The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is a global organization that provides best-in-class education and qualifications in the field of wine, spirits and sake to inspire and empower the world’s wine and spirits professionals and enthusiasts.
One of the key reasons for the WSET’s creation was to provide a systematic approach to tasting wine across the wine trade, so that wine professionals could speak about wine with a common language. The WSET focuses on history, theory and practical application, and after getting the WSET certificates, individuals opt for careers in winemaking, distribution, import and retail.
WSET qualifications are available through a network of over 800 Approved Program Providers working in over 70 countries and in 15 languages. WSET offers qualifications in tiers, from one-day beginner courses to the advanced Level 4 Diploma. Courses are designed to be studied progressively, with each level providing the best preparation for the following qualification. How far one progresses through the levels will depend on one’s own personal goals. WSET’s education is delivered via accredited classroom and online providers around the world, with all of its examinations conducted in person.
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
Level 1 Award in Wines is a beginner level introduction to wine, suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine. Students will explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately and make food and wine pairings.
Upon successful completion of a closed-book exam of 30 multiple choice questions, students receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. Aside from being of legal drinking age in the country of attending a course to participate in any alcohol tasting, there are no entry qualifications for Level 1.
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
Level 2 Award in Wines is a beginner- to intermediate-level qualification exploring wines, suitable for industry professionals and wine enthusiasts. This qualification is intended for beginners wishing to learn about a wide range of wines or those seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. Students will gain knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown, and the styles of wine they produce. Through a combination of tasting and theory, students will explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe these wines with confidence.
This qualification has a minimum requirement of 28 hours of study time. On successful completion of the one-hour closed-book examination of 50 multiple-choice questions, students will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
Level 3 Award in Wines is an advanced level qualification for professionals working in the wine industry and for wine enthusiasts. For individuals seeking to delve deeper into the world of wines, this qualification provides a detailed understanding of grape-growing and winemaking. Upon completion, students will be able to assess wines accurately—and use their understanding to confidently explain wine style and quality. Upon successful completion, students will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
It is recommended that students hold the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits or can demonstrate the equivalent level of knowledge. This qualification has a minimum requirement of 84 hours of study time, including 30 hours of classroom or online delivery time with a WSET course provider. Unit 1 is assessed by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple-choice questions and a short-written answer paper, followed by Unit 2, which is assessed by a blind tasting of two wines.
WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines
Level 4 Diploma in Wines is an expert-level qualification covering all aspects of wine. Building on the knowledge and skills gained from the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, the Diploma deepens the understanding of how and why wine production and business factors influence the style, quality and price of wines. Expertise is built both theoretically, through comprehensive study of a large number of wine regions, and practically, by developing wine tasting skills to an expert level. Successful graduates acquire exceptional analytical skills and proficiency in evaluative wine tasting, gaining global recognition as authoritative wine specialists. Should students wish to progress to the Master of Wine program, they will be well-prepared.
Candidates must hold either the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines or the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits to enroll in the WSET Level 4 Diploma. It normally takes between 18 months and three years to complete the diploma, with a minimum requirement of 500 hours of study time. To complete the diploma, students must pass all six units, successfully meeting the rigorous assessment requirements across the syllabus. Those who successfully complete the diploma will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the post-nominal “DipWSET” and associated WSET certified logo. Students will also become a member of the Alumni Body, with access to our quarterly reports and a number of exclusive events.
WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits
Level 1 Award in Spirits is a beginner-level introduction to spirits for those starting a career in the industry or pursuing an interest in spirits. Individuals will explore the main styles and types of spirits through sight, smell and taste to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavors and aromas. Assessment is by a closed-book exam of 30 multiple-choice questions and upon successful completion students will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
Level 2 Award in Spirits is a beginner- to intermediate-level qualification exploring spirits and liqueurs for those working in the industry or spirits enthusiasts. Students will learn about the fundamental production methods and principal raw materials discovering how they are used to make the key spirit styles. Students will also explore the key practices and principles of serving spirits and the use of spirits in cocktails.
This qualification has a minimum requirement of 26 hours of study time, including 14 hours of classroom or online delivery time with a WSET course provider, and assessment is by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple-choice questions. Upon successful completion students will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits
Level 3 Award in Spirits is an advanced-level qualification for professionals and enthusiasts wishing to acquire a detailed understanding of the spirits of the world and develop the tasting skills required to accurately describe and evaluate a spirit. This qualification is intended to build on knowledge and skills gained from the Level 2 Award in Spirits. Students will acquire a deep theoretical understanding of the techniques used in spirit production, from the processing of raw materials to post-distillation operations. Through a combination of tasting and the application of theoretical knowledge, students will learn to explain confidently why spirits look and taste the way they do and how and why they differ from one another.
It is recommended that students hold the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits or can demonstrate the equivalent level of knowledge, and this qualification has a minimum requirement of 84 hours of study time. The two-and-a-half-hour closed-book examination is made up of two units, a two-part theory examination, along with a tasting examination of two spirit samples tasted blind. Students will need to pass both units to achieve qualification and upon successful completion will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated certified logo.
WSET Level 1 Award in Sake
Level 1 Award in Sake is a beginner-level introduction to sake for those starting a career in the industry or pursuing an interest in sake. Students will explore the main styles and types of sake through sight, smell and taste to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavors and aromas. Students will learn the basic principles of sake production, along with how to serve sake.
This qualification has a minimum requirement of six guided learning hours with a WSET course provider. Assessment is by a closed-book exam of 30 multiple-choice questions, and upon successful completion, students will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
WSET Level 3 Award in Sake
Level 3 Award in Sake is an advanced-level qualification for professionals working with sake or sake enthusiasts. For individuals seeking to develop their expertise in sake, this qualification will provide a detailed understanding of the production methods that affect the style, quality and price of sake. Upon completion, students will be able to assess sakes accurately and use this information and the understanding of sakes to make authoritative recommendations.
There are no entry requirements for this qualification; however, candidates are required to complete a two-week online pre-study program before attending the course. This qualification has a minimum requirement of 42.25 hours of study time, including 16 hours of classroom or online delivery time with a WSET course provider. Unit 1 is assessed by a closed-book exam of 50 multiple-choice questions and a paper of short written answers and Unit 2 is assessed by a blind tasting of two sakes. Upon successful completion, students will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
WSET is designed for those who are just starting out in their careers, as well as established professionals—and the many enthusiasts who have a passion for wines and spirits. WSET classes are highly structured and provide students with stepping stones to gain ever more knowledge, and while it is encouraged, no preparation is required before starting. WSET is communications-focused and offers a progressively detailed academic understanding of wine, spirits and sake, with more tasting experience the further you go.