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.
Method of viticulture, vinification and local customs for major wines.
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.
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 $195.00.
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:
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:
For persons with extensive wine service experience. The examination, following the three-day educational course, is in three parts:
Candidates must achieve a minimum pass of 60% in all sections. Candidates must pass this course before they can sit the Master Sommelier Diploma.
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.
