WSET Level 2 Award in Beer | Online

If you’re ready to go beyond the basics, WSET Level 2 offers a deeper look at the beer ingredients, production and the world’s famous beer styles. You’ll also elevate your tasting skills with guided tastings of key beer styles. To read the WSET course syllabus,  CLICK HERE.

In addition to the access to the WSET’s online Beer Course, the NVWA student also receives:

• 4 Virtual Webinars covering tasting + theory (recorded if you cannot attend)
• Dedicated instructor throughout the five-week course to answer questions and engage with students.
• Access to instructor and group discussions through the NVWA’s separate online portal

This course is designed to be hands-on and fun. By the end of the WSET Level 2, you’ll be able to:

• Know the main ingredients used in beer production, how they are processed and their influence on the style of beer produced.
• Understand how beer production influences the style and quality of beer.
• Understand how key beer styles are produced and labeled and their typical characteristics
• Understand the key principles and processes involved in the storage and service of beer.

Sign up now for this WSET Level 2 program that promises to give you everything you need to achieve this intermediate-level certification!

Please read our In-Person Refund & Transfer Policy before purchasing.

For information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification.

Learn from the Best

Imagine learning from top beer experts, who bring not just their knowledge but also their passion for wine into every lesson. At Napa Valley Wine Academy, your education is led by these experts, who are eager to share their insights and experiences with you, helping you to not only learn but also love the journey.

Consistently High Success Rates

You want results, and our track record speaks for itself. We're proud to have one of the highest pass rates globally for WSET exams. This success comes from our commitment to providing you with the best preparation possible, ensuring you feel confident and well-equipped to excel in your exams.

Personalized Support

At Napa Valley Wine Academy, you’re not just another student. Our mentoring and coaching sessions are tailored to address your specific needs, helping you overcome any challenges and make the most of your study time. We're here to guide you every step of the way.

Join Thousands of Satisfied Learners

Each year, over 6,000 students choose to start their wine education with us. Join a community of like-minded enthusiasts and professionals who are all on their journey to mastering wine. Here, you're part of a group that supports and grows together.

Recognition and Respect in the Wine World

When you study with us, you join the ranks of the most awarded and respected WSET approved program provider in the world. Your certification from Napa Valley Wine Academy is not just a piece of paper—it’s a passport to opportunities in the beverage industry and a marker of excellence recognized globally.

We’re Invested in Your Satisfaction

We know that you’ll love your experience with us because our current students do! They consistently tell us how much they appreciate our engaging courses, the expertise of our instructors, and our supportive, community-focused environment. We’re dedicated to your satisfaction and committed to making your learning experience both enriching and enjoyable.

Your Registration Fee Includes

• Registration and exam fees
• 4 (Four) LIVE webinars and instructor support
• Access to the WSET Global portal for online learning
• Registration and 1 (One)  exam credit
• TEXTBOOK/STUDY PACK are shipped to students in the United States within five days of registration. For international students, an ebook version is made available. 
• BEER LIST for live tasting sessions with your instructor and online homework activities.

What is Covered in the WSET Level 2 Award in Beer: 

• Systematic Tasting Technique: Develop your sensory skills through the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Beer® (SAT), learning to evaluate beers accurately. 
• Beer Service and Storage: Understand the best practices for serving and storing various beers to maintain quality and integrity. 
• Factors Influencing Style, Quality, and Price: Explore how the brewing process, fermentation, ingredient selection, and producer decisions impact the style, quality, and price of beer. 
• Label Terminology: Learn to decode beer labels to understand contents and quality, including terms related to brewing and fermentation. 
• Beers from Around the World: Examine the differences in style and production of beers from regions like Belgium, Germany, the UK, and the US. Ale, Lager, Stout, and IPA: Understand the key differences in production and styles of these popular beer types from various global regions. 
• Regional Beer Styles: Dive into the unique brewing techniques and regional variations that define distinctive beer styles such as Pilsners, Saisons, and Bocks. 
• Craft and Artisan Beers: Explore the world of craft and microbreweries, including the innovative styles and techniques that distinguish artisan beers. 
• Flavored and Specialty Beers: Discover how additional ingredients like herbs, fruits, and spices are integrated into beers to create complex flavors.

This is a five-week, semi-synchronous (combination instructor-led and self-paced) course with a fixed start/end date. However, you will have 12 months of access to the online learning material, allowing you to study beer in a way that fits your schedule.

Online Exam:

You must register for the online exam within 12 months of the course date, at least 30 days before the exam date via your online course. WSET Level 2 Award in Beer online exam dates (subject to changes):

2025-10-11
2025-12-10
2026-02-11
2026-04-15
2026-06-06
2026-08-12
2026-10-10
2026-12-09

• All attendees must be at least 21 years of age.
• PREREQUISITE: This is an intermediate course and suitable for students with basic knowledge in beer. Students with no previous knowledge should consider the WSET Level 1 Award in Beer.
• RECOMMENDED STUDY HOURS needed to pass the exam with distinction is 28 Hours (17 Guided Learning Hours and 11 hours of Private Study).
• For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification below.
• Download the WSET Level 2 Beer Specification 

System Requirements: 

This course is taught 100% online; students will require access to a computer with the following minimum requirements: Firefox 25.0, Safari 6, Chrome 30.0, or other HTML5 compatible with Javascript and cookies enabled. Adobe Reader XI or equivalent. Internet access (broadband recommended).

Online Exam Requirements:

Primary Device: All online invigilated exams must be sat on either a laptop or desktop computer. Your chosen device must have a working webcam, microphone and speakers, and conform to the below minimum specifications.

Secondary Device: For most online invigilated exams you will also require a mobile phone to be used as a secondary camera. Click here to see the full details of the online exam requirements.

Check out this website and video to learn "How to take the Online Exam?"

Q: What is the structure of the WSET Level 2 Award in Beer online course? 

A: The WSET Level 2 Award in Beer online course is a self-paced program accessible 24/7. It includes four (4) instructor-led 60-minute Zoom webinars.

Q: Are the live webinars an essential part of the course? 

A: Yes, the webinars are integral to the online course and complement the eBooks. They include an orientation, lectures, and guided tasting sessions, and you can ask questions of your instructor. While they are not the full course in themselves, they are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum. If you cannot attend the live sessions, all webinars are recorded and posted for later viewing.

Q: How can I communicate with the instructor and other students? 

A: Interaction with the instructor and fellow students is facilitated through the Zoom Webinars and the NVWA online learning portal. This interactive aspect is available during the five-week instructor-led portion of the course, enabling you to engage actively in your learning process.

Q: How long do I have access to the online course material? 

A: After the instructor-led 5 weeks, you retain access to the online course for the remainder of the 12-month period. This extended access allows you to revisit and review the material at your own pace.

Q: When will I receive access to the online course after purchase? 

A: You will receive email links to access the NVWA online course within 30 minutes of your purchase, ensuring a quick and seamless start to your learning journey. Additional access to the WSET Online Course will be emailed directly from of the 12-month period. This extended access allows you to revisit and review the material at your own pace.

Q: When will I receive access to the online course after purchase? 

Additional access to the WSET Global Online Course platform will be emailed directly from onlineclassroom@wsetglobal.com within one week of the course start date.

Q: How and when will I receive the course materials? 

A: You will get immediate access to eBook within your online course. If you purchase the hardcopy of the textbook as an add-on, it will be shipped to you within 5-8 business days.