The Court of Master Sommeliers trains wine stewards to become experts in wine and food pairing. The certification process consists of four levels, each with its own exam. Once all four exams are passed, the student is awarded the title of Master Sommelier and eligible to become a member of the court. Membership is highly exclusive, with only 170 professionals worldwide holding the title.
The Court of Master Sommeliers is an organization created in 1977 dedicated to broadening and refining the knowledge of wines held by top restaurant wine stewards. The title of “sommelier” is used to refer to an expert wine steward who is fully trained in the various aspects of wine and wine and food pairing. Wine stewards interested in taking their knowledge and career to the next level can apply to become a Master Sommelier. The certification process consists of four course levels, each with its own qualifying exam. Once all four exams have been passed, the student is awarded the title of Master Sommelier and eligible to become a member of the court.
If a wine professional is interested in gaining membership in the Court of Master Sommeliers, they must start by taking and passing the introductory Sommelier course and exam. This course is open to all professionals who wish to advance their knowledge as wine experts, including retail wine administrators and distributors. It covers a variety of basic wine knowledge, including tasting techniques, regional vineyard knowledge, and basic food pairing.
Once the candidate has successfully completed the introductory course, they can continue their studies and progress to the second level of the Court’s Master Sommelier training regime, the Certified Sommelier Exam. Unlike the first level, the second level consists of an exam only, not a training course. It is assumed that anyone pursuing the Certified Sommelier title has already acquired the appropriate knowledge needed to pass the exam. The exam consists of a written component, a blind tasting exam and a service exam.
If a candidate obtains the title of Certified Sommelier and wishes to continue their education further, they can take the Advanced Sommelier Training and exam. The third level involved in pursuing a membership to the Court of Master Sommeliers requires the person to attend a two-day training course that covers the same basic categories as the Certified Sommelier exam at a much more detailed level. The exam also has the same format as the Level Two test, but is scored against a more rigorous assessment structure and involves more aspects of each individual part of the test. Once passed, the individual is granted the title of Certified Sommelier and can proceed to the final level of the test if desired.
The highest title that can be bestowed on a wine professional is that of Master Sommelier. This is the final stage of testing before one can apply for membership to the Court of Master Sommeliers and provides the most intensive course of study of all four levels. Structured in an identical format to the certificate exam and the advanced exam, the master’s exam covers an even broader level of knowledge and requires a much higher passing score. If passed, the individual is awarded a Master Sommelier Diploma, one of the major distinctions in the wine service industry.
Anyone holding a Master Sommelier Diploma may be considered for membership in the Court of Master Sommeliers. Membership is highly exclusive and those who have been invited to take the Master Sommelier exam are hand-picked by current tribunal members. There are only 170 professionals worldwide who hold the title of Master Sommelier.
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