OYSTER MASTER GUILD

Certification Program

The Oyster Master Guild Certification Program aims to showcase professionals and enthusiasts who take on the awesome responsibility of oyster stewardship and ambassadorship in their workplace and community to create value across the supply chain.

Four Distinct Levels

OMG offers four levels of achievement that cater to different interests and needs. Each Level correspond to a respective OMG Course and Specialization modules.

Pro qualification at Levels 3 and 4 will also include quantifiable metrics such as the number of oysters shucked and a presentation evaluation. Top level (L4) certified individuals also are active educators and mentors in oyster hospitality.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 2 Certified Oyster Specialist

This certification deepens your understanding of oysters, focusing on advanced tasting and evaluation skills, regional and global oyster profiles, and the factors influencing oyster flavor and quality. Graduates gain expertise in discussing oysters with nuance, making thoughtful beverage pairings, and guiding others through oyster tastings.

Who it's for: Designed for hospitality professionals, oyster growers, and serious oyster enthusiasts who want to dive deeper into oyster culture.

Complete the Advanced Oyster Appreciation course.
Pass the Level 2 Qualification Exam.
Score 85% or higher on an 100-question online test.

Level 1 Certified Oyster Ambassador

This entry-level certification introduces the world of oysters, offering a comprehensive foundation in oyster history, biology, North American species & varieties, basic oyster production, opening and tasting techniques. Graduates will be able to confidently identify different oyster species, address common myths or falsehoods, and understand best practices in oyster service.

Who it's for: Designed for hospitality professionals, chefs, and serious oyster enthusiasts looking to refine their oyster knowledge and skills.

Complete the Oyster Appreciation Fundamentals course.
Pass the Level 1 Qualification Exam.
Score 85% or higher on an 80-question online test.

Level 3 Certified Oyster Shucker or Sommelier

This certification signifies expertise in both oyster knowledge and hands-on service skills. Graduates are equipped to lead raw bar setups, provide exceptional customer experiences, and ensure best practices in oyster handling, shucking, and presentation.

An OMG Certified Oyster Shucker is a person who is highly skilled in opening and plating oysters for consumers. They are able to assemble masterful oyster platters cleanly and efficiently. This person is most directly responsible for the consumer’s oyster experience at a restaurant or raw bar.

An OMG Certified Oyster Sommelier is a person who is highly knowledgeable about oyster products—provenance, production, seasonality, flavor profile—and is responsible for evaluating, sourcing, and curating oysters. This person collaborates with the chef, a wine sommelier or a beverage director to optimize menu offerings.

Who it's for: Perfect for oyster experience providers, oyster caterers, hospitality managers, raw bar professionals, those aiming to deliver top-tier oyster experiences.

Complete the Oyster Service Excellence course.
Pass both a written and practical service assessment.
Score 85% or higher on an 100-question online test and pass an evaluation by video submission.
Earn 10 Experience Credits by completing specialty courses or approved educational experiences.
Shucker: 2 Knowledge Credits + 8 Skill Credits
Sommelier: 8 Knowledge Credits + 2 Skill Credits

Level 4 Master Oyster Shucker or Sommelier

The highest level of OMG certification, this credential recognizes deep expertise in oyster culture, history, regional diversity and specialization, sustainable and innovative practices, and service excellence.

Level 4 graduates are leaders and mentors in the oyster world, capable of training others, leading industry discussions, and driving innovation in oyster hospitality.

Who it's for: Tailored for seasoned oyster professionals, educators, and those who want to shape the future of the oyster industry.

Complete and presenting an Oyster Master thesis.
Pass both a written exam and practical service assessment involving identifying, tasting, opening, and presenting.
Earn 50 Experience Credits by completing specialty courses or approved educational experiences.
Hold a Level 3 Certification.