Welcome to Pass WSET! Through our forum, practice exams, summary notes and blog we hope to help you navigate the wonderful world of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust’s amazing qualifications. Please note that we are not affiliated with WSET. We simply assist candidates in selecting the appropriate qualification and in the preparation for their WSET examinations.
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) was founded in 1969. It was initially intended to assist in improving the knowledge of individuals working in the UK wine and spirits industry. Since then, it has expanded it reach significantly – both geographically and in those that it educates. Today their courses are now available in over 70 countries with over 75% of the candidates coming from outside of the UK. These candidates are now able take qualifications in wines, spirits and sake – all of which are offered at a range of levels.
Courses offered by the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET)
Wine Courses
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust offers four levels of wine qualifications. These range from the level 1 qualification, all the way through to the WSET Diploma qualification which takes around 18 months to complete. For further details, see our course specific pages:
Level 1 Award in Wines
The level 1 award in wines is an introductory qualification for those looking for solid grounding in wines of the world. You will cover the common grape varieties, the storage and service of wine as well as the guiding principles of food and wine pairings. Guided by your lecturer you will also taste a number of wines, using WSET’s level 1 systematic approach to tasting wine as a framework for your tasting knowledge.
For more information on this qualification see our Level 1 Award in Wines page.
Level 2 Award in Wines
The level 2 award in wines is the second level of qualification. It is a beginner to intermediate qualification. If you know a little about wine but are not yet a budding expert then this is the qualification for you. You will cover the factors that affect the style and qualify of wines make from common grape varieties, the style and quality of wines made from key regions from around the world, and key labeling terms, You will also cover sparkling wines, fortified wines, storage and service of wine and food and wine pairings. Guided by your lecturer you will also taste a number of wines, using WSET’s level 2 systematic approach to tasting wine as a framework for your tasting knowledge.
For more information on this qualification see our Level 2 Award in Wines page.
Level 3 Award in Wines
The level 3 award in wines is a significant step up from the level 2 qualification. Candidates will normally have passed the level 2 examination before moving onto level 3. In addition to the multiple choice questions of the previous levels, this qualification includes a tasting exam and a written example that includes short written questions.
You will cover the factors that affect the style and qualify of wines make from common grape varieties and how these factors influence the style and quality of a wide range of still, sparkling and fortified wines from around the world. Guided by your lecturer you will also taste a number of wines, using WSET’s level 3 systematic approach to tasting wine as a framework for your tasting knowledge.
For more information on this qualification see our Level 3 Award in Wines page.
Level 4 Diploma in Wines
The Level 4 Diploma in Wines is the pinnacle course offered by the WSET. It involves over 500 hours of study. Most candidates take between 18 and 36 months to complete the qualification. The diploma is split up into 6 modules which cover a range of topics including wine production, the business aspects of wine and the in depth reviews of still, sparking and fortified wines from around the world.
For more information on this qualification see our Level 4 Diploma in Wines page.
Spirits Courses
Level 1 Award in Spirits
The level 1 award in spirits is an introductory qualification for those looking for solid grounding in spirits of the world. You will discover the main types and styles of spirits varieties, the service of spirits and the flavors affecting spirits. Guided by your lecturer you will also taste a number of spirits, using WSET’s level 1 systematic approach to tasting spirits as a framework for your tasting knowledge.
For more information on this qualification see our Level 1 Award in Spirits page.
Level 2 Award in Spirits
The level 2 award in spirits is the second level of qualification available. If you know a little about spirits and liqueurs but are not yet a budding expert then this is the qualification for you. You will cover the common raw materials used and the fundamental products processed used for the main spirits around the world. You will also cover the qualities and characteristics of different spirits and liqueurs from around the world. Guided by your lecturer you will also taste a number of spirits, using WSET’s level 2 systematic approach to tasting spirits as a framework for your tasting knowledge.
For more information on this qualification see our Level 2 Award in Spirits page.
Level 3 Award in Spirits
The Level 3 Award in Spirits is highest level of qualification offered by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. You will take a more detailed look at the process of spirits production, analyse the key factors influencing the quality and style of important spirits from around the world and learn about a wide range of less mainstream spirits. Guided by your lecturer you will also taste a number of spirits, using WSET’s level 3 systematic approach to tasting spirits as a framework for your tasting knowledge.
For more information on this qualification see our Level 3 Award in Spirits page.
Sake Courses
Level 1 Award in Sake
The level 1 award in sake is an introductory qualification for those looking for solid grounding in sake. You will discover the main types and styles of sake varieties, the service of sake and the flavors affecting sake. Guided by your lecturer you will also taste a number of spirits, using WSET’s level 1 systematic approach to tasting sake as a framework for your tasting knowledge.
For more information on this qualification see our Level 1 Award in Sake page.