Master Sommelier Applications are open through December 15 for north america and january 6 for asia
About the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination
The Master Sommelier Diploma Examination is similar in format and content to that of the Advanced Sommelier Examination in that it consists of three parts:
- a theory examination (an oral examination and not written),
- a deductive tasting of six wines, and a
- practical wine service examination.
The minimum passing score for each of the three sections is 75% as opposed to 60% for the Advanced Sommelier Examination.
Students must first pass the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination-Theory and then have three consecutive years to pass the remaining two parts of the examination. Thus a student who passes one or two parts may retake those he or she failed in during the next two years. If all three parts are not passed during a three year period the entire exam must be retaken.
Members of the examining panel are Master Sommeliers chosen by the Examination Committee according to the CMS-A Examiner Rotation Policy.
The candidate is required to wear professional working attire and to also provide all tools of the sommelier trade for the examination. The candidate should exhibit a high standard of both technical skills and knowledge throughout the examination, and demonstrate the courtesy and hospitality of a Master Sommelier. It is also essential that the candidate demonstrate excellent salesmanship.
Who can take the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination?
Students who pass the Advanced Sommelier Examination (on the average about 25%) are eligible to apply to take the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination. The pass rate for the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination-Theory is approximately 10%.
Elements of the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination
- Speak with authority on the wine areas of the world and their products.
- Know the principal grape varieties used in winemaking and the areas of the world where they are cultivated.
- Answer questions on international wine laws, including the European Community, United States, Australia and other global wine regions.
- Display knowledge of fortified wines, their vinification, storage and handling.
- Describe the various methods of distillation and the making of spirits and liqueurs, as well as the process of making beers and ciders and the reasons for the variations in style between different products.
- Discuss how the products should be properly stored to ensure that they remain in the optimum condition.
- Discuss, recommend and serve aperitifs, displaying a thorough knowledge of their ingredients and production methods as well as the ability to serve them correctly.
- Select, prepare and position glassware necessary for the service of all beverages in the lounge, restaurant, or private function room.
- Discuss menu content and wine list, recommending wines to accompany a wide range of foods; displaying a sound knowledge of the products, their vintages and characteristics.
- Present, offer, prepare, (decanting when necessary) and serve wines, demonstrating a high degree of efficiency and proficiency.
- Present, offer, prepare and serve brandies, liqueurs and other spirits, including knowledge of the proper serving portions for each.
- Handle questions and complaints with skill, elegance and diplomacy.
The tasting examination is scored on the candidate’s verbal abilities to clearly and accurately describe six different wines. Within twenty-five minutes he or she must:
- Identify, where appropriate, grape varieties, country of origin, district and appellation of origin, and vintages of the wines tasted.
Applying for the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination
Please read the following which details the structure, pricing and application systems for the Master Sommelier Examination. Note that the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas and EU chapters have different policies for applying to Advanced and Master Sommelier exams. Please review our Examination Site Policy for more information.
- All candidates wishing to submit intent for the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination must complete the application; emails stating intent will not be accepted.
- Application of intent for the 2025 Master Sommelier Diploma Examination, Theory or Hospitality & Service Practical and Tasting opens in November 2024, with a deadline to submit on December 15.
- Application fee of $100 due at time of application submission
- Master Sommelier Diploma Examination – Theory: For those sitting the first time or those who have sat in the past but have reset and hold no portions.
- Master Sommelier Diploma Examination – Hospitality & Service Practical and Tasting: For those who are holding at least the Theory portion of the Examination.
Master Sommelier Diploma Examination - Theory
The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas will offer two Theory examinations in 20254.
- Dates and Locations: March 16, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea and April 28, 2025 in Portland, OR
- Cost: $999 USD
- Mandatory for all candidates who
- Are sitting for the first time
- Have sat in the past but have reset and hold no portions
For candidates who pass Theory:
- Candidates are then invited to apply for the Practical and Tasting portions in September 2-3, 2025 in Houston, TX or November 14-15, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea.
- Candidates who opt not to sit for either Practical or Tasting in September 2025 have two more attempts (one per calendar year) to pass Practical and Tasting by the end of 2026
To submit an Application of Intent:
- Deadline to submit application of intent is in December each year
- Full payment will be due upon receipt of invitation
- This portion is an oral examination administered exactly as it has been in years past
- There is no penalty for declining an invitation to the Master Sommeliers Diploma Theory Exam
Forced Wait Policy
This policy aims to create space for new candidates to attempt the exam by requiring underperforming candidates to pause for one year after unsuccessful attempts. Candidates will face a forced one-year wait based on their results as follows:
- <45% on the First Attempt
- <55% on the Second Attempt in consecutive years
- <67% on the Third Attempt in consecutive years
- Candidates can continue to sit for the exam each year as long as they maintain a score of 67% or higher (67% is within 10% of the 75% needed to pass the section). If a candidate’s MS Theory score drops below 67% on any attempt, they will be asked to take a year off to re-strategize and study.
If candidates voluntarily take a year off in between attempts, or if they are required to take a forced wait, the percentage requirement clock resets.
Master Sommelier Diploma Examination - Hospitality & Service Practical and Tasting
The Court of Master Sommeliers will offer two Hospitality & Service Practical and Tasting in 2025.
- Dates and Locations: September 2-3, 2025 in Houston, TX and November 14-15, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea
- Cost: Hospitality & Service Practical Examination $999 USD / Tasting Examination $999 USD / both Hospitality & Service Practical & Tasting Examination $1899 USD
To submit an Application of Intent:
- Application of intent are for those candidates who are holding any portion(s)
- Deadline to submit application of intent for Hospitality & Service Practical and/or Tasting is in December each year
- Full payment is due upon confirmation of acceptance
Scholarship Info
SommFoundation provides scholarships for the Advanced Sommelier Course & Examination and Master Sommelier Diploma Examination. Please visit their website at www.sommfoundation.com/scholarships for more information.
