Embark on the Journey to Becoming an SSI-Certified Sake Sommelier!

The Sake Sommelier (International Kikisake-shi) course is a professional training program designed for those seeking an in-depth understanding of sake. Whether you are a food and beverage industry professional or an enthusiast with a passion for sake, this certification course represents the pinnacle of professional knowledge.

Our three-day training program and certification exam are meticulously crafted to provide a comprehensive and thorough understanding of sake.

The course also includes an optional 3-hour focused review session to help you prepare effectively and efficiently. This program is flexible and highly impactful, ensuring the highest standard of professional training.

To prepare for this intensive course, participants are required to complete 10 to 18 hours of self-study using the official SSI International Kikisake-shi textbook, "The Fundamentals of Japanese Sake" (textbook fee included in the course fee).

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If You're New to Sake:

We highly recommend starting with the SSI Sake Navigator Course as a foundational introduction.

SSI Sake Navigator Course Link:

https://www.jjswinesake.com/en/Certification#SSI-sake-navigator

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Who Is This Course For?

• Sake industry professionals aiming to expand into global markets and gain deeper insights into international preferences and demands.
• Cultural promoters looking to bring sake to international audiences.
• Enthusiasts with a strong interest in Japanese culture and sake who face language barriers (non-Japanese speakers).
• Participants must be 21 years or older.

Course Outline

• Key techniques in sake production and their impact on style and quality.
• Essential qualifications and skills required to become a sake sommelier.
• Fundamental knowledge of alcoholic beverages.
• Introduction to the history of sake production.
• The main components of sake.
• The sake production process.
• Techniques for sake tasting and analysis.
• Methods for sake service in restaurants and hotels.
• How to read and understand sake labels.

Materials and Certification

• A complete set of original textbooks (English version).
• Three-stage certification exam (English exam papers).
• Course fee includes the cost of the international certification (one-time).
• Successful candidates will receive the SSI International Kikisake-shi certificate and badge.

Course Dates and Times

Dates:  May 4 – May 18, 2025 (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)

Format: Online ($1100) or In-Person ($1200)

Registration Deadline: April 6, 2025 (Sunday)

Optional Review Session:  $85

Date: May 25, 2025 (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Exam Dates and Times

Dates: June 7, 2025 (Saturday)

Format: In-Person (Participants must attend the venue in person)

Course Formats

Online Course ($1100):

• Ideal for those unable to attend in person. Includes small sake samples for interactive learning with classmates and instructors to explore different sake styles.
• Sake Samples:

1. If near the course location, you may collect your samples from Jiou Jiu Shang Wine & Sake Academy.
2. If located outside the Los Angeles metropolitan area, sake samples can be shipped to your location (shipping fees apply).

• Zoom link will be provided via email prior to the course.

In-Person Course ($1200):

• Location: Jiou Jiu Shang Wine & Sake Academy (12598 Central Ave, Suite 218, Chino, CA 91710)

Exam Information

The exam consists of three parts, covering sake characteristics, production processes, and blind tasting. Participants must attend the venue in person (on June 7, 2025) to complete all three parts of the exam to achieve certification.

To prepare for this intensive program, participants are required to complete 10 to 18 hours of self-study using the official SSI International Kikisake-shi textbook "The Fundamentals of Japanese Sake" (textbook fee included in the course fee).

Exam Stages:

Stage 1:

• Multiple-choice and written questions.
• Focus on professional knowledge of sake and general alcoholic beverages.

Stage 2:

• Written and multiple-choice questions.
• Questions about sake service and sales promotion, including seasonal flavor planning.

Stage 3:

• Written questions, blind tasting, and multiple-choice questions.
• Quality assessment through sake tasting, identifying unique characteristics (including flavor classification).

Example Exam: https://ssiintl.jp/pdf/Example_Ver.English.pdf

Passing Requirements:

Participants must achieve a score of 70% or higher on each part of the exam.

Exam Results: Results will be emailed within 6–8 weeks after the exam.

Exam Retake:

If you do not pass the exam, you may retake the failed sections. Retakes will be scheduled on the same exam dates as the course.

Retake Fee: $230 (course content not included).

For more information on retakes, email us at info@jjswinesake.com.

Note: Retakes must be completed within one year of the original exam date. Failure to retake within one year will reset the original exam results, requiring participants to retake all exam sections.

Important Notice

If the minimum number of participants is not met, we reserve the right to cancel the course two weeks before the start date. In such cases, you will receive a refund of the course fee (excluding the textbook fee) or the option to transfer your registration to a future course.