If you’re considering certification with The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), you need a trusted guide to help you prepare for the exam.
Napa Valley Wine Academy is the largest and most awarded Approved Program Provider of the WSET, and delivers among the highest pass rates in the industry. We offer classes toward WSET certification online and at eight locations across the US.
What are Napa Valley Wine Academy’s WSET pass rates?
Across 12,321 graded exam sittings our students passed 10,778 times. By level: 97.0% at WSET Level 1, 96.1% at Level 2, 60.2% on the Level 3 theory paper and 89.8% on the Level 3 tasting, and 78.6% across WSET Level 4 Diploma unit exams. See the full figures and how we count them.
What is WSET?
Based in London, WSET is the largest and most respected wine education and certification organization of its kind in the world. More than 100,000 people each year pursue wine and spirits education through them.
Established in London in 1969, WSET has become the foremost international organization in the field of wines, spirits and beer education, with over half a million individuals having completed a WSET qualification. They currently offer courses in over 73 countries and 19 languages. In 2015, their efforts were recognized with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.
Why take a WSET certification?
WSET certifications are an excellent idea for wine professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and expertise in the industry. The qualifications offered by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust are internationally recognized and highly regarded within the wine and spirits industry. With a WSET certification, wine professionals can demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that sets them apart from their peers, making them more attractive to employers and customers alike.
One of the key benefits of WSET certifications is the comprehensive nature of the courses. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including the production, styles and flavors of different wines and spirits, and wine and spirit service, pairing and tasting techniques. This means that wine professionals who complete a WSET certification will have a deep understanding of the industry, which can help them to make informed decisions and provide expert advice to customers and clients.
Another benefit of WSET certifications is that they are taught by a team of qualified educators who are experts in their field. These educators have the knowledge and experience needed to provide students with a high-quality education and can answer any questions that students may have. With WSET certifications, wine professionals can open up new job opportunities and advance their careers in the wine and spirits industry.
Finally, WSET certifications can help wine professionals develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of wine and spirits, enhancing their enjoyment of these products. A WSET certification can be great personal enrichment and make you stand out as an expert in your field. WSET certifications are a valuable investment for any wine professional looking to enhance their knowledge, expertise and career prospects in the industry.
Which WSET level should you start with?
If you have no prior wine knowledge, start at Level 1. Confident drinkers and hospitality staff usually start at Level 2, which covers around 30 grape varieties and the world’s major regions across 28 study hours. Working wine professionals take Level 3, which requires 84 study hours and adds a blind tasting exam. The Level 4 Diploma is the expert-level qualification and the required prerequisite for the Master of Wine programme.
