The Master Sommelier Diploma is the highest level of certification the Court offers. The first Master Sommelier examinations were held in London in 1969, and only 305 people hold the MS Diploma.
It is three days of examinations and nothing else, and it is open by invitation only to candidates who have passed the Advanced.
01The three examinations
The format mirrors the Advanced, with one difference: knowledge is tested by oral questioning. Theory is a one-hour verbal test. Tasting is six wines tasted blind in 25 minutes, verbal only. Service is a 45-minute practical test.
Throughout the examination, the candidate must show an exemplary standard of technical and social skills, demonstrating the courtesy and charm of a Master Sommelier plus an ability to sell.
The theory is broad. Candidates are expected to speak with authority on the wine regions of the world, answer questions on the wine laws of countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the USA, and describe the methods of distillation and production of spirits and liqueurs.
- A one-hour spoken test
- 75% to pass
- Six wines tasted blind
- 25 minutes, spoken
- 75% to pass
- A 45-minute practical test
- 75% to pass
02The 75% and the three years
The pass mark is 75% for each of the three sections. They do not have to be passed at one sitting. A candidate who passes one or two parts may retake the others in any two examinations during the following two calendar years.
After that period, all three parts must be taken again. The rule is summed up in one line: all three parts must be passed within a three-year time frame.
- First sittingPass one, two or all three sections at 75%.
- The next two calendar yearsRetake the sections still to pass, in any two examinations.
- After thatAnything not yet passed means all three parts must be retaken.
03Invitation and entry
Entry requires the Introductory, Certified and Advanced certificates, and applications are by invitation only. There is one more rule: candidates who wish to apply for the MS Diploma through the Court’s European chapter, which also covers Africa, Oceania and Asia, must attain the Advanced through that chapter only.
The Court asks for a minimum of 24 months of pre-study. In 2026 the Master Sommelier Diploma examination costs £1,500.
“Achieving the Master Sommelier Diploma is a long and arduous path but the journey is essential for creating individuals recognised Worldwide as being at the top of their profession.”
Brian Julyan MS, President and Founder
04After the diploma
Passing the diploma is not quite the end. Full membership of the Court is open by invitation only to those awarded the diploma, subject to approval by the board, and that recipients sign an agreement binding them to the code of ethics and conduct of a Master Sommelier.
Only membership of the Court allows the use of the legally protected term Master Sommelier and the initials MS, and an annual membership fee is payable. The letters MS and the words Master Sommelier are legally protected and trademarked. The diploma leads to roles such as Group Sommelier, Beverage Manager and Beverage Director.
Questions candidates ask
What is the pass mark for the Master Sommelier Diploma?
75% in each of the three sections: theory, tasting and service.
Do I have to pass all three parts at once?
No. A candidate who passes one or two parts may retake the others in any two examinations over the following two calendar years. All three must be passed within three years.
How do I apply?
Applications are by invitation only, after passing the Advanced Sommelier Certificate.
Three sections, three years, 75% in each.
Sources
- Court of Master Sommeliers, Prospectus 2026/2027
- courtofmastersommeliers.org
- Court of Master Sommeliers on Instagram