The Advanced Sommelier Certificate is the Court’s third level, for beverage professionals with extensive wine service experience. It covers the key functions of theory, tasting, practical and business calculations.
The step up is real. The level is significantly higher than the Certified, and that considerable study is necessary before the course.
01How the five days run
The programme runs for five days. The first two and a half are coursework, and the last two and a half are examinations. The lectures are presented by Master Sommeliers, with wine tastings and a practical service demonstration.
The programme is designed for working sommeliers and beverage professionals who want to take their knowledge and service skills to a higher level, and who commit to the significant independent preparation it requires.
- Days one and twoCoursework: lectures by Master Sommeliers, tastings and a service demonstration.
- Day three, morningThe last half day of coursework.
- Day three, afternoon, to day fiveTwo and a half days of examinations: theory, tasting and service.
02The three examinations
The theory examination is a one-hour paper of 24 multiple-choice questions and 60 short-answer questions. The tasting examination is six wines tasted blind in 25 minutes, and it is verbal only. The practical examination is a 45-minute service test.
The pass mark is 60% in each section, and all three must be passed together. The six wines are three white and three red, and the candidate identifies, where appropriate, grape variety, country and district of origin and vintage.
- One hour
- 24 multiple choice, 60 short answer
- 60% to pass
- Six wines tasted blind
- 25 minutes, spoken
- 60% to pass
- A 45-minute practical test
- 60% to pass
03What the level expects of you
A successful candidate can do a great deal: recommending and serving apéritifs, spirits and liqueurs; preparing and positioning glassware for every kind of service; decanting and serving wines with efficiency; handling queries and complaints with skill and diplomacy; training beverage servers; and demonstrating an ability to sell.
The resources grow with the level. Beyond the web portal, Service Standards and Theory Syllabus, the resources add the Court’s Business Calculations and Grape Markers, and extensive independent wide reading.
04Entry, fees and careers
Entry requires both the Introductory and the Certified. The Advanced is limited to candidates who have passed the Certified Sommelier examination, and it asks for a minimum of twelve months of pre-study. Once accepted onto the Advanced, a candidate stays with the organisation that accepted them: places cannot be transferred between Europe and the Americas.
In 2026 the Court lists the Advanced course and examination at £1,100 in the UK, and the Advanced examination alone at £650. The level leads to roles such as Head Sommelier and Beverage Manager. The top candidates can also win Austrian Wine’s travel award to VieVinum in Vienna.
Questions candidates ask
How long is the Advanced Sommelier course?
Five days: two and a half days of coursework, then two and a half days of examinations.
How many wines are tasted at the Advanced?
Six wines, tasted blind in 25 minutes. The tasting is verbal only.
Can I sit the Advanced exam without the course?
The Court lists an Advanced examination on its own, at £650 in 2026, alongside the course and examination at £1,100.
The step up is real. Prepare for it long before the five days.
Sources
- Court of Master Sommeliers, Prospectus 2026/2027
- courtofmastersommeliers.org