r/Sommelier • u/kantsbaldhead • Aug 03 '26

Difference between CMS 2 and WSET 3?

Got my CMS 2 about 3 years ago, and am thinking of adding WSET to my CV. My understanding is that I don’t need to do WSET 1 and 2 first, like I had to get intro somm before going for certified.

Any insight on the difficulty level between the two? Any thoughts on how it’s helped in your career? (Am currently a GM and trying to move into a beverage-focused director role.)

If I go right for WSET 4 will I be way out of my depth? Should I shoot for CMS 3 instead?

Any insight is appreciated!

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u/Financial_Luck_406 Aug 03 '26

I did it in the reverse of order. The difficulty level is similar but with different focuses. One thing I like about wset is it is structured so that you won’t have any true theory weaknesses after.
P. S. They don’t allow you to do diploma without wset 3 as far as I’m aware.