Prerequisite: must have passed the Introductory Course & Examination within the past three years; five years with a recommendation from a Master Sommelier who is directly mentoring you. After the elapsed time candidates are required to retake the Introductory Course & Examination in order to apply for the Certified Sommelier Examination.
Recommendations: a minimum of three years in the industry is strongly suggested. Not having any industry background will make the examination extremely challenging. Allow time (1 year suggested, not required) between the Introductory and Certified for study.
Prior to enrollment, download and review the following documents from the resources page here.
Certified Recommended Study Resources
Certified Examination Tasting Grids-Red & White
Certified Examination Grape Varieties & Growing Regions-Red & White
CMS Deductive Tasting Format
CMS Service Standards
All “Exam Standards”