The Wine & Spirit Education Trust is the world’s most widely taken drinks qualification. Here is every level, what you study, how you are tested, and which one to take first.
WSET qualifications are taught in many countries through Approved Programme Providers: schools, merchants, hotels and academies that deliver the official syllabus. You study, sit a standard exam and receive a certificate and lapel pin from WSET. Most levels are available in a classroom or online; the only exception is the Level 3 Award in Sake, which is taught in person.
There are four levels. Wines runs from Level 1 to the Level 4 Diploma, Spirits from Level 1 to 3, and Sake has Level 1 and Level 3.
The main types and styles, how they are made, and how to store and serve them. Spirits and sake follow the same pattern.
Production methods, key grapes and regions (or key spirit categories), and how to describe a drink with confidence and recommend it to guests.
Comprehensive knowledge, applied to explain why a drink tastes the way it does, how good it is and how long it can age. You learn WSET’s systematic approach to tasting and sit a blind tasting.
In-depth study of wine production and the business of wine worldwide. It is the usual route towards the Master of Wine.
| Level | Wines | Spirits | Sake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 Award | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Level 2 Award | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Level 3 Award | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (classroom only) |
| Level 4 Diploma | ✓ | — | — |
Level 1 in the category you love most. One day, no pressure — it tells you whether you want more.
Level 2 (Wines or Spirits). It gives you the confidence to recommend and sell, and employers recognise it.
Level 3 — it is the usual hiring benchmark for these roles. Many people take Level 2 first.
Level 3, then the Level 4 Diploma, then the Master of Wine. A multi-year commitment.
WSET Sake Level 1 first, then Level 3 if you want to specialise.
WSET Spirits Level 2 or 3 — Level 3 covers agave spirits alongside Scotch, Cognac, rum and gin.
At Level 3 you learn to describe every drink the same way, so any two people can compare notes. You work through appearance, nose, palate and conclusions, and finish with a judgement of quality and ageing potential.
Use the course finder on the official WSET website to find an Approved Programme Provider near you, or an online one. The provider sets the dates and the price; WSET sets the syllabus and issues the certificate.
Generally you build upwards: each level assumes the knowledge of the one before. Providers can advise whether you can join a higher level directly, but most people start at Level 1 or 2.
For the Level 3 Award, a Pass starts at 55%, Merit at 70% and Distinction at 85% (or a high overall mark with no weak paper). Marks and grading can change, so confirm with your provider.
Yes: almost every WSET qualification is available online as well as in a classroom. The exception is the Level 3 Award in Sake, which is taught in person.
Yes. WSET Level 2 and 3 are frequently listed in job descriptions for sommeliers, bartenders, buyers and brand ambassadors. See the jobs section to see which roles value which level.
Summarised from public information; WSET updates syllabuses, exam formats and fees from time to time. Always confirm current details with WSET and your provider before enrolling.
Members & guests
Elite Spirits Club celebrates fine spirits and is intended for adults. Please confirm that you are of legal drinking age in your country.
Please enjoy responsibly. Never drink and drive.