Online Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination
The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas has a four-level education and examination program, beginning with the Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination.
The online Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination introduces students to the world of wine, the Court of Master Sommeliers Deductive Tasting Method, and the Court of Master Sommeliers Service Standards. The course is taught exclusively by Master Sommeliers.
The online course allows you to learn at your own pace, making it more accommodating for those with busy schedules or other commitments. Students attending the online wine course will have up to 180 days to complete the program and take the examination.
Who Should Attend This Class
Registration for the online Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination is open to anyone 21 or over in the hospitality, wholesale, and retail sectors of the food and beverage industry, anyone considering a career as a professional sommelier, or anyone interested in learning more about wine.
Pricing
- Online Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination, wine NOT included: $599
- Wine Purchase Options:
- Introductory Sommelier Course Wine Kit offered by Small Lot Bottles – includes 18 (100 ml) wines: $250 w/discount code provided upon registration.
NOTE: At this time, wine cannot be shipped internationally, outside of the continental US (with the exception of AK or HI), or to the following US states: AR, CT, DE, MS, NJ, RI, SD, UT, WV. - Student may purchase their own wine for the course from a provided list: Suggested Wine List.
- Introductory Sommelier Course Wine Kit offered by Small Lot Bottles – includes 18 (100 ml) wines: $250 w/discount code provided upon registration.
- Wine Purchase Options:
Group Discounts
The CMS-A offers discounts for groups of 10 or more. Contact Kathleen Lewis at klewis@mastersommeliers.org for details.
Preparation
Online Sommelier Course & Exam
- The online course is on-demand and self-paced study. Students can learn the information as quickly or as slowly as they would like and review sections at their own pace.
- Students have 180 days from the start date of the program to access course content and take the online exam.
- Note: The program cannot be extended.
Online Sommelier Course Description and Details
- The online Introductory Sommelier Course is presented as a series of video lectures taught by Master Sommeliers.
- Each video lasts approximately 15-45 minutes, covering major wine growing regions of the world, along with beer, sake, and spirits.
- The Master Sommeliers will discuss food and beverage pairings with each subject as well as proper service techniques.
- The videos are available on-demand for 180 days from the start date of the course, allowing students to review the material at their convenience.
- Closed captioning is available in English and Spanish.
- The online Introductory Sommelier Course features 18 wines presented in guided tastings using the Court of Master Sommeliers Tasting Method.
- Each wine is matched with a specific lecture topic, allowing students to link the theory of how the wine was made with how it tastes, while they practice describing it.
- The final wine tasting of the course will feature an introduction to the Court of Master Sommeliers Deductive Tasting Method.
- The students can choose one of two paths to procure the wines needed for the tastings in this class:
- Receive Introductory Sommelier Course wine kit from Small Lot Bottles
- Upon registration, students will receive an email with instructions on how to redeem the wine kit through Small Lot Bottles.
- Wine kit orders take 5-7 days to process plus shipping time, so please order right away. Shipping and handling included. Additional shipping rates may apply for expedited options or orders to HI. ADULT SIGNATURE REQUIRED UPON DELIVERY.
- At this time, wine cannot be shipped internationally, outside of the continental US (with the exception of AK or HI), or to the following US states: AR, CT, DE, MS, NJ, RI, SD, UT, WV.
- Purchase alternative wine
- Receive Introductory Sommelier Course wine kit from Small Lot Bottles
- Students who are not able to receive the wine kit will be provided with a list of alternative wines.
- In addition to the theory lectures and wine tasting, an integral part of our curriculum is wine service, hospitality, and the business of the sommelier. Instruction will include an introduction to wine service with guidance in restaurant service etiquette and the importance of hospitality.
- New to this program is an introduction to the business of the sommelier, which takes a behind-the-scenes look at the important role the sommelier plays in the success of a business, from its revenue and cost controls to its relationships.
Online Exam Description and Details
Online Introductory Sommelier Examination
- The examination consists of 70 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 45 minutes.
- A minimum score of 60% is required to earn the Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination certificate and lapel pin.
- Note: The CMS-EU chapter does not recognize the Online Introductory Course & Examination as a prerequisite for the Certified Sommelier Examination.
- The exam is administered online in a live-proctored environment monitored via webcam.
- Review the Online Introductory Sommelier Exam Guide for requirements to take the exam.
- ID Required: A valid government-issued photo identification (Passport, Driver’s License, Military ID, State ID) must be shown at the time of your exam. The name on your ID must match the name you use to register for this program.
- RETAKE POLICY: Students who score less than 60% are eligible to retake the online examination for a fee of $125. Students must wait at least 14 days from their last attempt before retaking. To register to retake, contact info@mastersommeliers.org
System Requirements and Supported Browsers for the Online Sommelier Introductory Course and Examination
Course
Course content may be accessed on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or smart device that includes the following:
- Javascript enabled
- PDF plugin
- Graphic and audio output capability
- Broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbps (recommended)
- TLS 1.2 supported by your web browser
- The most recent version of a web browser listed below:
- Desktop: Chrome / Firefox / Safari / Microsoft Edge
- Mobile: iOS Safari (11 and up) / Chrome / Samsung Internet
- Note: Internet Explorer is NOT supported
Examination
- The exam must be taken on a desktop computer or laptop with a MacOS or Windows operating system; see specific version requirements supported for Live proctoring. (NOT supported: tablet/ipad, Chromebook or mobile device)
- Exam must be taken on the Guardian Browser
- A strong internet connection, webcam and microphone are required
- IMPORTANT: Review the Online Introductory Sommelier Exam Guide for system requirements to take the exam.
Is the In-Person or Online Introductory Course right for me?
Choosing between the in-person or online Introductory Sommelier Course is a common dilemma that many students face. Even though both courses cover the same material, they each have different and unique benefits. The choice between the in-person course spanning approximately a day and a half and an online option spanning up to six months depends on your learning style, schedule, and preferences. Click the button below to learn about some considerations for each option.
