Society of Wine Educators Claimed

The Society of Wine Educators (SWE) is a membership-based nonprofit organization that provides wine and spirits education and the conferral of several certifications. The Society is internationally recognized, and its programs are highly regarded for their quality and relevance to the industry. The mission of the SWE is to set the standard for quality and responsible wine and spirits education and professional certification.

Do You Want to Become a Wine Instructor?

So whether you’re looking to become professionally qualified in wine or spirits, the SWE is an institution to look into. Their certifications are professional, highly regarded, and could be that one thing you need to get ahead of. However, they are only one of several top-ranked programs for wine instructors. For a complete listing of wine instructor certifications, check out our overview of all Wine Educator certifications. So are you looking for a wine educator job?

Overview of the Society of Wine Educators Membership

Since 1977, the Society of Wine Educators has been a leading certification for wine and spirits professionals. Theirs, as the name suggests, is to teach future instructors. However, producers, distributors, retailers, chains, and importers make up most students who go through their comprehensive system.

In our article, how to become a Sommelier, you learn what it takes to get into the wine business. The Society of Wine Educators prepares students hoping to gain expertise in wine. Enrolling you in one of their in-depth courses requires a basic understanding of wine, terminology, and styles. In addition, students can expect to learn presentation skills, blind-tasting ability, and restaurant service. However, their programs do not cover wine education or how to teach wine classes.

Educator exams are rigorous. They include blind-tasting wines for fault and style, presentation, and teaching skills that go further than WSET giving students more marketability in the wine world. SWE provides additional learning materials in tests, quizzes, and digital flashcards. After attending either of these courses, a student will eloquently and accurately pass on this information. Not to mention organize engaging wine classes and tastings.

Here are a few of the courses available.

Corporate Sponsorship

A consortium of multibillion-dollar corporations founded the Society and continues to fund it. While the programming is excellent, keep in mind that your education is funded and designed by a small group of influential businesses. This is not ideal, especially when students pay a significant amount of money to earn their certifications.

The SWE is a nonprofit, but it gets a surprisingly low grade from Charity Navigator. In addition, they received a failing grade for finance & accountability and reportedly have not undergone an independent audit or financial review.

Wine Certifications

Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate  (HBSC)

Catering to the culinary and hospitality industry. This certification provides entry-level beverage knowledge in wine, beer, and spirits. Other exciting subjects cover tea, sake, cider, and perry.

Students learn to evaluate, write good-tasting notes, and be responsible for their client’s alcohol consumption. This course is available online to do when time and schedules permit. This certification includes a range of beverages, including wine, spirits, beer, sake, cider,  and even coffee and tea.

The HBSC is a self-study certification that a student can do online. The registration fee allows individuals online access to the course and the examinations. However, students purchase the study guide separately. The exam is multiple-choice. A student must earn a final score of 75% or higher to pass. Students who do not pass the exam can retake it at no additional cost.

The Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW)

The Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) is an internationally recognized certification. It denotes a high level of wine knowledge and expertise than the HBSC. Candidates prepare with the provided CSW Study Guide and Workbook before attempting the exam. The restaurant trade regards this certification with as much regard (or more) than the WSET programs. This program focuses on viticulture and viniculture.

The topics focus on, Physiology of Taste, Wine Composition and Chemistry, Wine Faults, Viniculture and Enology, Wine Labels, Wine Laws and Regions, The U.S. Wine Industry, Wine and Health, Wine Etiquette, Service, Pairings and Responsible Alcohol Service. Students can also connect to free monthly Webinars and a guided 12-week online class. Additionally, students can purchase tests and quizzes, and digital flashcards that the student can use for one year.

The study material for this course needs to be purchased separately, with eBooks and hard copies available. To receive the certificate, candidates are expected to pass an examination of 100 multiple-choice questions. These examinations are to be written at venues in most major U.S. and international cities.

The pass rate is 75%, and upon completion, students will receive a certification and a CSW lapel pin and can use the CSW as part of their professional signature.

The Certified Wine Educator (CWE)

The candidate must have passed the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) certification to sit for this. It includes Physiology of Taste, Wine Composition & Chemistry; faults; Viticulture & Enology; labels, Laws & Wine Regions; the U.S. Wine Industry; labels, Laws & Wine Regions; Wine Etiquette & Service; wine’s Contribution to Health; and Responsible Beverage Alcohol Service.

The course requires a minimum of twelve weeks to complete online. A pass mark of 75% grants one use of the post-nominal CSW. The theory side of the certification is self-study, but several guides are available for students who require assistance. In addition, a CWE manual is available via Amazon as a Recommended Reading List.

The examination has three sections: two tasting exams and a restaurant service demonstration, just like the CWE. Candidates must also pass the CSW Certification.

Despite being called a Wine Educator certification, no actual teacher training is involved in earning this credential.

Spirits Educator Certifications

Society of Wine Educators Certified Spirits Specialist (CSS)

Like the previous course, the Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) is a certification for candidates wielding a broad base of knowledge on the various topics covering spirits. Students receive the CSS Study Guide to use as a reference before attempting the examination.

SWE holds exams in several major U.S and international cities. In addition, candidates must complete a 100-multiple-choice question examination to earn the CSS certificate, lapel pin, and a professional signature.

Certified Spirits Educator (CSE)

This course covers fermentation and distillation, the aging of spirits, vodka, neutral spirits, gin, flavored spirits, whiskey, rum, sugarcane-based spirits, tequila, agave-based spirits, liqueurs, vermouth, and other aromatized wines. It also touches on; the basics of mixology, sensory evaluation of spirits, service, and responsible handling of alcoholic refreshments.

The examination has three sections: two tasting exams and a restaurant service demonstration, just like the CWE. Candidates must also pass the Responsible Beverage Alcohol Service Certification.