I am from Columbus Ohio and I had gone through most of my culinary school until I ran into some complications and with regret was unable to finish. I am getting myself back on the track I wanted now or at least trying, which is wine. I wanted to use cooking as a conduit to a wine career. I recently underwent back surgery (3 days ago) and it will take me some time to recover and even after that my ability to fire off orders on a line like I used to may be harder or even not healthy for my body anymore but I still very much wish to pursue wine and with my recovery time I am trying to put it into educating myself further in wine and hopefully ascertaining a certification in wine to get myself back in the business perhaps on that end. Any advice as to what certifications would be the best in terms of credibility and ability to get my foot in the door would be helpful as would materials to study. I have been furthering knowledge in all wines all regions due just to the fact that I love it however realistically I will need to know something more specific in whatever areas are needed to get a certification.

That was alot to read without much of a question I know so here is a easier version. What certification programs are in or near Ohio that are credible and worth my time, and what information should I be studying myself while I have the time during recovery. I already own a small amount of wine books and am about 5 minutes from a library luckily so I am able to drive there even in my conditon. Any information would be great...

Michael:
I read your scenario and I have been in a similar position as you. I broke into the wine world by reading "Discovering Wine" by Joanna SImon & "Windows on the World WIne Course" by Kevin Zraly. WHen I felt more familiar, I did some wine cert exams. I found the one given by Court of Master Sommeliers is the easiest one to pass. Their only challenge is the service practical but if you can open Champagne and decant red wine with confidence then you should be fine. Also check out WIne and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) for their certification course. Hope that helps.

I actually also read "Windows on the World" wine book and I read a large part of the "Wine Bible" which gave me alot of general wine knowledge. And I have been able to open most bottles for some time now I will have to look into those and see if I can find some offered near my location.

The WSET allows you to study the work at home and then take the exam in your nearest city where it is being offered. So if you are not near a wine school this is one possible route. They, however, do not call it Certified Sommelier but rather Certificate in Wines and Spirits. They will provide you with a text and study guide (about the size of a Wine for Dummies book) and the questions are straight forward. Of course, there are other associations giving the exam too as written in the above message.

I did some looking into the WSET certifications and found some possibilities that may fight my needs with room to expand, I am making calls soon and checking further I would just like to thank John for your help.

Check out the Cleveland Wine School just up 71. They have a variety of classes with a varying schedule. Google it for their website. Additionally, check of the Society of Wine Educators site for the educational offerings.

Thanks Caymus im going to check that out tomorrow when i have a min could be helpful