Court of Master Sommeliers | New Zealand Sommeliers & Wine Professionals Association

The Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) is a certification body for wine service professionals.

There are four levels. The Introductory and Certified examination are held once a year in New Zealand. The Advanced Sommelier is held in Australia, UK, USA.

To become a Master Sommelier, you must be invited to participate and candidates travel to either UK or USA to do this.

INTRODUCTORY SOMMELIER 3 DAYS

In 2022 / 2023 all CMS courses are running out of Australia - https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/upcoming-courses/oceania-courses/

The lectures are presented by Master Sommeliers along with wine tastings and practical service demonstrations.

For more information please follow this link to Court of Master Sommeliers Oceania.

CERTIFIED SOMMELIER

Certified Sommelier qualification is the primary certification for wine and beverage professionals in the Hospitality Industry and is intended to provide a meaningful qualification for the working Sommelier. This is a serious qualification for those directly employed in the hospitality sector and working as a sommelier.

The examination is open to all candidates who have passed the Introductory Level One.

Short written theory paper of 40 multiple choice and short answer questions
Practical service test
Tasting test consisting of two wines tasted blind, and answered on a tasting grid

For more information please follow this link to Court of Master Sommeliers Oceania.

ADVANCED SOMMELIER

The examination comprises three parts:

Theory: 24 multiple choice and 60 short answer questions in 60 minutes
Practical tasting: 6 wines tasted blind in 25 minutes
Practical service: 45 minutes

Please look at the Court of Master Sommelier website for more details.

MASTER SOMMELIER

Throughout the examination, the candidate must exhibit an exemplary standard of both technical and social skills, demonstrating the courtesy and charm of a Master Sommelier plus an ability to sell.

Examinations are held annually in London and the USA.

Please look at the Court of Master Sommelier website for more details.