The Journal · 05 · 16 articles
Examinations
The Court’s four levels, from the Introductory to the Master Sommelier Diploma: what each one asks, how to apply, what it costs and what comes after.
The four levels
01Introductory
02Certified
03Advanced
04Master Sommelier DiplomaStart here
The four levels side by side: how long they take, what they test and what they cost.
Court of Master Sommeliers exams: the four levels explainedThe four certifications in one place, from the three-day Introductory to the Master Sommelier Diploma: what each one is, how long it takes, and how you move from one to the next.All levels · 2 min
How long does each sommelier level take?The days you spend on each course, the days of examinations, and the preparation the Court asks for from the day you enrol.All levels · 2 min
Sommelier exam formats compared: theory, tasting and serviceWhat you face in the exam room at each level: the theory paper, the wines tasted blind and the service test, side by side.All levels · 2 min
How much does the Court of Master Sommeliers cost? 2026 feesThe fee for each level in 2026, what each fee covers, how prices work outside the UK, and what the whole path costs in course and examination fees.All levels · 2 minBefore you book
Applying, entry rules, the same-day route and what happens if plans change.
How to register for a Court of Master Sommeliers courseFrom choosing a date to a confirmed place: the application form, what it asks, how a place is secured, and what happens when a course is full.All levels · 2 min
Entry requirements for every sommelier levelAge, experience, the order of the levels, the time limits and the rules between Europe and the Americas: what you need before you can apply.All levels · 2 min
Introductory and Certified in one trip: the same-day routeHow the Court lets the strongest Introductory candidates sit the Certified that same afternoon, how to secure a place, and what happens if you do not qualify.All levels · 2 min
Cancelling a sommelier course: refunds and the 90-day ruleWhat you get back if you cancel, what happens if the Court cancels, and the one case where pre-paying carries no risk.All levels · 2 minAfter the exam
Pass marks and resits, where each level leads, and how to use your title.
Sommelier exam pass marks and resits, level by levelThe pass mark at each level, why the sections are passed together, the three-year windows, and how results are decided and published.All levels · 2 min
Sommelier career pathways: from Introductory to Beverage DirectorHow the Court’s levels sit beside other qualifications, and the roles each level leads to.All levels · 2 min
IS, CS, AS, MS: how to use your sommelier titleWhat you may call yourself after each level, the titles the Court does not allow, and why Master Sommelier works differently from the rest.All levels · 2 minThe Court
Where the Court examines, and how it keeps its examinations fair.
