The French Wine Scholar study and certification programme is geared for members of the wine trade and serious wine hobbyists; it is designed to test for proficiency in the wines and wine regions of France. It is endorsed by the National French Wine Office and by U.S. Importers of French Wine as well. It is taught by AWSEC, the winner of Wine Scholar Guild Program Provider of the Year in 2015. Successful candidates are conferred the French Wine Scholar title and encouraged to use the FWS post-nominal as part of their professional signatures. They will also receive the French Wine Scholar certificate and lapel pin.