The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) offers globally recognized qualifications in wines, beer, spirits, and sake. With the advent of online learning, WSET has adapted its examination process to accommodate students worldwide through invigilated online exams. This article delves into the online WSET Level 1 and Level 2 exams, providing essential insights into preparing for and succeeding in these assessments.
Understanding the Exam Format
WSET Level 1 and Level 2 exams are structured as multiple-choice tests, designed to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the course material. Each question presents four options: one correct answer, one misleading option, and usually, two distinctly incorrect choices. This format challenges students not only to know the material but to critically assess each option.
Preparing for the Exam
System Check and Exam Environment
Prior to the exam, candidates are required to complete a system check to ensure their computer and internet connection meet the necessary requirements. This process is crucial for preventing technical issues that could disrupt the exam experience on the big day. Candidates receive reminders to complete their system check, emphasizing the importance of this step.
The Remote Invigilation Setup
WSET credentials are serious credentials. As such, the exam process is taken very seriously. The online exams are conducted under strict surveillance to uphold the integrity of the assessment. Candidates must follow specific guidelines to set up their exam environment, ensuring it is free from disruptions and unauthorized materials. The invigilation process involves monitoring through the candidate’s webcam, microphone, and screen sharing, allowing for a secure examination process.
Exam Start Process
On the exam day, candidates need to log in to the exam platform at a specified time. They are guided through a check-in process, including identity verification and an environment check, before starting the exam. This meticulous setup ensures a fair and standardized assessment for all candidates.
Strategies for Multiple Choice Questions
Study and Understand the Material
Success in the WSET exams begins with a thorough understanding of the course material. Candidates should engage with the content beyond memorization, seeking to comprehend the underlying principles and concepts. A deep grasp of the material not only prepares you for the exam questions but also makes strategies for tackling multiple-choice questions far more effective. By fully understanding the course materials, candidates can more easily analyze questions, eliminate incorrect answers, and apply knowledge effectively during the exam. This comprehensive approach ensures that all other exam strategies build upon a solid foundation of knowledge.
Analyzing the Questions
The key to navigating multiple-choice questions is to carefully read and analyze each question and option. Candidates should look for keywords or phrases that indicate the correct answer and be wary of options that seem correct at a glance but do not fully address the question.
Elimination Technique
When faced with uncertainty, the elimination technique can be invaluable. By discarding options that are clearly incorrect, candidates can increase their chances of selecting the right answer from the remaining choices. Statistically, if you eliminate one incorrect answer out of four options, your chances of choosing the correct answer increase from 25% to 33%. If you can eliminate two incorrect answers, your odds improve dramatically from 25% to 50%. This strategy underscores the value of understanding the material enough to confidently identify and eliminate the least likely options, thus enhancing your probability of success on the exam.
Time Management
Time management is critical during the exam. Candidates should allocate their time wisely, ensuring they have the opportunity to review their answers before submission. For the Level 1 exam, with 30 questions and 45 minutes available, this equates to an average of 90 seconds per question. Meanwhile, the Level 2 exam presents 50 questions with a 60-minute completion time, averaging out to a little over 60 seconds per question. This breakdown emphasizes the importance of quick, confident decision-making and prioritizing time to review answers, ensuring accuracy and maximizing the chance of success.
Conclusion
Preparing for the online WSET Level 1 and Level 2 exams requires not only a deep understanding of the subject matter but also familiarity with the exam format and procedures. By adhering to the guidelines for the exam setup, employing strategic approaches to multiple-choice questions, and managing their time effectively, candidates can enhance their chances of success. With a nearly perfect pass rate, the Napa Valley Wine Academy stands as a testament to the effectiveness of a well-prepared and informed approach to these esteemed qualifications.
Sidenote: some of you might be wondering if Level 3 can be taken online. Level 3 includes a written answer section along with a wine tasting component. As such, the Level 3 examination is done exclusively in person.
