Becoming a Master Sommelier - Courses

The Master Sommelier credential is the only internationally recognized credential for beverage sales and service. There are four stages to this top professional qualification.

Level I - Introductory Sommelier Course & Exam

Method of viticulture, vinification and local customs for major wines.

  • Production methods of wines and spirits.
  • Wine service, social skills and legislation.
  • Harmony of food and wine.
  • Wine tasting skills, to enable candidates to recognize typical characteristics of wines and detect basic faults.

At the end of the two-day educational course, candidates take a multiple-choice theory examination for which a pass mark of 60% is required. The Introductory Sommelier Course is a prerequisite for the Certified Sommelier Exam.

Level II - Certified Sommelier Exam
(one-day exam only)

Candidates must have passed the Introductory Sommelier Exam prior to taking the Certified Exam.

Students who have not taken the Certified Sommelier Exam with two years of passing the Introductory Exam are strongly advised to retake the Introductory Exam at a special retake price of $295.00.

Successful completion of the Certified Sommelier Exam is mandatory for all candidates applying for the Advanced Sommelier Course/Exam.

The Certified Sommelier represents the primary certification for wine and beverage professionals in the hospitality industry. Through the creation of the examination, the Court will identify beverage professionals whose knowledge, training, skills and demeanor are eligible of the title “Certified Sommelier.”

The Certified Sommelier Exam is comprised of three parts:

  • Written exam - twenty-five questions covering the world of wine
  • Tasting exam - blind wine tasting of two wines
  • Service exam - requires the candidate to exhibit sales and service skills and including either the decanting of a red wine or the safe and correct opening of a Champagne bottle

Upon completion of the three-part exam, the student will receive a certificate and a pin distinguishing them as a Certified Sommelier, certified by the American Court of Master Sommeliers.

Who must take the Certified Exam before applying for the Advanced Exam:

  • All students must successfully complete the Certification Exam before applying for the Advanced Exam.

Level III - Advanced Sommelier Course & Exam

For persons with extensive wine service experience. The examination, following the three-day educational course, is in three parts:

  • Practical service and salesmanship.
  • Knowledge of the Sommelier (written questions and answers).
  • Practical tasting of six wines.

Candidates must achieve a minimum pass of 60% in all sections. Candidates must pass this course before they can sit the Master Sommelier Diploma.

Level IV - Master Sommelier Diploma Exam

The examination is similar in format and content to that of the Advanced Course. However, the pass mark for each of the three sections is 75%. A candidate who passes one or two parts may retake those he or she failed in any two exams during the next two years. After this period, all three parts would have to be retaken. Members of the examining panel are nominated by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

The candidate is required to wear his or her normal working clothes and provide corkscrew, cigar cutter and other tools of the trade for the examination. Throughout the examination, the candidate should exhibit a high standard of both technical and social skills, demonstrating the courtesy and charm of a Master Sommelier. It is essential to demonstrate the ability to SELL.