For most of August 2009, the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) exam had been the focus of all of my mental energy. Frankly, it got to the point that I became sick of studying wine, which is probably a natural reaction when the test date looms and efforts to do some last-minute cramming redouble. What was really 
killing me, however, was (1) a general fear of failure and (2) not knowing what to expect from the test itself. Looking back, I probably could’ve avoided some of this general anxiety if I had spent a couple hundred bucks to become a paid member of the Society of Wine Educators (SWE), the trade organization that oversees the CSW exam.
Hey, I’m cheap. Plus, the testing fees themselves, about $400 or so, were part of a scholarship that I had won earlier this year. Therefore, I was reluctant to pay anything out of pocket, even if an SWE membership might’ve helped me prepare for the test itself. It wasn’t entirely logical, I admit, but it was the principle of the matter. Long story short, an SWE membership would have entitled me to a full 100-question practice exam, along with some other study modules that could’ve possibly streamlined my efforts. In hindsight, these materials would’ve saved me some grief, but now that the exam is successfully behind me, I certainly don’t foster any regrets about not spending that loot.
• • •
Although I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the CSW exam, I did know a few statistics about the test, which I had gleaned from the SWE website: Namely, a 75% represented a passing score, but only 65% of the folks who sit for the exam will achieve this mark on their first attempt. Knowing that almost one-third of CSW candidates will fail the CSW exam offered me very little comfort. Even worse, the idea of paying $400 to retake the test was especially repugnant. So there I was, in limbo: Too cheap to pay for any CSW practice materials, and also a little unnerved at the idea of failing the exam.
Having searched “CSW exam” on the internet, I began to read about other people’s experiences with the test. I discovered that some people were spending the better part of a year studying, while I had only been in study mode for about one month. There were also blog comments from people who were taking the exam, attesting to the great accomplishment a passing mark represented, offering a hearty congratulations to those people who had already earned their certification. After a while, I began to wonder if the exam was going to be even more challenging than I had suspected. With the CSW just over one week away, I had a moment of panic.
Then, I resolved to make it all a non-issue, by committing as much time and effort as possible to studying. What other choice did I have? I condensed the 200-page CSW study guide into a svelte 55-page document of key bullet points, and then proceeded to internalize the entire thing through brutally repetitious reading. After considerable effort, I could list Germany’s 19 winegrowing regions, in order from west to east, as they follow the path of the Rhine River. I could also name all 36 DOCG wines of Italy, along with their respective regions, permitted grape varietals, barrel regimens, and everything else. I had memorized similar information about France, Austria, Australia, Argentina, and a host of other countries. It was mind-numbing, to say the least.
• • •
As it turns out, a solid three-quarters of my effort was completely unnecessary, at least for the CSW exam. The day before the test, during the eight-hour review session, my instructor rattled off a litany of items that wouldn’t be covered on the CSW exam. Many of these things were some of the more obscure items that I had already studied. But even though I had spent considerable time and energy memorizing way more facts than necessary, I was frankly relieved. After a month of stress, I actually breezed through the test, and ended up with a 95 for my efforts. Next up is the CWE exam, which is a much more rigorous test (with a slim 12% pass rate for first-time candidates, I’m not a fan of those odds). Anyhow, since other folks have offered their perspective on the introductory-level CSW, I will offer my own outlook:
• First of all, I think the CSW only has a 65% pass rate because many people who take the test are, ironically, not that interested in wine. I learned that many of the folks who take this test do so under a corporate sponsorship, meaning that big companies like Southern Wine and Spirits will typically put all of their employees through this program. I’m certainly not knocking SWS for educating its staff, but there are going to be a good number of SWS employees who don’t have a specific enthusiasm for wine. For them, wine is just the commodity they happen to be peddling. Therefore, this bare statistic — the 65% pass rate — lacks some context.
