Not sure where to start?
Which WSET Wines level is right for you?
- 7 questions, about 90 seconds
- One recommended level, with the format that fits your schedule
- A recommendation, not a commitment
Seven questions, about 90 seconds. You'll get your recommended level and the format that fits your schedule.
Studying spirits, beer, or sake? Those have their own WSET levels. See those levels
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Which WSET level should I take? The short answer
Start with WSET Level 1 Award in Wines if wine still feels like a foreign language. Start with Level 2 if you can already talk about grapes and regions and want that knowledge made systematic; it has no prerequisite. Go to Level 3 if you can taste a wine and explain its quality, and you want the credential most wine and hospitality employers recognize. The Level 4 Diploma requires a pass in Level 3 Wines. The quiz above turns your goal, experience, time and preferred format into one recommendation.
The four WSET levels in wines at a glance
| Level | Who it's for | Prerequisite | Exam | Formats at Napa Valley Wine Academy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 Award in Wines | Beginners who want the vocabulary and a tasting method | None | 30 multiple-choice questions | One day in person; four weeks online with instructor input; self-paced on demand |
| Level 2 Award in Wines | Enthusiasts and new trade entrants who know a little and want structure | None | 50 multiple-choice questions, no tasting | Two days in person (43 wines); online with instructor input or self-paced (12 wines with an optional kit) |
| Level 3 Award in Wines | Professionals and serious students; the industry benchmark | None required; Level 2 knowledge assumed | Theory paper plus a blind tasting of two wines, sat in person | Five days in person; ten weeks online with instructor input; Harvest Bootcamp in Napa |
| Level 4 Diploma in Wines | Advanced students, senior trade, future Masters of Wine | A pass in Level 3 Wines | Written and tasting exams across six units, assessed by WSET | Virtual classes with optional wine kits; exams sat in Napa |
Common questions
Do I have to start at WSET Level 1?
No. Level 1 and Level 2 have no prerequisite. Most people with some wine knowledge start at Level 2; Level 1 is the right door when wine still feels unfamiliar and you want the footing first.
What is the difference between WSET Level 2 and Level 3?
Level 2 covers the world's major grape varieties and regions and gives you a structured tasting method; the exam is 50 multiple-choice questions with no tasting component. Level 3 adds why wines taste the way they do, from vineyard to bottle, and systematic quality assessment; its exam has a theory paper and a blind tasting of two wines, and is sat in person.
Can I take WSET online?
Level 1 and Level 2 can be studied online, either self-paced on demand or with instructor input, with an optional wine kit shipped to you. Level 3 can be studied online over ten weeks with instructor input, and its exam is sat in person. The Diploma is taught in virtual classes with exams sat in Napa.
What do I need before the WSET Diploma?
A pass in the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. Other wine credentials, such as CMS, WSG or CSW, do not substitute for it.
How long does each level take?
Level 1: one day in person, or four weeks online with an instructor, or self-paced. Level 2: two days in person, or several weeks online. Level 3: five class days in person with the exam on day six, or ten weeks online. The Diploma: six units over roughly two years.
Which level do wine employers look for?
Level 3 is the credential most wine and hospitality employers recognize as the professional benchmark. Level 2 is the usual entry point for people starting a career in the trade.
Go deeper: the enthusiast path · the professional path · why study with Napa Valley Wine Academy