LEVEL 3 SPECIALTY

Prince Edward Island Oysters

This Level 3 Specialty Course covers Prince Edward Island’s unique oyster merroir, history, and diverse growing regions. Led by two-time Canadian Oyster Shucking Champion and PEI expert Jason Woodside, students will gain advanced knowledge to appreciate PEI oyster varietals. 

Course Details

Course duration: 1.5 hours.
Access period: Enjoy 6 months of access for the course content.
Access device: Learn from your computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
Credits: Completion earns 1 Knowledge credit towards Level 3 Qualification.
Prerequisites: All are welcome. Level 1 is recommended.
To take this exam, you must have successfully completed the Level 2 Advanced Oyster Appreciation course.

Photo by Patrick McMurray

Write your awesome label here.

What You'll Learn

This is an intermediate level course for students who wish to achieve an in-depth understanding of Prince Edward Island as an oyster growing region, and what makes PEI’s environment unique amongst Canada’s other Atlantic provinces. Completion of this course earns one Knowledge credit towards Level 3 Qualification.
  • The geological factors that shaped PEI’s unique coastal features.
  • The impact of indigenous and colonial practices on PEI’s oyster beds.
  • Evolution of the oyster industry: from depletion to recovery and branding.
  • Key regional-differences in merroir across PEI.

Why Take This Specialty Course?

Expert
Insights

Learn from two-time Canadian Oyster Shucking Champion and PEI resident/expert Jason Woodside.

Specialty Knowledge

Gain insight into how the PEI oyster industry works and what makes Prince Edward Island oysters unique.

Engaging
& Robust

Access high-quality video lessons and a downloadable PDF packed with valuable insights for easy reference anytime.

Path to
Mastery

Earn a credit towards your Level 3 certification while deepening your expertise in PEI oysters.
Meet the instructor

Jason Woodside

Jason Woodside is a two-time Canadian Oyster Shucking Champion (2004, 2006) with over 26 years of experience as a professional oyster shucker. Renowned for his skill and precision, Jason possesses a deep understanding of Canada’s oyster industry, particularly the unique dynamics of Prince Edward Island’s wild, public, and cultivated oyster fisheries.

Passionate about education and advocacy, Jason shares his expertise through private tours, seminars, and appearances at select events, where he elevates public awareness of the complexities and joys of oyster appreciation. Jason is also the inventor of the Banjo Oyster Knife, a tool designed to make shucking safer and more accessible for beginners. Additionally, he crafts wooden, traditional-style knives tailored for professional shuckers seeking a competitive edge, merging functionality with artisanal craftsmanship.
Write your awesome label here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course conducted live?

Yes, there is a live class being held on January 22, 2025 with Jason Woodside.

Currently, this class is offered exclusively online. This format allows you to start at any time and progress at your own pace, making it accessible regardless of your location or schedule.

Do I need any prior oyster knowledge in order to take this class?

While prior oyster knowledge isn't mandatory to take this course, having foundational knowledge—whether from OMG or other sources—can greatly enhance your understanding and ability to contextualize the material. It will allow you to engage more deeply with the content, especially when diving into the nuances of PEI oysters and their merroir.

If you're new to oysters or want to brush up on the basics, consider exploring the Level 1 Oyster Appreciation Fundamentals course for a comprehensive introduction.

Will the course cover shucking techniques and how to taste oysters or just information about PEI oysters?

This course focuses on the historical, geological, and industry-specific aspects of PEI oyster production, offering a deep dive into the region’s unique merroir. While shucking techniques and flavor profiles may be touched on during discussions, it is not a primary focus.

For a more detailed exploration of oyster opening and sensory evaluation techniques, you might want to explore the Level 2 Advanced Oyster Appreciation course.

Does this course include the certification exam?

No, this is a specialty course that focuses on Prince Edward Island oysters only. If you wish to get certified by the Oyster Master Guild, then you need to take the full Level 1 Certification Course. 

Do you offer group or team discounts for this class?

Absolutely! We recognize the importance of team learning and are pleased to offer generous group discounts for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Discounts start at 25% for the second student enrolled. Contact us to explore your needs and create a tailored solution for your team.

What specific resources or study materials will I have access to during the 180-day period?

Enrolled students will have access to: 
- The video of Jason's lecture with optional English subtitles.
- A 30-question quiz to test your knowledge.
- Downloadable PDF of the course slides for personal reference.
- Links to PEI oyster industry resources and personal recommendations to on-island oyster restaurants and retailers.

What do I need, tech-wise, in order to take this class?

To have the best experience possible, you'll need:
- A reliable internet connection to access course materials.
- A computer, tablet, or mobile device with an up-to-date web browser.
- Headphones or speakers to listen to video lessons clearly.
- An optional notebook if you’d like to take notes during the course.

The class is designed to be user-friendly and works across most devices, so you can learn wherever you’re most comfortable.

What kind of support or interaction will there be with the instructor during the course?

Students can ask questions about the course material by leaving a comment on the course after enrolling.

Ready to Begin Learning Now?

RELATED COURSES