Exams
ASI Certification 2
Since 2012, the ASI has been offering sommeliers high-level standard exams.
The ASI diploma assesses and certifies the multiple skills and abilities required of any international sommelier.
The ASI has developed official guidelines to assist sommeliers in their professional and competitive careers. These guidelines were created through the collaborative work of the Exams & Education and Sommelier Contests Committees. This document is now the official reference point for sommelier skills and for the evaluation of examinations and competitions worldwide.
In 2021, ASI launched two additional certification levels to meet the needs of aspiring sommeliers: ASI Certification 1 and ASI Certification 2.
Starting in 2026, the ASI Prep exam for students at hotel schools and training institutes will complete this offering.
REQUIRED SKILLS
The assessment for ASI 2 Certification is designed to cover the general knowledge required for a sommelier to feel comfortable with any international or domestic customer. The skills cover a wide range of international knowledge and professional skills that a sommelier needs to perform their duties with ease in most environments.
The skills focus on brands/products/recipes known or distributed worldwide, as well as viticulture, winemaking, grape varieties, service etiquette, wine tasting protocols, inventory management, customer service, food and wine pairings, etc.
FORMAT
The assessment consists of a written exam with up to 60 questions to be answered within a limited time and a practical test involving wine service (still or sparkling) and food & beverage pairing.
The pass mark for the entire test is 60%. Candidates who choose to take the exam in a foreign language (English, French or Spanish) receive a 10% bonus.
The written part is graded exclusively by the EEC, while the practical part is evaluated by the local association’s jury, including a member of the EEC who chairs the local jury in person or through a broadcast process approved by the EEC.