Even among the group of folks who were taking the CSW along with me, I heard some of them mention that they fought and avoided this certification as long they could. Even though they were employed in the wine industry, their heart simply wasn’t in it. For them, studying wine might as well have been like studying history or accounting. This attitude is bound to have an effect on performance, and I’m pretty sure that these people will most likely comprise the 35% who fail the exam (especially if their company is going to pay for their re-test in a few months, anyhow). Therefore, for those who are genuinely interested in wine, I think the pass rate increases dramatically.
• The CSW exam is just a multiple-choice test, like any other. Whatever kind of success you have had with multiple choice tests in the past, it’s probably going to be just about the same for the CSW. Personally, I’ve always found multiple choice tests to be a little easier than other test formats, just because you can eliminate choices and take educated guesses when necessary. Plus, with multiple choice tests, you’re not committed to know the answer, so much as you have to simply recognize the answer. There is a huge difference between these two scenarios, and this format should work in your favor.
However, if you have a difficult track record with tests, then give yourself as much time as you need to become familiar with the material. I’m convinced that given the multiple-choice format of the CSW, one month of conscientious studying is enough preparation time for the average wine enthusiast to score better than 75% (again, you’re more likely to retain the material if you have a genuine interest in what you’re studying). So, if you really don’t do well with tests, or wine just happens to be your job at the moment, then allow yourself more study time.
• If you feel like you simply don’t have enough prep time, join the SWE to get the study modules and the practice test. As I had mentioned at the outset, this tip is something that would’ve helped me reduce my efforts. Having a keen sense of the actual difficulty of the CSW exam will help you streamline your approach to studying. Had I seen the practice test beforehand, I would’ve studied less material. The CSW itself is randomly generated from a pool of about 1500 questions (the 100 selected questions are then reviewed for balance and fairness). Under this system, there is a decent chance that a few of the practice questions may reappear on the actual CSW exam. If you’re really under the gun, three or four repeat questions could turn a 73% into a 76%.
Thank you for writing about this… I am considering taking this after the Certified Sommelier certification. Do you know what the CSW “Preview” is, usually the day before the exam? Do we have to take that in order to take the exam?
No, I don’t think the preview is necessary to take the CSW exam, but it did help for me to realize that I had been over-studying. The preview is essentially an eight-hour review session, but since it’s the day before the test, candidates should have already done most of their studying by that point.
Thanks for the info. Is this something that you can belly up to at night or is this really hardcore, nose to the book type of studying? I will take this in Feb. and will read the guide but would love to have bullet points. Any help from someone who has been there is welcomed.
I’d say that I approached the CSW pretty seriously for the month leading up to it. But at the same time, I didn’t have to take any time off from my full-time day job to study. So I would say that you could definitely just study at night, as long as that’s the priority for most evenings. I’d say that I probably studied 80 hours all together.
Concerning the Preview portion, the SWE considers this more of a preliminary overview than a review: they suggest you use the preview to help you understand what you’re getting into & plan accordingly.
Folks I’ve spoken to who have done the CSW as well as Court of MS and/or WSET say that CSW tests a different skill set or knowledge base than those two other programs –in other words, success in those certifications doesn’t necessarily mean you can just waltz into this exam & pass. (That’s not what I wanted to hear, either…)
You can order the study guide without setting a date for the exam, so what I plan to do is 1) order & review study guide; 2) decide whether or not I need the Preview, then 3) if necessary do Preview, if not then go directly to 4) study, schedule & sit for exam.
The SWE Director of Education, Terri L. Hamilton, CWE, DWS is very helpful and easy to talk to. She’s at (303)359-6946 if you have questions.
I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for putting your thoughts down about the CSW exam. I have been pondering back and forth on taking this exam, and actually biting the bullet to do it. I have so much passion for wine, I already know quite a bit about wine…but want to have a specialized education to back me up for stabalizing my dream in a career in this industry. After reading what you had to say, I now have the courage to purchase the study guide, go at my own pace, and take the exam when I feel comfortable enough and prepared. Thanks for the extra bullet notes too, this will help so much I have a feeling.
Hi, Thirsty reader, thanks for the infor, really appreciate it. I am from Singapore, just sign up to take the exam on 12NOV, self-study. Will provide you any updates
I was very interested in your article, but am dissappointed that the link to your CSW study guide did not work. Is it still available?
This might be a good time to mention my recent cease-and-desist letter. Naturally, I complied. So sorry. This was just a couple days ago.
I’m sure you’ll do fine on the test without my study guide, just by the fact that you asked about my study guide. It’s the folks who aren’t looking for the study guides who fail. Good luck!
Hi, Thirsty reader. I am presently studying for my CSW exam. Any tips on how to memorise the AVAs of USA, Thanks
Hi, Thirsty Reader.
I just wanted to say thanks for your condensed CSW study guide. I used it throughout my studying and it helped tremendously, along with a lot of studying. I’m sorry to see the “cease-and-desist”. Hopefully, others will be able to utilize your tips for their studying and successfully pass. My advice to those taking the exam is to study consistently and just relax when reading the questions on the exam. Thanks, to you again…up next for me, 2011, is the French Wine Scholar certification. Love your site, especially for me, since I am a New Orleanian…
Happy Thanksgiving
Recently ordered and received my CSW study guide. Quite honestly, I’m overwhelmed at the amount of information in the guide. I’m scared to take the test! I have a passion for wine, but I’ve never been vrey good at retention and studying, so I’m a little nervous. I have no set test date as of yet.
Glad to find this website
I can’t thank you enough for posting this information and the feedback thoughts of the other readers. I, too, have been back and forth on what program to continue my educations efforts with and decided on signing up for the CSW course. I passed the Introductory Level for Court Master, but was not sure how it would compare to the CSW exam. I feel much more confident on what to expect now. Sorry to hear I am too late to get a copy of your condensed study notes.
Thank you for the tips, taking the test in a month. Love to be able to take a look at your condensed Study Guide but I cannot view it. Please let me know if there is some way to review it, thank you again!
@Jenna: Unfortunately, my study guide earned a cease-and-desist letter from the SWE. The letterhead from their attorneys was so fancy, I knew I’d better comply. Good luck! I’m sure you’ll do fine!
Do you still have your condensed version of the study guide or your flashcards, please email. Thank you. Joanne
I am a certified somm, but also took the CSW, and I have to tell you, I thought it was laughable. It felt like a 101 level prep test. If you have been in the wine business more than a year you should be able to pass. It angered me to a certain degree that people can take this exam, put CSW after their name and go out and sell themselves as “experts”. Just because you know that Knights Valley is in Sonoma and TBA is dry, doesn’t make you qualified to teach, OR sell to the wine savvy consumer.
This message is intended for the SFSomm:
Dear Sir or Madame,
YOU are the exact reason that so many people within the wine industry are considered pompous, arrogant and snobish. Instead of degrading the people who are genuinely interested in educating themselves regarding wine and volunteering to sit through a comprehensive exam, why don’t you encourage? This is your target customer, for all practical purposes, that patronize your establishment. Don’t hide behind your “SFSomm” title…let all of us know who you really are so that WE as a group can decide not to spend money in your restaurant.
Hi- great article! I took the entry level somm course through the court of Master Sommeliers about a year ago. They don’t tell you the score, but I felt like I did well- I’d been in the industry for about 5 years and it was my first exam. However, I feel that the next level, which tests you on proper service, is not the way I’d like to interact with customers, and not a restaurant where it would be required is not the atmosphere I’d like to work in. I know that ultimately it is up to the somm’s disgression how stuffy to be, but it seems like that’s the kind of thing that turns people(esp novice drinkers who may spook easily by a perceived pompitude) off. So my point is that I’d like to continue my wine education, but in a direction that tests less the service and more knowledge- regions, terroir, history, DNA and whatnot. Is the CSW up my alley? I’m off to England for several months- do you recommend any outfits over there for certification? Also, I tried the link for your study guide and it said what I was looking for wasn’t there.
Thanks again for the great article.
What happened to the study guide?
Can I still get the condensed study guide? I am about 30 days away from my exam and I want to be as prepared as possible! You are the best!
