Level I - Fundamental Chinese Tea Arts Program

The Fundamental Program guides students into the rich and flavourful world of Chinese tea art. Discover the taste and characteristics of artisan tea, and learn the beauty and function of Chinese tea rituals.

The program courses are designed to develop the knowledge and skills for students to enjoy this sophisticated Chinese art of taste and culture.

The program is comprised of six components:

• #111. Tea Classification & Processing I (Green, White, Yellow, and Red Tea)
• #112. Tea Classification & Processing II (Wulong Tea, Black Tea)
• #131. The Art of Chinese Tea Rituals I (Gaiwan/ Gaibei)
• #132. The Art of Chinese Tea Rituals II (Traditional Chinese Teapots)
• #150. Fundamentals of Tea Tasting
• #160. Introduction to Chinese Tea Culture

In addition to objective academic knowledge, each course provides hands-on training and tea tasting.  Together, the courses help students to appreciate Chinese tea as a fine art, and promote the understanding about tea quality.

The Fundamental Chinese Tea Arts Program prepares candidates for the Certified Tea Master Exam (CTM), which is the first level of professional accreditation towards the Master of Tea Arts Diploma (MTA).

Tea enthusiasts are welcome to enroll in all Fundamental courses, and they may also select specific courses to suit their needs and interests.

Certified Tea Master (CTM) Exam

The Certified Tea Master exam is designed to qualify individuals with the knowledge, skills and demeanor that are necessary to becoming a "Certified Tea Master" (CTM). The Certified Tea Master title represents the primary accreditation for professionals in Chinese tea arts.

The Certified Tea Master Exam is comprised of three components:

• Written exam
• Blind Tasting exam
• Service exam - requires the candidate to perform traditional Chinese tea rituals.

A minimum pass of 70% in all sections is required.  Upon the successful completion of the exam, candidates will earn the Certified Tea Master (CTM) certificate issued by the Institute of Masters of Tea Arts.

Students must take the Certified Tea Master Exam before applying for the Premier Tea Master Certification Exam:

Individuals with a strong background in tea may challenge the CTM exam by completing only the requisite Chinese Tea Service & Tasting Courses in the Fundamental Chinese Tea Arts Program (Courses 131, 132, & 150).
Students who desire to take the Certified Exam must sit the exam within 2 years of completing the requisite courses.