FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that you may have many questions about our courses and certification programs. Here, you will find the most frequently asked questions that we have compiled to give you a clear and detailed overview. Let’s explore and discover the information you’re looking for!
Education Programs
What levels of education program does ISG offer?
Four progressive credentials:
- IWC – Intermediate Wine Certificate: Grape-variety–centered foundation focused on the primary commercial grapes. Introduces production, service fundamentals, food & wine pairing, and the first steps in sparkling and fortified. There will be learning formats: Classroom, Live-Online and Hybrid.
- AWC – Advanced Wine Certificate: Appellation-based study of the world’s primary wine regions; expands depth in service, pairing, and adds beer and distillates modules. There will be learning formats: Classroom, Live-Online and Hybrid.
- SDP – Sommelier Diploma Program: Global, micro-detailed coverage of all regions (no exceptions) with rigorous service, blind tasting, food & wine menu design, and beverage management.
- ISGM – Graduate/Master level: Highly advanced; only a small number worldwide pursue. (Not part of the Vietnam rollout.)
Does ISG cover spirits and cocktails?
We cover all major alcohol categories: wine, distillates (from all bases), beer, rice beverages (e.g., sake), and cider. Mixology per se is not a focus; we address it through beverage cost and program management.
Does the program include real service and pairing skills?
Yes—at every level. Practical service and food pairing begin in IWC and scale in depth through AWC and SDP (e.g., sparkling service, basket decanting, menu design with full written justifications, cellar management tasks).
How many tasting sessions are there, and are products provided?
Every class session includes guided tasting. For in-person delivery, products are provided. For online pathways, learners source wines guided by our product lists; tasting submissions are then graded.
Do I receive a certificate after each level?
Yes—upon passing exams. We do not issue “attendance certificates.” Successful candidates receive certificates/diplomas and pins corresponding to the level.
After completing AWC, do I need further study to work as a sommelier?
For junior/assistant sommelier roles, AWC can be sufficient. For full-time sommelier or beverage management leadership, the SDP is the professional standard.
Recognition, Careers and Support
Is the ISG credential internationally recognized?
Yes. We have operated since 1982 and teach in native languages in markets where most institutions do not—supporting global mobility in hospitality.
What career paths open up after ISG?
Hotels, resorts, cruise lines, restaurants, retail, import/export, and (for Diploma holders) teaching and training—often with ISGVN or reputable partners (university lecturers, specialized training schools, etc.).
Does ISG provide job placement?
While we do not operate a formal placement service, employers frequently contact us; we share relevant opportunities with graduates who match their criteria.
Admission prerequisites
Is there an age requirement?
18+.
Are there prerequisites?
IWC has no prerequisite. AWC requires IWC (or equivalent). SDP requires AWC (or equivalent).
Please contact us for more information).
Can I skip a level?
ISG does not offer Fundamentals in Vietnam. If you already have strong knowledge, you may challenge the IWC exam to confirm readiness for AWC. Please discuss this with the ISGVN institution to determine fit.
Is there a fast-track certificate if I study multiple courses?
We don’t bundle certificates, but you can fast-track by challenging an exam to advance more quickly where appropriate.
Do I need hospitality experience or a minimum level of English?
No prior hospitality experience is required. Courses are taught/examined in Vietnamese from launch, so English proficiency is not required unless you choose English delivery.
Class Format, Language and Experience
What learning formats are available for ISGVN courses?
- In-person Classroom: This is our most immersive format. All components, including lectures, guided tastings, and final exams, are conducted in person at our designated venues.
- Online Learning: This flexible format allows you to study theory through our online system of on-demand videos. You will be responsible for arranging your own materials for practical tasting sessions according to our guidelines. All final exams must be taken in person at an official hub.
- Hybrid Live: This format combines interactive, real-time online lectures with our instructors, while all guided tastings and final exams are conducted in person.
Are class sizes limited for personalized instruction?
Yes. We cap class sizes for interaction and feedback—never more than 24–48 learners per cohort, depending on venue.
Does ISG offer online options?
Yes. We offer static online learning (asynchronous) and live-online (for SDP outside Vietnam), as well as in-person classes in Vietnam. Also, Hybrid learning will also be available in Vietnam.
In which languages are courses and materials offered?
ISG study materials are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Russian, Latvian, Turkish, Arabic, Hebrew, Georgian, Armenian, Chinese in both Mandarin and Cantonese, Korean, and Japanese—with Vietnamese integration on the roadmap.
Are study materials available in Vietnamese?
At launch, exams are in Vietnamese. Vietnamese student materials join the catalog in year two. Meanwhile, materials are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Russian, Latvian, Turkish, Arabic, Hebrew, Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese.
How many hours per week should I plan outside class?
Guiding ratios of class : self-study
- IWC → 1:3
- AWC → 1:5
- SDP → 1:10
- ISGM → 1:17 (reference only; not part of VN rollout)
Exams, Results and Certification
What is the exam format at each level? Do I need to pass all parts?
Yes—each component must be passed independently (no averaging across components).
