CSW Exam for a dummey

[fudp01]

Your question implies you are new to the wine business, but that's not the same as being new to wine and makes a difference in how long it might take. All I can tell you is my experience. I am not in the wine 'business' but like you am interested in a career change. I am not new to wine, however. My line of reasoning is exactly the same as yours... obtaining a CSW would be a great addition to a resume with absolutely no other wine experience. If nothing else, it shows you are serious. Here's what I did: 1) Joined the Society of Wine Educators (this gave me access to their online Wine Academy) 2) For 6 weeks I reviewed all the online Academy lessons and took all the lesson tests and the practice exam several times 3) I did not purchase the official Study Guide but would probably recommend it. There is new material that the online Academy does NOT cover. I did buy the official Lesson Plans from the SWE and reviewed the exercises. 4) I attended a full day Preview session at Trinchero Winery the day before taking the exam (I highly recommend it) 4) I took the exam and passed the next day. Again, I am making zero assumptions about your prior interest in wine, but I am telling you it can be done in 6 weeks and it was a GREAT experience. I am now considering additional certifications like CS and CWE and hope to complete both of those by the end of next year. My only advice is if you have a passion for wine, go for it! I wish I had done this many years ago.