The Advanced Sommelier Course is a three-day educational program exploring the Court of Master Sommeliers standards in beverage sales and service in greater depth. The course consists of classroom-style lectures designed to give candidates a template for upper-level exam study and a clear understanding of expectations at the Advanced Sommelier Examination, and small breakout tasting sessions which allow for individualized feedback and advice.
Advanced Application Process
- Applicants can only apply for the course or exam, not both. The course must be completed first.
- Application fee is $100.
- The application consists of basic questions about eligibility and employment experience.
- The Sommelier Knowledge Assessment (SKA) is a required part of the application process for the Advanced Sommelier Course in the United States. Administered at local testing centers, the SKA consists of questions that assess a candidate’s knowledge and preparedness in the three key areas of the curriculum: Theory, Tasting, and Hospitality & Service. In addition, applicants are required to complete CMS-A’s online training for creating safe workspaces. Additional details will be provided after the application is submitted.
- Letters of recommendation are not needed for ANY CMS-A programming application.
- Applications open on October 1 and close on November 1 of each year.
Advanced Sommelier Course Eligibility
- Applicant has passed the Certified Sommelier Examination at the time of submitting the application.
- Applicant must have a minimum two years of restaurant experience in a service/sales position within seven years of the date the application is submitted. Current employment must be in the restaurant/hospitality or beverage industry.
- Applicant has NOT previously attended the three-day Advanced Sommelier Course.
Advanced Sommelier Course Dates and Locations
- Advanced Sommelier Course – Seoul, South Korea – March 10-12, 2027
- For students based in or living in Asia
- Advanced Sommelier Course – Dallas, Texas – June 28-30, 2027
- For students based in or living in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean
- Advanced Sommelier Course – Mexico City, Mexico – August 2027, date TBD
- For students based in or living in Latin America, including Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean
To access the Advanced Course Application, students must first pay the application fee of $100:
