Certified Spirits Judge

Certified Spirits Judge

THE COUNCIL OF WHISKEY MASTERS has launched a new professional education and certification program dedicated to spirits judging, consisting of a theory exam, based on a dedicated study guide, and a practical exam where candidates demonstrate effective judging ability.

THE TASTING ALLIANCE —the organization behind the largest most respected spirits competitions in the world, including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition— and the INTERNATIONAL WHISKY COMPETITION® —the most prestigious and followed whisky-only competition in the world— have committed that they will adopt this new program.

The CERTIFIED SPIRITS JUDGE (CSJ) credentialing program is open to candidates globally, and all parts of the certification process can be performed remotely. The curriculum is delivered in a 70-page pdf book format to all candidates and covers all topics relevant to active spirits judging: Production methods and expressions of all major spirit types, systematic tasting methods, detailed competition process and evaluation protocol, as well as key ethics issues in judging. Once candidates feel prepared, they take a 100-question exam online to earn the certification, a score of at least 75 is required to achieve a passing level on the theory exam. A practical exam covers blind tasting of 3 different spirits.

Program Benefits & Features

Earning the Certified Spirits Judge™ designation gives the right to carry the title and use its postnominals, “CSJ”. Upon passing the exam, candidates receive a graduation diploma and lapel pin.

Successful candidates enjoy a deep understanding of the spirits judging and competition process, the fundamentals of all classical spirits, and they will encounter a wide range of career opportunities.

Becoming a CSJ requires the passing of 2 exams:
Part 1: 1-hour Theory Exam, based on 100 multiple-choice questions, drawn from our Study Guide.
Part 2: 1-hour Practical Exam, based on a written blind evaluation of 3 spirits, in competition format.

The CSJ program is completed 100% in remote format, removing all barriers for candidates around the globe. Studies and examination are supported by our competent office team in Los Angeles, California.

Become a Certified Spirits Judge by joining our study & certification program today!

Enrollment Requirements & Process

The Certified Spirits Judge (CSJ) program covers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum. There are no prior knowledge requirements to enroll in the program, the Council will build up candidate competence from where they are.

The exam consists of 2 parts, a theoretical and practical exam. Both parts are conducted remotely, at the preferred location of the candidate.

Spirits aficionados will find the program demanding but achievable without prior knowledge, and experienced professionals will find the depth and relevance of the curriculum demanding and satisfying.

Enrollment in the CSJ study program costs $675; these fees are not refundable. This fee includes all written study materials, the 2 remote examinations, plus diploma and lapel pin upon passing. Candidates will incur moderate additional costs for the 3 exam spirits, and any advance practice.

The CBP program is completed 100% in remote format, removing all barrier for candidates around the globe. Studies and examination are supported efficiently by our competent and responsive office team in Los Angeles, California.

The CBP program is completed 100% in remote format, removing all barrier for candidates around the globe. Studies and examination are supported efficiently by our competent and responsive office team in Los Angeles, California.

Curriculum for the Certified Spirits Judge™ (CSJ) Program

Receiving & Reading the Study Guide

Candidates first review the Study Guide, and then schedule the Theory exam conveniently on our exam calendar page. There are multiple open exam slots in each month. The Practical exam can be scheduled after first passing the Theory section.

What happens after you enroll? You will get a confirmation email from us swiftly, usually within a few hours of signing up. It will include a link to the Council’s Study Guide, called “Systematic Spirits Appreciation | Study Guide to the CSJ Program”, and more information.

Candidates first review the Study Guide, and then schedule the Theory exam conveniently on our exam calendar page. There are multiple open exam slots in each month. The Practical exam can be scheduled after first passing the Theory section.

Receiving the Diploma & Pin

Your theory exam results will be emailed within 24 hours of taking the exam.

If you don’t reach a passing score, we will inform you of the score reached. 75/100 points are necessary to pass.

If you do pass the exam, you will receive high-quality digital versions of your diploma and lapel pin, included in your exam result email.

Your beautiful black nickel lap pin will also be shipped to you physically, you can wear it at all spirits-related occasions. We ship globally from our office in Los Angeles, California.

Upon your request and without extra cost, we can also send your printed diploma via mail, on high-quality stationery suitable for framing.

Many successful candidates take a next step and enroll in one of our other certification programs, building an outstanding range of documented spirits expertise that can shape their careers and enhance their personal enjoyment.