Guide to Sake Certifications

“I want to learn more about sake.” “I want to earn a credential to use professionally.”

Sake certifications provide an excellent framework for systematic learning. Various certifications exist for everyone from hobbyists to hospitality professionals.

This article introduces the major sake certifications and the path to earning them.

Major Sake Certifications

Nihonshu Kentei (Japan Sake Test)

A consumer-oriented examination by the Sake Service Institute (SSI). Tests knowledge for enjoying sake.

Levels

• Level 5: Entry level
• Level 4: Beginner level
• Level 3: Intermediate level
• Level 2: Advanced level
• Level 1: Expert level

Features

• Written multiple-choice exam only
• No tasting component
• Anyone can take Levels 5-3
• Relatively easy to obtain
• Offered several times per year

Recommended For

• Those wanting systematic sake knowledge
• Hobbyists seeking credentials
• Those wanting an accessible starting point

Kikisake-shi (Sake Sommelier)

A professional certification by the Sake Service Institute. Tests knowledge and skills for sake service.

Features

• Written exam plus tasting exam
• Seminar attendance required
• Higher fees for course and examination
• Well-recognized in the hospitality industry

Paths to Certification

1. Correspondence course (self-study plus exam)
2. In-person course (2-day intensive)
3. Online course

Recommended For

• Hospitality industry professionals
• Those wanting to use sake professionally
• Those who serve sake to customers

Sake Expert Assessor (Sakasho)

An advanced certification above Kikisake-shi. A tasting specialist credential.

Features

• Kikisake-shi qualification required
• High-level tasting ability required
• Broad knowledge of alcoholic beverages needed
• Few certified holders

WSET Sake Awards

The Wine and Spirit Education Trust offers internationally recognized sake qualifications.

Levels

• Level 1: Foundation
• Level 2: Intermediate
• Level 3: Advanced

Features

• Globally recognized credentials
• Systematic curriculum with both written and tasting components
• Growing international recognition
• Available in multiple countries

Recommended For

• Wine professionals expanding into sake
• Those pursuing international careers
• Sommeliers adding sake expertise

SAKE DIPLOMA (Japan Sommelier Association)

A sake certification by the Japan Sommelier Association.

Features

• Positioned equivalent to wine sommelier
• Written exam plus tasting exam
• Aims for international recognition
• Higher examination fees

Recommended For

• Current sommelier credential holders
• Those working with both wine and sake
• Those seeking international recognition

Nihonshu Kentei Details

Here is detailed information about the most popular certification, the Nihonshu Kentei.

Level Requirements

Level 5 (Entry)

• Basic sake knowledge
• Main category differences
• Basic terminology
• Pass rate: approximately 90%

Level 4 (Beginner)

• Understanding production processes
• Rice and yeast knowledge
• Regional characteristics
• Pass rate: approximately 80%

Level 3 (Intermediate)

• Deeper production knowledge
• History and culture
• Tasting theory basics
• Pass rate: approximately 70%

Level 2 (Advanced)

• Specialized production knowledge
• Food pairing theory
• Service knowledge
• Pass rate: approximately 50%

Level 1 (Expert)

• Comprehensive specialized knowledge
• Industry trends
• Advanced application skills
• Pass rate: approximately 30%

Exam Content Areas

Production

• Ingredients (rice, water, koji, yeast)
• Production process (polishing to bottling)
• Special designation sake definitions
• Kimoto, Yamahai, and other methods

History and Culture

• Sake history
• Regional characteristics
• Festivals and ceremonies
• International developments

Enjoyment

• Temperature and flavor relationships
• Vessel types and characteristics
• Food pairing
• Storage methods

Industry

• Brewery and brand knowledge
• Distribution systems
• Competitions and awards
• Current trends

Taking the Exam

Schedule

• Offered 3-4 times yearly (spring, summer, fall, winter)
• Testing centers nationwide
• Online testing available for some levels

Fees

• Level 5: Approximately $25-30
• Level 4: Approximately $30-35
• Level 3: Approximately $35-40
• Level 2: Approximately $40-45
• Level 1: Approximately $45-50

Note: Fees vary by country and testing organization

Application Process

1. Apply through official website
2. Pay examination fee
3. Receive admission ticket
4. Take exam at testing center

Effective Study Methods

Use Official Textbooks

Official textbooks exist for the Nihonshu Kentei. Reading through them completely is fundamental.

Study Tips

• Highlight key terms
• Pay special attention to charts and diagrams
• Complete chapter review questions

Practice with Past Exams

Use past exams and practice questions to understand test patterns.

Effective Approaches

• Time yourself while answering
• Create notes for missed questions
• Repeat the same questions multiple times

Learn by Drinking

Book learning alone is not enough. Actually drinking sake matters too.

Practical Learning Tips

• Drink while conscious of learned concepts
• Compare different varieties
• Keep tasting notes
• Visit sake breweries

Attend Study Groups and Seminars

Learning with others pursuing the same goal helps maintain motivation.

Learning Opportunities

• Study groups at sake shops
• Online seminars
• Brewery-hosted events
• Certification school courses

Path to Kikisake-shi Certification

Here is how to obtain the more specialized Kikisake-shi credential.

Certification Process

1. Choose a Learning Course

• Correspondence: Self-paced study
• In-person: 2-day intensive course
• Online: Live online sessions

2. Complete the Curriculum

• Textbook study
• Video lectures
• Tasting practice
• Assignment submission

3. Take the Exam

• Written exam (multiple choice and essay)
• Tasting exam
• Passing threshold: 70% in each section

4. Receive Certification

• Pay certification fee after passing
• Receive certificate and pin

Cost Estimates

• Course fees: Approximately $800-1,200
• Certification fee: Approximately $200
• Annual membership: Approximately $120

Note: Costs vary by country and provider

Tasting Exam Preparation

The tasting exam is the challenging part of Kikisake-shi certification.

Format

• Blind tasting
• Describing aromas and flavors
• Assessing sake quality
• Identifying faults

Preparation Methods

• Taste many different varieties
• Expand descriptive vocabulary
• Learn characteristics of flawed sake
• Attend practice sessions

Using Your Certification

As a Hobby

• More enjoyment in selecting sake
• Deeper appreciation during brewery visits
• Better conversations with fellow enthusiasts

Professionally

• Enhanced customer service in restaurants
• Improved sales ability in retail
• Writing and teaching opportunities
• Event planning and production

Career Advancement

• Pursuing higher certifications
• Obtaining international credentials
• Building expertise and personal brand

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the exam even if I cannot drink sake?

The Nihonshu Kentei is written only, so non-drinkers can participate. However, certifications with tasting components like Kikisake-shi assume you can drink.

How much study time is needed to pass?

For Nihonshu Kentei Level 3, thorough study of the official textbook for 2-3 weeks should be sufficient. Levels 2 and above benefit from 1-2 months of preparation.

Can I study independently?

The Nihonshu Kentei is achievable through self-study. Kikisake-shi requires course attendance, but subsequent study can be independent.

Should I pursue multiple certifications?

Depends on your goals. For hobbyists, Nihonshu Kentei is sufficient. For professional use, consider Kikisake-shi, WSET, or SAKE DIPLOMA as well.

Conclusion

Sake certifications provide an excellent opportunity to deepen knowledge and expand enjoyment.

Starting with Nihonshu Kentei and progressing to Kikisake-shi, WSET, or SAKE DIPLOMA as interest grows is a recommended path.

Remember that certification is not the goal itself, but rather a means to enjoy sake more deeply.

Use your knowledge to explore the world of sake more fully.

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For sake fundamentals, see What is Sake?.

For sake tasting methods, see How to Taste Sake.