Free Certified Sommelier Exam Practice Test
Practice the theory section of the Court of Master Sommeliers Certified Sommelier Examination with harder, more specific questions on appellations, label law, spirits and service, then take a full timed mock: 45 questions in 38 minutes.
45 questions in 38 minutes, scored against the 60% pass mark by topic, with an explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free 10-question drillA Barbaresco DOCG labeled Riserva must be aged for a minimum of how long?
Certified Sommelier exam format
- Theory
- 45 questions in 38 minutes: multiple choice, short answer, simple math and matching
- Tasting
- Four wines (two white, two red) described and identified in writing in 45 minutes, using the Deductive Tasting Method
- Hospitality and service
- A practical tableside exam: opening still or sparkling wine, recommendations, pairings
- Pass mark
- At least 60% on all three sections in one sitting
- Prerequisite
- Pass the Introductory Sommelier exam before the registration deadline, nine days before the exam
- Format
- Theory and tasting are taken in the Examplify app on your own laptop or iPad
- Retakes
- Wait at least 90 days after an attempt; no discounted retake rate
What’s on the Certified Sommelier theory exam
The theory exam’s length and clock: 45 questions in 38 minutes, 60% to pass. The real theory exam also uses short answer, math and matching formats; ours are all multiple choice. Every drill below focuses on one topic.
| Topic | What it covers | Questions in our mock |
|---|---|---|
| Viticulture and winemaking | Climate, soils, vineyard practices, fermentation, aging and wine faults | 5 |
| France | Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire, Rhône, Alsace and the South: grapes, crus and label law | 10 |
| Rest of Europe | Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Greece | 9 |
| New World | USA, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa | 8 |
| Sparkling and fortified wines | Champagne and traditional method, tank method, Port, Sherry and Madeira | 4 |
| Spirits, beer and saké | Spirit base materials and production, beer styles and saké grades | 5 |
| Service and food pairing | Service temperatures, glassware, decanting, bottle sizes and pairing principles | 4 |
Take the Certified Sommelier exam under real time limits
45 questions in 38 minutes, scored against the 60% pass mark by topic, with an explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free 10-question drillFree Certified Sommelier practice drills
Ten questions with an explanation after each answer. Create a free account to save your results; each drill’s first attempt is free.
Tasting and service need hands-on practice
- We practice the theory section only. The tasting and the hospitality and service exams are practical and need their own preparation.
- Tasting: describe and identify four wines in 45 minutes with the CMS Deductive Tasting Method grid, ideally in a weekly blind tasting group.
- Service: rehearse opening and pouring still and sparkling wine, decanting, and recommending wines and spirits tableside until it is smooth under observation.
How to take the Certified Sommelier exam
- Pass the Introductory Sommelier Course and Exam. The Court strongly suggests at least three years in the industry before the Certified exam.
- Register for a Certified Sommelier Examination date at least nine days before the exam.
- Sit the one-day exam: theory (45 questions, 38 minutes), tasting (four wines, 45 minutes) and hospitality and service.
- Score at least 60% on all three sections in the same sitting to earn the Certified Sommelier certificate and pin.
Common questions
How many questions are on the Certified Sommelier theory exam?
45 questions in 38 minutes. They mix multiple choice, short answer, simple math and matching, and you need at least 60%.
What do you need to pass the Certified Sommelier Examination?
At least 60% on each of the three sections (theory, tasting, and hospitality and service) within one exam sitting.
What is on the Certified Sommelier tasting exam?
You describe and identify four wines, two white and two red, in writing within 45 minutes, using the CMS Deductive Tasting Method.
How long do I wait to retake the Certified Sommelier exam?
At least 90 days from your last attempt. The Court does not offer a discounted retake rate.
Do I need industry experience for the Certified Sommelier exam?
It is not required, but the Court strongly suggests at least three years in the industry and about a year of study after the Introductory exam.
Is the Certified Sommelier exam digital?
Yes. The theory and tasting sections run in the Examplify app on your own Windows or Mac laptop or iPad.
Ready for exam day?
45 questions in 38 minutes, scored against the 60% pass mark by topic, with an explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free 10-question drillMore wine exam practice
One WSET & Sommelier pass covers every full mock exam below.
Exam format and rules checked October 2026: CMS Americas: Certified Sommelier Examination · CMS Americas: exam FAQs.
Original independent practice questions written from published viticulture, winemaking and wine-law facts. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust or the Court of Master Sommeliers.