Free Introductory Sommelier Practice Test
Practice the Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory (Level 1) exam with questions across every major wine region, spirits, beer, saké and service, then take a full timed mock: 70 questions in 45 minutes, 60% to pass.
70 questions in 45 minutes, scored against the 60% pass mark by topic, with an explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free 10-question drillCompared with the same grape grown in a hot climate, a wine from a cool climate typically shows:
Introductory Sommelier exam format
- Questions
- 70 multiple-choice questions on the course and workbook content
- Time limit
- 45 minutes, about 38 seconds per question
- Pass mark
- 60% (42 of 70)
- Course and exam fee
- $949 in person (two days, wines included); $649 online (self-paced, up to six months, wines extra)
- Retakes
- Below 60%: retake online for $150 after at least 14 days
- Eligibility
- Open to anyone 21 or over; passing qualifies you for the Certified Sommelier Examination
What’s on the Introductory Sommelier theory exam
Same as the real exam: 70 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes, 60% to pass. 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 | 8 |
| France | Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire, Rhône, Alsace and the South: grapes, crus and label law | 16 |
| Rest of Europe | Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Greece | 14 |
| New World | USA, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa | 12 |
| Sparkling and fortified wines | Champagne and traditional method, tank method, Port, Sherry and Madeira | 6 |
| Spirits, beer and saké | Spirit base materials and production, beer styles and saké grades | 6 |
| Service and food pairing | Service temperatures, glassware, decanting, bottle sizes and pairing principles | 8 |
Take the Introductory Sommelier exam under real time limits
70 questions in 45 minutes, scored against the 60% pass mark by topic, with an explanation for every answer.
Or start with a free 10-question drillFree Introductory 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 are taught, not scored
- The course introduces the CMS Deductive Tasting Method and service standards with demonstrations, but the exam that decides your certificate is the 70 multiple-choice questions.
- Start practicing the Deductive Tasting Method and tableside wine service now: both are examined at the Certified level.
How to take the Introductory Sommelier exam
- Register with the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas for the in-person two-day course or the self-paced online course.
- Study the course workbook: every major wine region, viticulture and winemaking, spirits, beer, saké and service.
- Sit the 70-question multiple-choice exam (at about 4:00 PM on day two of the in-person course) and score at least 60%.
- Passing earns the Introductory Sommelier certificate and qualifies you for the Certified Sommelier Examination.
Common questions
How many questions are on the Introductory Sommelier exam?
70 multiple-choice questions, completed within 45 minutes. You need 60% (42 correct) to pass.
What is on the Level 1 sommelier exam?
An overview of the major wine regions of the world, grape growing and winemaking, spirits, beer and saké, and correct wine service, as taught in the course and workbook.
What happens if I fail the Introductory Sommelier exam?
Students who score under 60% can retake the exam online for $150, at least 14 days after their last attempt.
How much does the Introductory Sommelier course cost?
The in-person course and exam cost $949 including wines; the online course and exam cost $649, with wines sold separately.
Is the Introductory Sommelier exam hard?
The questions are broad rather than deep, but 70 questions in 45 minutes leaves under 40 seconds each. Timed practice across every region is the best preparation.
Ready for exam day?
70 questions in 45 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: Introductory Sommelier Course and Exam · 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.