level III: Advanced Sommelier Course and Examination
The Advanced Sommelier Course and Examination is geared to individuals with extensive wine service experience. The two day examination follows three days of intensive lectures and tastings conducted by a team of Master Sommeliers. The examination is given in three parts:
- Practical restaurant wine service and salesmanship.
- A written theory examination based on advanced Sommelier knowledge.
- A blind tasting of six wines using the Deductive Tasting format.
Students must achieve a minimum score of 60% in all three sections to pass the examination. Candidates must also pass this examination before they can sit the Master Sommelier Diploma examination.
The Advanced Examination is exponentially more challenging than the Certified Sommelier Examination, and a required step in the progression toward the Master Sommelier Diploma. Students are expected to have a high level of preparation in terms of theory knowledge, blind tasting skills, and practical restaurant service before sitting the class and examination.
Who can take the Advanced Sommelier Course and Examination?
Entrance into the Advanced Course is via a selection process conducted by the Court of Master Sommeliers Examination Committee and the Director of Education. Students must have passed the
Introductory Sommelier Exam and the
Certified Sommelier Exam and have a mandatory five years minimum experience in the wine/service industry before applying to the Advanced Course.