CARD RULES & QUESTIONS
Who can hold the card, what the Court verifies, and the questions people ask.
Last updated 14 September 2026
- Who can apply. Anyone with an account on the Court’s portal can apply, but every card must be approved by CMS Europe (Europe, Africa, Oceania and Asia), based on its requirements. The card is free.
- What the Court verifies. CMS qualifications only: your name and the examinations you passed with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Europe — which covers Europe, Africa, Oceania and Asia — checked against its register.
- What the Court does not verify. Your position, workplace, experience, story and links. They are shown in your own words.
- No qualification level. Without an examination passed with CMS Europe (Europe, Africa, Oceania and Asia), your card shows no qualification level. If you have applied for a future examination, your card shows you as enrolled.
- CMS Americas. The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas has its own electronic system of verification and issues its own ID card. Examinations passed in the United States, Canada, South America or Japan are held there, so CMS Europe cannot check them and does not issue this card for them.
- The Court’s decision. Nothing is public until the Court approves it, within 1 to 4 business days. The Court may decline an application without giving a reason, and may withdraw a card.
- Changes. You can update or hide your card at any time. A change to your examinations goes back to the Court first.
- AI Portal members. Members of the Court’s AI Portal also carry the gold seal “Studying with the Court’s AI Portal” and their study record, while their membership is active.
- Checking a card. Every card has a number and a code. A card that cannot be checked at courtofmastersommeliers.ai was not issued by the Court.
Who can apply?
Anyone with an account on the portal, except those whose examinations were passed with CMS Americas — that chapter verifies its own examinations and issues its own ID card. Every card must be approved by CMS Europe (Europe, Africa, Oceania and Asia), based on its requirements. The card is free.
What does the Court check?
Your name and the examinations you passed with CMS Europe (Europe, Africa, Oceania and Asia), against its register. Nothing else.
I passed with CMS Americas.
CMS Americas has its own electronic system of verification and issues its own ID card. CMS Europe cannot check examinations held there, so this card is not issued for them. If you also passed an examination with CMS Europe (Europe, Africa, Oceania or Asia), you can apply on that.
I have not passed an examination yet.
You can still apply. Your card shows no qualification level. If you have applied for a future examination, it shows you as enrolled.
How long does the review take?
1 to 4 business days. You get an email with the answer.
What does VERIFIED mean?
The Court approved the card. Where a level is shown, the Court checked it against its register.
Can I change or hide my card?
Yes, at any time. Only a change to your examinations goes back to the Court.
What does AI Portal membership add to a card?
The gold seal “Studying with the Court’s AI Portal” and your study record, while you are a member. Master Sommelier cards carry neither.
How do I check a card?
Scan the code on it, or enter its number at courtofmastersommeliers.ai/v.