FAQs

How does someone become a Master Sommelier?

A candidate must past four levels of examinations. The first level is the Introductory Sommelier Course and Exam. Next are the Certified Sommelier Exam, Advanced Sommelier Course and Exam, and lastly, the Master Sommelier Diploma Exams. When a candidate has successfully passed all three levels, he/she earns the Master Sommelier Diploma and can be referred to as a Master Sommelier.

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What is the difference between a Master Sommelier and a Master of Wine?

The Master Sommelier Diploma is the highest distinction a professional can attain in fine wine and beverage service. Testing is focused on the areas needed for superior beverage department management, which include Tasting, Theory, Practical and Dining Room Application, and also encompasses spirits, beers, cigars as well as global wine knowledge.

The Master of Wine program is designed to measure knowledge in a more academic form than the Master Sommelier. The Master of Wine program is popular among importers, distributors, writers, winemakers, and other members of the trade. It is not focused on beverage department management and service, nor does the curriculum include spirits, beer and cigars in the same way as the Master Sommelier program. The Court class is much more "hands-on" and practical for sommeliers.

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What are the benefits of having a Master Sommelier Diploma?

The Master Sommelier Diploma distinguishes a service professional worthy of the title, and is known throughout the hospitality business worldwide. It guarantees to a potential employer that a candidate is among the most qualified in the industry, with outstanding tasting and evaluation skills, wine knowledge and outstanding abilities in service and beverage department management.

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How many Master Sommeliers are there?

There are currently over 180 Master Sommeliers worldwide.

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What is the Introductory Sommelier Course? How should I prepare for it?

The Introductory Sommelier Course content includes a fast-paced review of the world's wine producing regions, elements of wine service, and several tasting exercises. The Introductory Sommelier Course is a mandatory step in the four stages of testing, and is highly recommended to give a flavour for the program's comprehensiveness. Refer to page 3 of this document for more details on the Introductory Sommelier Course.

At the beginning of the third (and final) day of the course, a multiple-choice exam is given. All subjects on which candidates are to be examined are covered during the preceding two days, although students should arrive with a working knowledge of wine. This is the first level at which all prospective Master Sommeliers should begin. The Course and Exam are run over two and a half days with the two day Introductory Course followed by the Introductory Exam comprising two parts and held on the morning of the third day:

The Pass mark is 60% in each section. Both sections must be passed.

Candidates who score sufficiently highly in the Introductory Theory Exam paper are given the option to progress immediately on to the Certified Sommelier Certificate Exams on the same day.

The level of skill needed to pass the Certified exam is high, and at Advanced level it rises dramatically. Significant preparation, study, and tasting are essential at this level. A suggested reading list is included in this document.

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I have completed the Introductory Sommelier Course, does this mean I am now a Certified Sommelier?

Attending a Introductory Sommelier Course and passing the two Exams (Theory and Practical) does not mean one can call themselves a "Certified Sommelier." To use this designation you must complete the Certified Sommelier Examination.

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