Courses & Schedules Overview
The title of Master Sommelier is reserved for individuals who successfully complete all four levels of the Court of Master Sommeliers’ educational program. The Master Sommelier distinction is the only internationally recognized credential for individuals in the beverage sales and service fields.
There are four program levels to becoming a Master Sommelier.
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Level I ($525 US) is the Introductory Course & Exam which includes a fast paced review for a day and a half with a theory exam at the end of the second day. Those who pass receive a certificate of completion and a pin designating success. Candidates should have been employed in wine service for a minimum of three years, although this is not mandatory to enter the Introductory Course.
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Level II ($325 US) is the Certified Sommelier Exam, a one-day exam only with no classroom work. Candidates are encouraged to take some time to prepare between the Level I Introductory Course and taking the Level II Certified Exam. In most cities where both the Level I & II are offered, the Certified Exam is a day prior to the Introductory Course as we are targeting the Certified for those candidates who have previously passed the Introductory Course and have had time to prepare.
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Level III ($995 US) is the Advanced Sommelier Course & Exam
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Level IV ($900 US) is the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam.
Additional program information can be found by selecting the link below.
Application Info
All Introductory Sommelier Courses and Certified Exams are filled on a first come, first served basis. The Advanced Course applications are subject to the decision of the selection committee and will be based on merit, preparedness and letters of recommendation.
Qualifications
You must be qualified to register for these courses and exams. A minimum of three years in the wine/service industry is strongly recommended for the Introductory Course.
Candidates must have passed the Introductory Course Exam to enroll for the Certified Exam.
Entrance into the Advanced Course is via a selection process of the Court of Master Sommelier's academic admissions committee. You must have passed the Introductory and Certified Exams and have a mandatory five years minimum experience in the wine/service industry.
The Master Sommelier Diploma Exam is by invitation only after successful completion of the Advanced Course.
It is our expectation that candidates will professionally refer to themselves, for example, on a resume or business card, only by that level which they have successfully completed. With that, we expect no professional reference to a level to which they may or may not be a candidate. Nor can candidates at any level use the Court of Master Sommeliers logo on professional or personal material.
If you have questions please call (707) 255-5056 or email Executive Director Kathleen Lewis at klewis@mastersommeliers.org or Administrative Assistant Kady Domingos at kdomingos@mastersommeliers.org.