WSET in Chicago: study online, sit your Level 3 exam here
Every WSET wine qualification is open to you from Chicago. Levels 1 and 2 are taught online with an exam at home. Level 3 is taught online and examined in person at our Oak Lawn venue. The Level 4 Diploma is taught online with exams in Napa.
- WSET Levels 1, 2 and 3 and the Level 4 Diploma online, from anywhere in Chicago and the Upper Midwest
- Level 3 exam sittings in person at Hilton Chicago, Oak Lawn
- Study materials, exam registration and the exam fee included in every course
The short answer
Do you teach WSET courses in Chicago?
Napa Valley Wine Academy does not currently run WSET classroom cohorts in Chicago. Chicago students take the WSET Level 1, 2 and 3 Awards in Wines online, as live instructor-led cohorts or self-paced on-demand courses, and the qualification is identical to the classroom version. Every course includes the WSET study materials, exam registration and the exam fee.
What we do run in Chicago is the Level 3 examination itself, at Hilton Chicago. In-person WSET courses run in Napa, Nashville and Tampa; Level 3 in person is taught in Napa.
Level 3 exam venue
Next Level 3 sittings in Oak Lawn
The Level 3 exam is always sat in person because it includes a blind tasting. Sittings run 10 AM to 1 PM local time; bring photo ID and pencils. Results come from WSET London in about 10 to 12 weeks.
9333 South Cicero Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
- 10 AM - 1 PM Central
- 10 AM - 1 PM Central
- 10 AM - 1 PM Central
From Chicago
How Level 3 works from Chicago
Levels 1 and 2 are examined online from home, so none of this applies to them. Level 3 is the one qualification with an in-person exam.
1. Enrol in Level 3 online
Start$1,13510 weeks of live webinars, recorded for anyone who misses one, or start any time with Level 3 Early Access.
Prerequisite: none required; WSET recommends Level 2 or equivalent knowledge.
2. Study
84 hoursWith your instructor and the WSET textbook. WSET specifies 84 hours of total study; theory is where most candidates lose marks.
Tasting: a recommended wine list, live tasting webinars and sample kits from our partner Small Lot Bottles.
3. Register for Oak Lawn
30 days aheadInside your course, at least 30 days before the date; WSET orders exam papers 30 days ahead. Then sit the exam at Hilton Chicago.
Change of date: $99 transfer more than 30 days out; $280 re-order inside 30 days.
Online
Study WSET from anywhere
Level 1 and Level 2 are taught online with an exam you sit at home. Level 3 is taught online with your exam here in Oak Lawn. The Level 4 Diploma is taught online in six units, with exams in Napa. Prices shown are current.
Also online: WSET Spirits (Levels 1–3), Beer (Levels 1–2) and Sake (Levels 1–2).
Classes
Want in-person WSET classes in Chicago?
We do not currently teach WSET classes in Chicago. Tell us which level you would take. We open a city when enough people ask, and you hear first.
Why study with us
What you get, wherever you sit
Published pass rates
In the 2024–25 WSET academic year, 73.8% of our 859 Level 3 candidates passed at the first attempt. We publish the figures and the method every year.
WSET Educator of the Year, twice
Napa Valley Wine Academy won WSET's Riedel Trophy for Educator of the Year in 2016 and again in 2019.
Tasting support at home
A recommended wine list for every level, live tasting webinars, and 100 ml sample kits for Levels 1–3 from our partner Small Lot Bottles.
Everything included
Tuition covers the WSET study materials, exam registration and the exam fee. Group savings: 5% off for two students, 8% for three, 10% for four or more.
Questions
Studying WSET from Chicago
Does Napa Valley Wine Academy teach WSET classes in Chicago?
Not currently. Students in Chicago take the WSET Level 1, 2 and 3 Awards in Wines online, as live instructor-led cohorts or self-paced on-demand courses; the qualification is identical to the classroom version. In-person WSET courses run in Napa, Nashville and Tampa; Level 3 in person is taught in Napa.
Where do I sit the WSET Level 3 exam in Chicago?
At Hilton Chicago, 9333 South Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. Sittings run 10 AM to 1 PM local time and are listed above as they are scheduled; at least one per quarter, with Napa hosting two sittings a month.
Can I take the Level 3 exam online?
No. The blind-tasting component means the Level 3 exam is always sat in person. Levels 1 and 2 are examined online from home.
How do I register for a sitting?
Enrolled Level 3 students register inside their online course at least 30 days before the date, because WSET orders exam papers 30 days ahead. If you are not yet enrolled, enrol in the online Level 3 course first.
Can I change my exam date?
Yes, with a $99 transfer fee more than 30 days before the date. Inside 30 days the exam must be re-ordered with WSET at $280.
Will WSET classroom courses come to Chicago?
When a Chicago class is scheduled it will appear on this page and in our course catalog. Tell us you are interested using the form above; we open a city when enough people ask, and you hear first.
Ready to start?
Online cohorts run on fixed dates through the year; exam sittings are listed as they are scheduled.