The Certified exam is a one-day exam with three portions: a blind tasting, a written exam, and a service exam. There is no lecture; candidates should come prepared to take the test as well be dressed and equipped for service.
The written exam will cover fundamental questions about the world of beer, wine, spirits and service. The questions can be asked in either multiple choice, matching or short answer form. The candidate will have 30 minutes to answer the questions.
The blind tasting will follow the Master Sommelier tasting method but has been tailored into a written format. The tasting grid and instructions can be downloaded and studied prior to taking the exam. The candidate will have 15 minutes to evaluate two wines and fill out the tasting grid.
The service exam will test one of the following skill sets: Standard Wine Service, Champagne Service or Decanting Service. Candidates will be evaluated on a variety of elements surrounding this skill as well as their ability to communicate and sell.
At the end of the day, written feedback will be provided to all students. Those who where successful will receive a certificate and a pin confirming they have been certified by the American Court of Master Sommeliers.
