Hello, it’s Mana here!
This time, I will talk in detail about the “Sake Sommelier 5th and 4th Grade Exam Content.” Initially, I was anxious because I had no idea what kind of questions would be asked, but having taken the exam myself, I’ve come to understand the difficulty level and the trends in the questions. I hope this will be helpful for those considering taking the exam!
What are Sake Sommelier 5th and 4th Grades?
The Sake Sommelier exams test your foundational knowledge of sake. Both the 5th and 4th grades are entry-level exams that anyone over the age of 20 can take, and they can be taken online, making it easy to give them a try.
The Differences Between 5th and 4th Grades
- 5th Grade: Aimed at beginners, it tests basic knowledge of sake. It consists of true/false questions (○×) and is relatively easy.
- 4th Grade: Slightly harder than the 5th grade, it features multiple-choice questions and requires a deeper understanding.
Exam Format and Passing Criteria
- Question Format: True/false for the 5th grade (○×), multiple-choice for the 4th grade
- Number of Questions: 30 questions each
- Exam Duration: 50 minutes
- Passing Criteria: A correct answer rate of 70% or more (21 out of 30 questions correct to pass)
- Method of Examination: Online exams (using the FBO Study system)
Scope and Difficulty of Questions
1. History and Culture of Sake
Questions will cover how sake has developed, traditions associated with sake, and regional characteristics. Particularly, questions on historical changes such as “Characteristics of sake made during the Nara period” or “Manufacturing techniques established during the Edo period” are common.
2. How Sake is Made
- Types of sake rice (such as Yamada Nishiki, Miyama Nishiki)
- What is rice polishing ratio?
- Microorganisms used in the fermentation process (Koji mold, yeast)
3. Types and Classifications of Sake
Sake is divided into special designation sake (such as ginjo, junmai, and honjozo) and ordinary sake.
- Criteria for classifying special designation sake
- Whether alcohol is added
- Characteristics of aroma and flavor
4. How to Drink and Manners
- Sake suitable for chilling and sake suitable for warming
- How to use a tokkuri and an ochoko
- Pairing with food (e.g., types of sake that go well with sashimi)
5. Liquor Tax Law and Ethics
The basic principles of liquor tax law and manners related to drinking are also included in the exam scope.
- Overview of the Liquor Tax Law
- Laws regarding the prevention of underage drinking
- Prohibition of drunk driving
Difficulty and Strategies for Levels 5th and 4th
The 5th grade primarily covers basic content, and it is easy to pass if you read through the official textbook. However, the 4th grade demands more detailed knowledge, so a thorough understanding of topics like rice polishing ratios and the sake production process is necessary.
Conclusion
The Sake Sommelier 5th and 4th grade exams are ideal for acquiring basic knowledge of sake. It is especially recommended for beginners to start with the 5th grade and gradually work their way up.
For those about to take the exam, make sure to use official textbooks and past questions to aim for success!
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