How to enrol on a qualification
Start your WSET journey
Ready to deepen your knowledge of wine, spirits, sake or beer? Your first step is to choose the qualification that’s right for you. Once you know where you want to begin, you can search for a course provider near you or explore online options that fit around your schedule.
Choosing a qualification
Our qualifications are designed to be studied progressively, with each level preparing you for the next. How far you go depends on your personal goals.
Before signing up, we recommend that you carefully review the information about each qualification on our website to understand the learning outcomes and study commitments required for your chosen qualification.
Unsure which level is right for you? Our approved programme providers are experts in supporting you to make the right decision about your qualification selection.
Studying for a WSET qualification
Here are the key steps to achieving to achieving a WSET qualification (sometimes called a certification):
- Choose an approved programme provider
- Complete an in-person or online course with your provider
- Take an exam with your provider
All WSET qualifications require you to complete a full course of study, so you can't take the exam without completing the course or take a course without taking the exam.
Choosing an approved programme provider
WSET courses are offered by our global network of approved programme providers.
Once approved, all providers are rigorously monitored to ensure they meet the high standards expected to teach WSET qualifications and to administer WSET exams.
We’re confident that every provider meets our quality criteria, but you’ll need to find the provider that best meets your needs.
Feel free to contact and compare providers and ask questions to ensure they match your study needs. You may want to consider factors such as qualification availability and what delivery options are offered.
You’ll find that fees will vary between providers. While all providers deliver the same core learning outcomes, each provider may structure their offering differently. Factors such as course format (in‑person or online), location and the number and type of tasting samples included can influence the final price. Some providers may also offer additional elements - such as meals, accommodation, or vineyard and distillery visits - that are included in their course fee.
Finding a course provider
We have more than 700 approved programme providers in over 70 countries. To find your nearest provider(s), use the Explore Courses page and select your location and the qualification you want to study.
This page lists all our global providers.
Some providers may operate at additional locations which are not included, so we recommend getting in touch for their full list of qualifications and location availability. Some providers do not offer our full range of qualifications.
If you can’t find a provider near you, you could consider taking an online course with your closest provider.
Enrol on the qualification
Once you’ve found the right qualification, and checked that you meet the approved programme provider’s enrolment requirements, then just follow the registration process as advertised by the provider. You should make all payments for your course directly to the provider.
Your chosen provider will provide you with everything you need to successfully achieve the learning outcomes that you will be assessed against in your exam. They’ll also guide you through your studies and support you throughout the course. If you have any questions during or after your course, your provider is there to help.
Taking your exam
Before you take your exam, your approved programme provider will give you a WSET candidate ID. This is your unique WSET number which will be yours for life! You’ll need to use this number every time you register for a WSET exam.
In addition to your candidate ID, you’ll need to show an official photo ID (passport, government ID card or driver’s licence) before your exam, whether it’s in person or online. If you do not have your photo ID with you on the day of your exam, you will not be able to take your exam.
All our exams are in a closed book format. If you have any questions about the exam process for your chosen qualification, please look at the course specification or get in touch with your provider.
After the exam, your provider will send us your papers for marking. The timelines for this process vary by qualification and can be found in the relevant specification. Your provider will send you your results once we’ve marked and graded your paper. If you’re successful, you’ll receive a digital certificate.
