The Certified Wine Educator (CWE) Exam is a unique certification that not only tests a candidate's wine knowledge, but also validates his or her
tasting acumen and teaching ability.
This certification is widely recognized and highly regarded by the international wine and spirits industry.
This intense undertaking comprises a theory exam, two blind tasting exams and a presentation skills demonstration, along with requiring candidates to
provide evidence of Responsible Beverage Alcohol Service certification. Detailed information on each component of the CWE Exam is included below.
All candidates pursuing the CWE certification must already possess the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) certification. There are no exceptions to
this rule regardless of a candidate's background or credentials.
Candidates who successfully pass all components of the CWE Exam are entitled to use the CWE post-nominal as part of their professional signature. They
will also receive a certificate (suitable for framing) and a CWE lapel pin.
The CWE Exam is self-study educational program. While candidates often use the fifteen-module on-line SWE Wine Academy, and the CSW Study Guide among
their studies, the Society has put together a recommended list of educational sources to assist candidates in preparing for this challenging exam.
Theory/Written Component
The theory portion of the exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions and one essay that tests the candidate's ability to format information
coherently and concisely to a target audience. One hour is allotted for the multiple-choice section; with an additional one hour provided for the
essay. A combined score of 76% or better is required to pass this segment, with a minimum of 65 required on the multiple-choice and 11 on the essay.
Varietal/Appellation Wine Identification
This exercise requires matching a set of eight typical varietal wines and/or historic blends with a supplied list of ten possibilities. Thirty minutes
is allotted for this blind identification exercise. In addition, candidates must also complete a logical tasting note for one wine (as identified by
the exam proctor) utilizing the Society's Tasting Rationale. Successful candidates must identify at least six correctly as well as score 21/28 points
on the Tasting Rationale.
Faults and Imbalances Wine Identification
Candidates must identify heightened levels of standard wine components as well as chemically induced imbalances. The examinee is given thirty minutes
to identify oxidation and increased levels of sugar, acid, tannin, acescence, alcohol and sulfur in addition to correctly recognizing the unadulterated
"control". Successful candidates must identify at least six correctly.
Presentation Skills Demonstration
Candidates must successfully demonstrate their ability to present on a wine topic, selected from the approved list of themes, in front of a live
audience. Candidates must pass all written and tasting portions of the exam prior to giving this presentation. The presentation may be scheduled in
conjunction with the Society's annual conference or, alternately, the candidate may choose to submit a video recording of his or her presentation. For
more information on the Presentation Skills Demonstration Requirement, click here. For the current list of approved presentation themes, click here . Candidates must score a 65 out of 100 points to successfully pass the Presentation component.
Responsible Beverage Alcohol Service Certification
Candidates must submit evidence of current certification with either their state's responsible beverage alcohol service program, the National
Restaurant Association's Educational Foundation's ServSafe Alcohol® or TiPS® (Training for Intervention ProcedureS).
For more detailed information on the CWE, please see the FAQs (click here).
The Society offers special pricing (link to: http://www.societyofwineeducators.org/education_information.php) for partnering corporations, private wine schools and accredited culinary schools and colleges/universities.