- IWC
- 45 minutes – 60 MCQs
- 1 blind wine
- Pass mark: 60%
- AWC (three separate exams)
- 100 MCQs – 90 minutes
- 6 essays – 3 hours
- 4 blind wines – 30 minutes
- Pass mark: 60%
- (Note: 70% is required on AWC for SDP entrance.)
- SDP (seven separate components)
- 300 MCQs – 3 hours
- 10 essays – 10 hours (split over two sittings)
- Beverage Management essays – 3 hours
- Food & Wine: 6 full table d’hôte menus with detailed written justifications – 3 hours
- Blind tasting – 23 products – 3 hours
- Service exam – 30–45 minutes (sparkling service + basket decanting)
- Cellar Management Program (CMP) – develop a full beverage program (menus + business plan)
- Pass mark: 75%
(ISGM is not part of the Vietnam rollout; details available on request.)
How many attempts if I fail? Is there a fee?
You may re-attempt as many times as needed; re-sits occur with the next running of the course. Please note that a supplemental fee will apply, as ISGVN must arrange the exams accordingly, which may vary depending on the specific period.
Who supplies wines for tastings/exams?
For in-person Vietnam courses, students do not pay extra or bring wines—these are provided. For online courses, learners purchase products guided by ISGVN approved lists; we assess their tasting submissions.
How fast are results and when do I receive certificates/pins?
Results are posted directly to your online student portal as soon as the grading process is finalized by our instructors. After your results are published, your physical credentials will be prepared and sent.
Here is the official timeline:
- IWC (Intermediate Wine Certificate): Within 1 week of your exam date.
- AWC (Advanced Wine Certificate): Within 2 weeks of your exam date.
- SDP (Sommelier Diploma Program): Within 8 weeks of your exam date.
And for Certificates & Diplomas:
- For IWC & AWC Graduates: Your official certificate and lapel pin will be mailed to our Vietnam office within one week after your results are finalized. We will then notify you to arrange for collection.
- For SDP Graduates: Your official diploma is custom-printed. Please allow approximately 8 weeks for production and shipping after your results have been finalized.
Is the certificate valid for life?
Yes. (For Diploma holders, we recommend a knowledge refresh about every 5 years.)
Are exams only in English?
No. For Vietnam, exams are in Vietnamese from the start.
Why choose ISG?
How does ISG compare with other Sommelier/wine certifications?
ISG differs in five ways that matter to hospitality teams:
- Hospitality-first design: service, pairing, and beverage management are core—from IWC onward.
- Depth and pacing: rigorous theory combined with professional practice, ensuring comprehensive skills even at entry level.
- Flexible learning formats: classroom, online, and hybrid—with standardized teaching and examinations across all modes.
- Native-language delivery: We examine and teach in learners’ native languages.
- Transparent exams: Clear component requirements, instant results workflow, and recognized pins/certificates.
After ISG, should I continue to study other Sommelier / Wine certificates?
: Some graduates pursue additional badges. Our view:
- ISG already covers hospitality competencies in greater depth, so there’s little new learning at equivalent levels.
- Many external pathways rely on short seminars and self-study, which can be challenging and have high attrition rates.
If your goal is real-world hospitality performance, the ISG ladder to SDP is the most direct, skills-rich route.
Payment
What payment methods are accepted (credit card, bank transfer, cash)?
All major methods are accepted.
Can I pay in installments, or is full payment required upfront?
Full payment is required, no later than 10 days before the course starts.
What is the cancellation and refund policy after I have paid my tuition fee?
We understand that circumstances can change. To provide flexibility for our students, we offer two options to manage your enrollment:
- Deferral: You may put your enrollment on hold and join any future course that is convenient for you. If the fee for the future course is higher, you will only be required to pay the difference.
- One-Time Transfer: You may transfer your spot in the course to another person. Please note that this transfer can be made one time only.
Please contact our support team to arrange for a deferral or transfer.
What is the policy if I miss classes or have to withdraw part-way through a course?
We do not provide extra classes for students who have missed a session. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to make it up on your own as the course will continue as scheduled.
All educational materials are available on the student portal, so you can theoretically catch up. However, we must advise that it is very challenging to do so.
However, if you must stop attending the course for a significant reason, you can request to put your enrollment on hold. To do so, please submit a formal email to our administration, explaining your reasons for the request.
Approved deferrals are valid for one year. You may re-join a future course at any time within that period. If you do not resume your studies within one year, you will be required to pay the full tuition fee again to re-enroll.
Is there an early-bird discount or group discount for multiple enrollments?
Yes, but details vary. Please contact us directly for consultation.
Are study materials and tasting wines included in the tuition fee, or charged separately?
For in-person courses in Vietnam, all study materials and tasting wines are included in the tuition fee. For online courses, learners purchase products based on ISGVN-approved lists; tastings are submitted for assessment.
Can my employer sponsor or reimburse the tuition fee?
Yes, this is possible. Please contact us directly for guidance.
Can all discounts and promotions be applied at the same time?
Only the best applicable discount can be used.
Are there additional conversion fees if students switch between hybrid and offline modes?
Yes, a conversion fee applies and students may need to wait for a suitable course schedule. For hybrid programs, pricing is updated periodically—please contact us for details in advance.
