WSET courses are suitable for individuals who are interested in wine and spirits, whether they are enthusiasts or professionals in the wine and spirits industry. The courses are designed for individuals who want to deepen their knowledge and understanding of wine and spirits, including grape varieties, winemaking techniques, wine regions, tasting techniques, and food and wine pairing. WSET courses are suitable for individuals working in the wine and spirits industry who want to advance their careers, as well as individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the industry. The courses are also appropriate for individuals who simply want to expand their wine knowledge for personal enjoyment.

No, you do not need any prior knowledge or experience to take a WSET course. However, some courses may have recommended or required prerequisites.

The duration of a WSET course depends on the level of the qualification. Level 1 is typically completed in one day, while Level 4 will take multiple years.

Level I: 6 hours of guided study

Level II: 16 hours of guided study over 2 days or 4 weeks + 11 hours of personal study

Level III: 30 hours of guided study over 5 days or 8 weeks + 55 hours of personal study

The primary difference between in-person and online learning for a wine course is the level of interaction and engagement with instructors and classmates. In-person learning allows for immediate feedback, questions and answers, educator proctored wine tastings, and group discussions, whereas online learning is more self-directed and requires more individual motivation and discipline. Online learning may be more flexible and convenient for students with busy schedules or remote locations when recorded classes are available.

The WSET exam varies depending on the level of the qualification. It may include multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, essays, and blind tastings.

Level 1: 30 multiple choice questions

Level 2: 50 multiple choice questions

Level 3: 50 multiple choice questions, short answer questions, and blind tasting of 2 wines

The timeline for results varies but roughly:

WSET Level 1 & 2: 6-8 weeks

WSET Level 3: 8 - 12 weeks

Certificates and pins are mailed from London to the Oenophile Institute after results are announced. You will be notified when they are at OI and you will be given the option to pick-up or ship your certificate and pin.

If you fail the WSET exam, you can retake it at a later date. However, there may be additional fees for retaking the exam.

You can find more information about retakes on our WSET policy page.

All WSET materials are ordered 2-4 weeks in advance of the course start date. You may get a full or partial refund depending on when you cancel.

WSET exams are ordered 3-4 weeks prior to exam date. If you cancel after exams are ordered you can not get a refund. Deferrals and transfers may be possible depending on time and circumstance.

You can see more about our refund and cancellation policy on this page.