WSET vs CMS? Are you thinking about taking a wine certification exam? I’m going to be talking about my wine certification journey and what it takes to become a sommelier. I’ll be going over my certified sommelier results and things that I wish I had known before I had taken the test. The type of exam questions and the areas I wish I studied more.
I’ll also talk about the WSET and Master of Wines path.
Cheers!
Vivian
The Somm Next Door (aka Sommelier, aka wine nerd, aka someone you can have a glass of wine and hang out with)
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32 Comments
Wow. This was very informative. Thank you for your honesty. Your channel is awesome!
It's all in the 'Somm' title. CMS has it and WSET doesn't. Until "Master of Wine' catches on, you'll still see droves of people choosing CMS, even if it's not as relevant to their interests or work. I don't have any certs and I don't even work in the industry anymore, but when I'm in a social setting and wine comes up, I'll still get asked if I'm a somm after being able to answer really simple questions.
Hi, I'm doing my WSET diploma right now, and I'm so happy it no longer includes any of the beers & spirits categories. I've never looked into the CMS since I don't work in hospitality. I think you should only worry about these qualifications if you're specifically looking for a job that requires them. Otherwise, you can learn all of this stuff by yourself without spending hundreds (or thousands) of £/$. Still, I work in sales and some of the best salespeople I've worked with have no qualifications. I think that sales experience or restaurant experience is more valuable than any qualification can be. Although they are fun, if a bit stressful, to do in my opinion.
Could I ask what glass you're using in this video?
Your difficulty ranking is correct except that WSET Dip is generally considered to be harder than advanced sommelier, as you basically have to write a thesis by the end. Really liked hearing your take on the difference between the two it was very valuable. Don't let this result get you down and stay confident! I know a lot about Belgian beers and I doubt I would be able to name 3 in the testing situation you named, it sounds super stressful.
For what’s it’s worth, I think your more knowledgeable, interesting and pleasant than more than half the sommeliers I encounter.
Hey great video! Commented before but it's been a while. I might have asked again but I wanted to know how difficult, in your opinion having gone through the test, it would be to pass the test without a sense of smell. I am currently a server (my dream job) but have been looking for ways to advance myself. I am just concerned my complete lack of smell might get in the way.
I think what I would do is do is my CWS it seems to have a really good learning resource, and is much more affordable and its a one shot theory only course 100 questions only. I've heard it's around the equivalent of a WSET 3 Theory only or CMS 2 Theory only.
Still rockin' with you! Titles – schmitles. If someone really wants the Somm title, they can take/pass the National Wine School's Level 1. And I dont care if I am working at TW, a vineyard, or sipping with friends… I wont be embarrassed to say I have a "Level 2 Award in Wines" rather than "I am a certified sommelier".
I just took and passed my CMS level 1 and you were a huge inspiration to go for it! It’s very different than the WSET material. I’m not working in a restaurant and probably never will so the level one is the farthest I’ll go. I can’t imagine how difficult the level 2 is. I think you did amazing! Thanks for all the great content. I’ll be rooting for you and supporting your channel ❤
As a wine enthusiast I'm fine with WSET 1 & 2 for myself. There's wine enthusiasts out there without any certifications at all that really knows their stuff that I admire and respect.
As for you, certifications aside, you've certainly earned your follow. I like your content and can tell you're passionate, and knowledgable about wine which is all that matter in my opinion. I look forward to your future content! 🙂
I agree with you, i m working on the level 2 now. I also love wine and the industry, just come back from Chateau Neuf, Cotes du Luneron and Provence.Thank
you for sharing your experience
Is there a group where we can talk about wine tasting? Try some wines too
This was so helpful! Thank you for sharing! It would be awesome if you went for the certification again and then posted a video about your success story. We’re all rooting for you! 🎉
I am not in the industry but just completed my WSET Level 2. I do need a lot of work on my tasting.
Hey, haven't seen any new content since this video… hope you aren't suffering from imposter syndrome or anything like that! We enjoy your videos, whether you have a cert or not… proof is the almost 3K followers you have!
Pinot blanc please don't pronounce the C highly appreciated 🙏
DONT SAD YOU MAKE EVERYTHING TO THE BEST KEEP GO ON DONT GIVE UP.
This makes me so stressed! Taking the CMS2 gives me nightmares. Especially because my friend just failed. But you did answer a lot of my questions.
hi 🙂
I am WSET L3. They prefer saying W S E T (say the individual letters). Hoping to do CMS L1 because I am interested in doing more floor work.
Hi, what size are your feet?
How do you become a level 1 ?.¿ do you recommend online courses ?
Great info and thanks for the video
Thanks for sharing!! I'm thinking of getting me Introductory Somm certification, some questions…
Did you do any WSET classes before your Introductory Somm exam?
What WSET level would you say is equal to the Certified Somm exam?
Hi! Great explanation. I'm a WSET Lvl 3 and working towards Diploma. Been working restaurants and retail most of my career, some vineyard too. I'm really happy with the base that WSET gives and it allows one to develop into the field from a solid confidence in one's knowledge.
Knowledgeable and fine. Wow
Long post:
You seem to know a lot about the field of wine. I saw a doc about that test and how hard it is to become a master. If this is what you want, GO GET IT!!! You are too smart to let this test defeat you. I challenge you to get a group of friends together who need to pass the exam and may be a MS who has gotten their masters. Ok, get your monies together and study even if it by goggle or some other web program. Give yourself about 6 months and go one more time. Study methods go like this direct study and interrupted study. The way how you learn it is the way how you would take the test. IMHO as for me, I will study for about an hour or two and go do something else and then come back to it (interrupted study). I also go into the testing site with coffee and mental thoughts of passing this exam. It took me six (6) times to pass the EMT exam. Hey no matter how many times I went to the board, I passed that sixth time. As for me, coffee with my favorite creamer is my coping skill, and it relaxes me so I can stay focused on the test and the preceptor. These methods have worked for me and it may work for you friend. I thought about getting my wine certs but my stomach just cannot take wine. Think about it, write it down "I am a MASTER SOMMELIER" and take charge in your mind that this is true. Go take the test and you will be surprised how this is mind over matter. You appear to be one smart cookie (as I say to myself). Do not waste your talent on the past failure and see yourself as the MASTER!
You should be proud that you’re level-1! That’s a great achievement! ❤
Hi thank you for the video. I want some suggestions. I'm from India and I want to go to Milan for wine course and someone suggested me wset. Can you please suggest me where should I go for diploma courses. Because I need to also apply for a visa accordingly with the duration of my courses in Italy.
Thank you for sharing your story! 25+ years in upscale dining, just about to embark on WSET 3 and CMS 1. Wish me luck! Subscribed.
Thanks for sharing, currently studying for my level 2 and I look up to you as a great somm, certified on paper or not.
For me as a person working in restaurant since very young preparing your self to pass an exam like CMS level 2 fair enough for the exam and the tasting but to show them that you can do service is bullshit sry, preparing for this service exam doesn't make you better, what makes u better is working and destroying your shoes on the floor in different good restaurants.. wset I believe is better cuz you learn alot so is better to do wset wines,spirits,sake,beers and you are perfect, also wine scholar guild as a school is very good