WSET Exams Grading for Levels 1-3
We often receive questions about the grading for the various levels of WSET Wine Studies. This information is always available in the Course Specification document for each level, but we thought it would be useful to include it here.
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes.
To pass, you must correctly answer at least 70% of the questions.
The full specification, including the examination criteria, is available here.
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
The Level 2 Award in Wines exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in one hour.
Pass marks
● Pass: 55% - 69%
● Pass with Merit: 70% - 84%
● Pass with Distinction: 85% and above
The full specification, including the examination criteria, is available here.
WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
The course assessment is split into two units.
Unit 1 (Theory Examination) has two parts: 50 multiple-choice questions and a paper with 4 questions requiring short written answers (25 points per question), to be completed in two hours. You must attain a minimum mark of 55% in both parts to pass Unit 1.
Unit 2 (Tasting Examination) is a blind tasting of two still wines, which must be completed in 30 minutes. A combined mark of 55% across the two wines is required to pass.
The overall grading combines the results from Unit 1 and 2 and asses the average mark.
● Pass: mean average mark of 55% - 64%
● Pass with Merit: mean average mark of between 65% - 79%
● Pass with Distinction: mean average mark of 80% or above (with no individual examination paper below 65%)
The full specification including the examination criteria is available here.
In addition, you can follow this link to see an earlier post on how to achieve full marks on Unit 2 tasting exam.
Application to Sake and Spirits Qualifications
The same grading principles and assessment structures apply to WSET qualifications in Sake and Spirits, ensuring consistency across all WSET beverage qualifications.
Got any questions or want to share your thoughts? Just drop a comment below.