Unfortunately, I got a cease and desist for that Study Guide…
Hi there,
I paid the $400 for the study guide and I take my CSW exam in 2 weeks. You are so right about getting to the point of exhaustion in regards to the mention of wine. I’ve been taking it slow, but I know it has come to the point of having some fear and hoping I do well as I don’t wish to wait another year to take the test over again.
Thank you for your insight, was so disappointed your study guide was gone! That would have been terrific!
Stumbled upon this site (got lucky I guess). For what it’s worth. I took my CSW test last month (July) and failed with a 73. Discouraged!…No, though I’ve been in the industry for over 10yrs (restaurant & retail) this test is a little humbling. I’ve been asked if I was a Somm throughout my years at the restaurant level, so my knowledge did hold some weight with my customers, even though I not a Somm. I studied for about 40hrs, with many distractions. For those who are considering taking this test, you’ll need more knowledge other than the study guide and lesson plans to pass in my opinion. Even though I failed the first time, I’m more committed to the cause and I’m shootin’ for 90%+ next test. Hey SFSOMM! If you project knowledge and professionalism, and your customers trust you and keep coming back, then you are an expert no matter what level of knowledge you have or don’t. What was your score SFSOMM? BTW… this test helped me pass 1st level somm, that was offered to me a week before the class and test, not much time to study for it, but I passed. Silver lining I’d like to think.
Thank you for the article and comments. Good background and study tips for those looking for CSW certification. Good Luck to all who look to learn more about the world of wine. BTW…pretty funny how SFSomm, the self-proclaimed “expert”, thinks a TBA is dry. Hilarious…when, in fact, it is the sweetest of all German pradikats and among the greatest sweet dessert wines of the world
D Cheers.
Recently took the exam and am awaiting the results. I hope that I passed. I will say that at least 50 of the 100 questions were relatively easy (would expect that I was 95%+ on them) and straight forward. Most people with a resonable amount of studying would score at that level. Then there were about 25-30 that were difficult and relatively obscure from the study guide (they were published, but not in bold or even things that you would focus on). I would expect that I scored 60-70% on them. Finally there were about 20 that I would call truly obscure and not on my radar at all. Several had 2 answers that appeared correct and were actually correct when I looked them up. You had to make a guess as to which was the answer that they were looking for. All in all, it is a multiple choice test, but I would suggest looking at things that are more obscure and not really relevant to one’s actual wine knowledge. ie… Wines from the Franken region are sold in what type of bottle? brown, green, flask, or clear. I am not sure how relevant this is in the grand scheme of things (by the way Flask is the correct answer). I would think that the 1855 classification (which was not on my test at all) is far more relevant to the wine industry (just a personal opinion). All the best to everyone studying!
Taking my CSW Exam in a couple of weeks in LA (12/10) Scared to death. Don’t really want to take this over again, especially when so many people are counting on me passing. Not in the wine industry, but plan on working in the Paso Robles area next year and hope this will be a basis for a better job. I have been studying since February and still panic over not knowing some of the non-relevant stuff.
Thanks for everyone’s help. SFSOMM…even I knew the TBA answer.
I took the exam in Fall 2011 and passed with a score of 89%. I basically read the study guide over and over again.
WoooHooo! Passed with a 92! Did not think I did that well. What a relief. I don’t think the pass rate was very good as many of the people I talked to before the exam had only just started studying. I took everyone’s advice on how to study for this. I was surprised at some of the questions going, “really?” Sure I missed those. Everyone was right..this was not an easy exam…at all! Someone said, “study the minutia.” Glad I took that seriously. Your new CCSW (onward)
Hello all,
I am currently considering taking the CSW exam at some point in the future. I am wondering if anyone has a used SWE study guide they are willing to sell me or if anyone knows where I can obtain a used study guide rather than spending the $$$ for a brand new one–since I am not currently in the wine industry and am not sure when I will be prepared to take the exam. I am doing this for personal fulfillment.
Thanks in advance!
Angela