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Continuing Education for the SVH Registered Vinologist/Sommelier (rVS®)

Continuing Education for the SVH Registered Vinologist/Sommelier (rVS®)

WTOL Academy offers unique, accredited continuing education for certified SVH Vinologists and Sommeliers. With a strong combination of online learning and in‑person instruction, we bring theory and practice together: learning and doing. This way, you continue to develop your professional knowledge and skills, and you stay up to date with the latest developments in the wine and hospitality industry.

After obtaining the SVH Vinologist/Sommelier diploma, you will be included in the SVH Register of Vinologists/Sommeliers. This demonstrates that you possess an excellent level of knowledge, can taste wine professionally, and actively maintain and develop your expertise.


rVS is a recognized and registered SVH title

By registering in the SVH Register of Vinologists/Sommeliers, you demonstrate that your professional competence is verifiably up to standard. You are permitted to use the recognized title SVH Registered Vinologist/Sommelier (rVS®) for a period of five years, and you may also include it after your name.

The rVS® title provides professional status and recognition in the market. To support this, a toolkit is available with official materials that you can use on, for example, your business card, website, or brochure.

A reliable source for third parties

All training and continuing education activities specifically selected for the SVH Register are clearly listed in the schedule. In addition, the register serves as a reliable source for third parties seeking a trained and qualified Vinologist or Sommelier.

Continuing Education Points and Categories

Every SVH Vinologist/Sommelier must obtain 100 training points every five years in order to remain listed in the public register. Participation in competitions can also earn training points.There are two categories of training points: Category A and Category B.

Category A

Category B

Mandatory activities

Elective activities

60 training points

40 training points

Inclusion in the register

The granting and retention of inclusion in the SVH Register of Vinologists/Sommeliers is carried out in accordance with the official regulations for training points. Within both Category A and Category B, the following applies:
1 training point = 1 hour of training.

Below you will find an explanation of the different categories.

Please note:
Have you obtained a level 4 diploma within another qualification framework? If so, you may also be eligible for inclusion in the SVH Register of Vinologists/Sommeliers.
Examples include: Vinoloog van de Wijnacademie, WSET Level 4, or Weinakademiker.
To request this, please submit an application via planning@wtol-academy.nl.
.

Category A – Mandatory Subject‑Specific Training

Category A consists of accredited subject‑specific training and activities offered by WTOL Academy, which holds official SVH recognition for this purpose. These activities can be found in the continuing education schedule.

  • At least 60 training points per five‑year period must be obtained in this category.
  • Training takes place within a program organized by WTOL Academy.
  • Focused on broadening and deepening relevant knowledge and skills within the professional field of the SVH Vinologist/Sommelier

Category B – Free choice

Category B consists of elective activities related to the wine and hospitality industry. These activities do not need to be offered by WTOL Academy.

Conditions:

  • Activities must be approved in advance by the Continuing Education Committee.
  • The committee determines how many training points are awarded.
  • Requests can be submitted via planning@wtol-academy.nl
  • Examples of Category B activities include:
    (you can easily add a list here later)

Category BElective activities

Training points (maximum points obtainable)

Providing wine courses and subject-related training at level 4 (Vinologists).

A maximum of 10 points. You must submit the application for this to the further training committee in advance.

Participating in wine study trips, wine fairs, conferences.

A maximum of 5 points. The training points for this are indicated per year/study trip.

Working in the wine and hospitality industry (>32 hours/week)

A maximum of 10 points. Proof of your activities should be sent annually to the further training committee.

Writing for trade journals, books, journalism.

2 points per article with a maximum of 10 points. Proof of your article and publication should be sent to the further training committee.

Participating in the SVH Registered Vinologist/Sommelier of the Year competition

When participating in this competition: 1 point per round applies. Winner gets 2 extra points.

Other (subject to assessment by the further training committee)

A maximum of 10 points per year

Training points

Every SVH Vinologist/Sommelier earns training points for inclusion in the public register.

TO BROADEN YOURSELF

Further training that focuses on broadening the knowledge and expertise of the vinologist/sommelier from the perspective of wine & food pairing (wine & dine).
This primarily concerns a broadening of practical applicability, so that the vinologist/sommelier can operate and advise in a broader sense within the hospitality industry.

VAT exempt 0.0%

Good to know: all our courses are exempt from VAT, so you do not pay VAT on the course fee.

Member discount The Horecabond 20%

A member of The Horecabond? Enjoy a 20% discount on our courses.

50% discount on Entree Magazine

Sign up for the course and receive a subscription to Entree Magazine at a 50% discount.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the SVH Register Vinologist/Sommelier (rVS®)?

SVH stands for Stichting Vakbekwaamheid Horeca (Foundation for Professional Competence in Hospitality).
The SVH Register Vinologist/Sommelier (rVS®) is an official register for vinologists and sommeliers who demonstrably maintain their professional knowledge through continuing education. With the rVS® registration, you show that you are actively investing in your professional development.

What is the difference between a Vinologist/Sommelier and rVS®?

“Vinologist or Sommelier is the diploma you have obtained.
rVS® is an additional, temporary registration that shows you continue to invest in up‑to‑date knowledge and skills after completing your qualification.”

Is rVS® a recognized title?

Yes. rVS® is a recognized title within the wine and hospitality sector and is managed according to the guidelines of SVH. The registration is visible to employers, clients, and professionals in the field.

Who is rVS® intended for?

rVS® is intended for certified vinologists and sommeliers who take their profession seriously and wish to continue developing professionally—for example in hospitality, the wine trade, education, or as independent entrepreneurs.

When am I eligible for rVS® registration?

You are eligible when you have obtained a recognized vinologist or sommelier diploma and are willing to collect continuing education points within a five‑year period.

How many continuing education points do I need?

For rVS® you need 100 continuing education points every five years. You collect these points by completing accredited continuing education activities.

What is the difference between Category A and Category B continuing education?

Category A consists of mandatory, accredited continuing education.
Category B offers more flexibility and includes additional activities such as external courses, wine trips, subject‑specific articles, or industry‑related events.

How long is my rVS® registration valid?

The rVS® registration is valid for five years. During this period, you must collect the required continuing education points to maintain or renew your registration.

How do I renew my rVS® registration?

After five years, you can renew your registration by demonstrating that you have obtained the required number of continuing education points. WTOL Academy supports you in this process by offering suitable continuing education options.

What happens if I don’t earn enough points?

If you do not earn enough points, your rVS® registration will expire. You can reactivate your registration later once you meet the requirements again.

My question hasn't been answered. What can I do?

Please fill out the contact form here. You can also contact us directly via
E: info@WTOL-Academy.nl
T: 085 27 35 181.
We are available by phone on weekdays between 09:00 and 17:00. We are happy to assist you.

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