The 2026 CSS is Here!

What do all of these items have in common: Updated regulations for American Straight Whiskeys, Brandy del Penedès, Génépy des Alpes, and Amaro di Angostura?

Answer: You’ll find these topics included—as updates and expanded information—in the just-released 2026 version of the Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide and Workbook.

CSS Exam Availability: CSS Exams based on the 2026 edition of the Study Guide will be available at Pearson VUE Testing Centers and via at-home, online proctoring beginning on January 2, 2026. (Exams based on the 2025 book will likewise remain available until December 30, 2027.) Click here for more information on the timing and availability of CSS exams.

CSS Online Prep Course: Our next instructor-led CSS Online Prep Course is scheduled to begin the week of February 2, 2026. The aim of the prep course is to get attendees “as prepared as humanly possible” for a successful sitting of the CSS Exam. Online prep courses are available, free-of-charge, to Professional members of SWE who have a valid CSS Exam attendance credit. Click here for more information on our online prep courses.

Addendum: Click here for an addendum listing the substantive changes between the 2025 and 2026 versions of the CSS Study Guide: Addendum for the 2026 CSS Study Guide

Flashcards and Practice Quizzes: Our popular online flashcards and practice quizzes have also been updated for 2026 (while previous versions remain available as well). Click here to purchase the digital flashcards and practice quizzes. Please note that this is a separate website from the SWE homepage and will require a separate login.

Click here for more information on the Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) program.

If you have any questions regarding these materials, please contact our Director of Education at jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

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