I'm scheduled to take the certified level CMS exam in April. Does any one have tips? Since you basically "call in" the first level, I have no idea what to expect from the certified. The reading list seems taxing and slightly outdated. Does anyone have an abrigded version of the booklist (i.e. the books the you found most relevent to the test?) Any advice, pointers, virtual pats of the back would be wonderous...

I took that exam. The written test is about the same as the first one. The book they gave you in the Intro one was fine. The hard part for some is the service exam. Be good with salesmanship and customer skills as well as opening champagne and decanting red wine. They will also ask you whatever drink and wine questions they want during the service part.

I came out fine but I did lose points for guessing the incorrect liquor ingredients rather than saying "Let me check with the bartender" if i did not know.

Good luck.