The Certified Sake Professional certification is presented to applicants that have successfully passed the CSP examination, a 75-question multiple-choice examination designed to assess the ability to professionally work with sake in some capacity, and demonstrate competence about all things sake related. The exam covers all basic aspects of sake, including terminology, classifications, production and culture. The objective is to ensure that applicants can be a positive force in disseminating information about sake and in its distribution, be it importing, wholesaling, retail or on-premise. To qualify for taking the exam, applicants must complete a SEC-approved course such as (but not necessarily limited to) the Level I Sake Professional Course.

The Advanced Sake Professional certification is presented to applicants that have successfully passed the ASP examination, which is a combination of multiple-choice, short answer and short essay questions, as well as a tasting exam. The certification examination is intended to ascertain a significantly higher level of understanding of and familiarity with all things sake, including production methods and their variations, but also the sake industry in Japan and elsewhere, as well as a deeper grasp of aspects that affect sake, such as regionality, maturity, and basic flavor and aromatic profiles of different types and production methods. ASP-certified individuals should be comfortable presenting sake-related seminars and educational programs to the public-at-large and the beverage industry. To qualify for taking the exam, applicants must complete a SEC-approved course such as (but not necessarily limited to) the Level II Sake Professional Course.

The ASP course is only held within Japan to accommodate the guest speakers from within the industry and to ensure that those qualifying for the ASP level have experienced sake, sake production, and sake culture within Japan.

Course Requirements

• Applicants are required to have passed the Certified Sake Professional (CSP) before applying for Advanced Sake Professional (ASP) certification.
• Applicants are responsible for all travel and lodging, if necessary. Please click here to find where and when the next ASP course is being held. 

SEC is currently developing a Sake Master’s Program that will incorporate thesis-style research and involve much more personal experience in the sake world. Expect more developments and information on this in the coming months. CSPs and ASPs can keep informed through our newsletter and/or this site.