Oyster Master Certified
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.
Oyster Master Certified 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. Certification qualification at upper levels (L3/4) will also include quantifiable metrics such as the number of oysters shucked and/or oysters served. Top level (L4) certified individuals also are active educators and mentors in their craft.
Level 1 Certified Oyster Ambassador
An OMG Certified Oyster Ambassador is a person who has successfully completed the Level 1 Oyster Appreciation Fundamentals course and has learned foundational skills such as handling, shucking, tasting, and describing oysters.
Level 2 Certified Oyster Specialist
An OMG Certified Oyster Specialist is a person who has successfully completed the Level 2 Advanced Oyster Appreciation course and has advanced knowledge of key edible oyster species, production regions, quality factors, and has extensive experience identifying and tasting various oysters.
Level 3 Certified Oyster Shucker
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.
Level 3 Certified Oyster Sommelier
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.
Level 4 Master Oyster Shucker / Master Oyster Sommelier
At the 4th and highest level, Master Oyster Shuckers and Master Oyster Sommeliers are individuals who are recognized as subject matter experts in their respective geographies and educators/leaders in the oyster community. They consistently demonstrate a commitment to quality and care when it comes to delivering oyster experiences to the public.