FAQ

1. Why is WSET important?
2. What is the structure of the WSET certification program?
3. Do I need to take Intermediate before the Advanced Certificate?
4. Do I need to take Advanced before Diploma?
5. Will taking the WSET class guarantee me a job in the wine business?
6. Affording a continued wine education in this economy is tough - any advice?
7. How many people per class?
8. How many wines will I taste?
9. Can I retake the tests if I miss the exam or do not pass?
10. How do I register and pay for courses?
11. What is your refund policy?
12. Do I have to be 21 or over to take your classes?
13. How does home study work?


1. Why is WSET important? The WSET courses are ideal for those in the wine trade, whether working in restaurants, retail, distribution, at wineries, or in the fields of journalism, marketing, and education. WSET is the leading and most recognized educational program in the alcohol beverage industry worldwide. This certification is a testament to your commitment, knowledge, understanding and passion for the wine and spirits business and sets you apart to an employer. For professionals and consumers alike, the WSET provides an easy to understand, professional approach to learning about each wine region in a comprehensive way. You will also learn how to systematically taste wines in a method that sets you apart. If you wish to pursue the Master of Wine creditation, WSET serves as an acknowledged feeder program to prepare you for that pursuit.

2. What is the structure of the WSET certification program?
The WSET classes are structured progressively, beginning with the Intermediate Certificate, then the Advanced Certificate, and followed by Diploma. Each of these levels covers the entire world of wine including viticulture, vinification, and appellation labeling laws, as well as wine-tasting technique.

3. Do I need to take Intermediate before the Advanced Certificate?
No. Generally, most candidates begin with Intermediate Certificate as it is an ideal starting level for those with little knowledge of wine, or those who have depth of knowledge regarding particular types of wine but lack a true breadth of knowledge of all the world's wines. However, to begin with the Advanced Certificate, the candidate ought to be extremely familiar with wine and spirits label interpretation, the fundamentals of wine-tasting, the world's major wine regions and their principal wines, as well as being able to give basic advice on wine selection and service. The Advanced Certificate is a very difficult and comprehensive course. If there is any doubt about your wine knowledge, it is advised to build a solid foundation with the Intermediate level.

4. Do I need to take Advanced before Diploma?
The Advanced Certificate is a strict prerequisite for the Diploma Program. There are no exceptions.

5. Will taking the WSET class guarantee me a job in the wine business?
No. However successfully obtaining WSET Certificates is a testament to your commitment, knowledge, understanding and passion for the wine and spirits business and sets you apart to an employer. As well, relationships forged during the program have resulted in an untold number of job opportunities.

6. Affording a continued wine education in this economy is tough - any advice? Yes - this program is invaluable to you if you are a retailer, wholesaler, wine and spirit buyer, food and beverage manager, public relations, brand manager, media or restaurant/bar employee. The level at which you work is considerably enhanced through the WSET program. If you are in sales, your knowledge will give you street credit with buyers and you will understand their white space needs. If you are a retailer, you will be smarter and more effective at your job. As a brand manager, you will have a better commercial understanding of the whole business. The investment in your education pays out threefold in your performance. Many Wine and Spirit Education Trust students talk to their employers about funding all or part of their education. Likewise, there are other options for you - contact us with your individual request if you are interested in making the WSET work for your career.

7. How many people per class?
10 – 30 people

8. How many wines will I taste?
During each weekend of class we will taste through approximately 40 different wines.

9. Can I retake the tests if I miss the exam or do not pass?
Yes. There are additional fees for a missed exam or for retaking an exam.

10. How do I register and pay for courses?
Go to the registration page to download the registration form.

11. What is your refund policy?
WSET Courses: Cancellations must be received at least three weeks before the course begins in order to receive a tuition refund, less a 10% cancellation fee. If you cancel your registration after this time, no refunds apply. However, you may take any subsequent courses, space permitting. As well, your registration is fully transferable to another person for the same course and session, subject to qualification. If you miss a class, you are welcome to make up the class the next time the course is offered (maximum of two make up classes). If we have sent out the course study pack to you, you must return it, complete and unused, in order to receive full credit. Shipping fees are not refundable.

12. Do I have to be 21 or over to take your classes?
Yes, because we taste alcohol in all of our classes, you must be 21 or over. Please make sure to bring proper identification to class with you.

13. How does the online class work? Wine and Spirit School offers the WSET Intermediate Certificate and the WSET Advanced Certificate courses in an online setting. Students register through us, take classes in a digital, global classroom under the leadership of an instructor from WSET, and then sit their exam at one of our locations. For the Advanced Certificate course, students also attend a Course Day at one of our locations just prior to their exam.

The courses are structured, interactive learning programs, but with the freedom of flexible scheduling. Students log-in whenever they like (at least once a week for the Intermediate course, or at least once every two weeks for the Advanced course), review the summary of weekly or biweekly topics, study, complete activities and tasting exercises, post responses and participate in online class discussion.

Upon registration, you receive course materials and an e-mail from WSET with instructions on logging into the online classroom. Once in the classroom site, you will find a course calendar listing the topics covered for each week, the background reading required, activities relevant to each topic, tasting assignments (students must purchase their own wine) and quizzes. The activities and tasting assignments require you to post responses on the site. You can view other students’ responses and the online exchange with the instructor only if you yourself post a response; interaction is critical to success in this course. A mock exam is given in the final week.

The Intermediate Certificate course includes five interactive classes over a five-week period. The Advanced Certificate course includes eight interactive classes over a 16-week period. Each course has specific start dates and exam dates, as well as registration deadlines.

Please contact us with further questions.