The Results Are In…

I have big news my friends!

I am elated to tell you I passed my exam and I am now a Certified Specialist of Wine!

In addition to all the feels that come with the thrill, I am so relieved.  Self-study is no joke, and on my journey to this point (having been away from formal schooling for over fifteen years), I have learned valuable lessons in determination, discipline, and no small amount of fear management.

So how did it go down?

Okay, so after having studied for the better part of five months, I was talking with a friend about when I might be ready to take the test.  That was Sunday, September 4^th.  I gave a few general reasons but it soon became clear as she pushed me to answer the question – why haven’t you taken this test yet? – that it was because as long as I wasn’t taking it, I wasn’t failing it.

Once that realization hit me, I knew I had been in that place before, letting the fear of failure win, and I wasn’t about to let that happen again!

I went home and assessed how much time I really needed before I would feel ready to rock the exam.  I came to the conclusion that I only needed one week.  I promptly got online and signed up on the first available day at the testing center, which as it turned out was two weeks and four days.

By the time Thursday, September 22^nd came around, I was so ready to be done studying, so ready to crush the exam and I was also so nervous.  I don’t think any amount of preparation can take that away!

At the testing center, all my personal items were placed in a locker and I was given a key.  I had to imprint my palm into a digital pad before being escorted to a proctor, who took my key and verified my palm print.  Then I had to empty my pockets and pull my hair up from around my neck (in case it was hiding notes I guess) after which I was escorted into a room with other test takers and led to a small cubicle where my test awaited on a computer.

At this point my heart was beating fast, but it really began thumping upon reading the first question.  I barely understood it and definitely didn’t know the answer. Was the whole test going to be like this?  Panic began setting in.  I flagged the question for review and moved on to the next.

Mercifully, the two questions after that were far easier and by the end of 100 multiple choice questions, I realized the first had been the hardest.  Phew!

When the test was over, I raised my hand and the proctor escorted me out of the room.  Then the real nerves started coming on as I waited for my results.

Thankfully it didn’t take long.  The proctor printed out a sheet of paper, handed it to me with a smile, and said “congratulations!” before I even had a chance to look.

I DID IT!!

So what exactly does that mean?

Well, I’m certainly not watching the mail like a hawk waiting for my certificate and lapel pin to arrive in the mail.  Nope.  I’m cool as a cucumber.

Ahem.

In all seriousness, it means I have achieved an internationally recognized status that allows me to use the CSW post-nominally while granting the professional credentials necessary to enter the wine industry as more than just an enthusiast.

Which totally leads me to twirl about in a field of daisies singing about the sound of wine pouring! AH-ah-AH-ahhhhhh…

So what comes next?

Of course, this is the question that everyone keeps asking. It’s a natural curiosity!

I have the heart of a writer, so as I step professionally into the wine industry I will be doing so with the written word and largely right here on this blog.

I’ll continue to post quality content centered around unlocking the mysteries of wine in a fun and educational fashion, while also sharing aspects of my life and, of course, delicious recipes made with wine!

I know you love that splash in your pan!

I hope you enjoy the content I’m producing here and want more.  I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.  If you have any specific questions related to wine please contact me.  I would LOVE to hear from you.

If you would like to become a Certified Specialist of Wine or want to learn more about the certification process, please visit the Society of Wine Educators!

Cheers!