The Society of Wine Educators offers several certification programs: the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS), Certified Wine Educator (CWE), Certified Spirits Educator (CSE), and Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate (HBSC). These educational programs are internationally recognized and highly regarded in the wine and spirits industry.
Through its certification examinations, the Society of Wine Educators validates wine and spirits knowledge. The CSW, CSS, CWE, and CSE are certifications and not certificate programs. Accordingly, successful candidates are entitled to add the appropriate post-nominal to their professional signature.
Exams are available globally at testing centers and online.
Content for the CSW and CSS Exams is drawn exclusively from the corresponding Study Guides.
Upon earning the CSW certification (a prerequisite), candidates may choose to pursue the more advanced CWE certification, which further tests and validates exceptional wine knowledge, tasting acumen, and teaching ability.
Also, upon earning the CSS certification (a prerequisite), candidates may choose to pursue the more advanced CSE certification, which further tests and validates exceptional spirits knowledge, tasting acumen, and teaching ability.
For more information on each exam, please see below:
- Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate
- Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) Program
- Certified Wine Educator (CWE) Program
- Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Program
- Certified Spirits Educator (CSE) Program
The Society offers special pricing for partnering corporations, private wine schools, and accredited culinary schools and colleges/universities. Contact Ben Coffelt, Director of Sales, at bcoffelt@societyofwineeducators.org or by phone at 202.408.8777 ext. 113 for more information.
