Frequently Asked Questions

If students continue through the program without a break, the time of completion is approximately one-year, elapsed time. Total in-course time is 242 hours and includes time allocated for the Final Certification Exam.

Some students, due to unforeseen circumstances, find that they must withdraw from the program prior to completion. A student can re-join the program at a later date, with permission and provided the class reaches minimum enrollment and is not fully subscribed. A pass in any given course is valid for three years from its exam date.

It is recommended that students set aside an additional 20 hours of time to study outside of class. We also recommend that they join and/or create a tasting group and meet at least twice a month.

Currently, the CAPS Certified Sommelier Program is only offered through in-class study.

The CAPS Certified Sommelier Program has been offered in Ontario since 2005 with over 240 graduates.

After partnering with local Colleges for twenty years, the CAPS Certified Sommelier Program is now delivered directly by the association. Whilst responsibility for course administration has shifted to CAPS, the curriculum and instructors have always been controlled by CAPS. Therefore, the program will be consistent albeit with increased flexibility in wine selection.

No. CAPS as an Association is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote and support the profession of Sommelier through the provision of networking, relationship building, and professional training and development opportunities (including tastings, seminars, etc).

Voting membership is open to all certified sommeliers and individuals with approved qualifications. Members come from CAPS, ISG, CMS, etc. Corporate memberships are also available.

CAPS is a member of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale/International Sommellerie Association (ASI) with 70 member countries and 2 applicant countries.