Study notes
Plain-English guides to what's actually on each WSET exam, how it's marked, and how to study for it — written to sit alongside Cellar Prep's practice question banks, not replace your own revision.
WSET Level 1 · Exam guide
A walk through the format, the topics it draws from, and the pass mark — so you know exactly what you're studying for before you sit it.
WSET Level 1 · Exam tips
Practical, non-obvious advice on how to revise for a 30-question multiple-choice exam without wasting time on the wrong things.
WSET Level 1 Spirits · Exam guide
A walk through the format, the topics it draws from, and the pass mark for the Level 1 Spirits exam — so you know exactly what you're studying for before you sit it.
WSET Level 1 Beer · Exam guide
A walk through the format, the topics it draws from, and the pass mark for the Level 1 Beer exam — so you know exactly what you're studying for before you sit it.
WSET Level 1 Sake · Exam guide
A walk through the format, the topics it draws from, and the pass mark for the Level 1 Sake exam — so you know exactly what you're studying for before you sit it.
WSET Level 2 Wines · Exam guide
The format, topics, marking and what to expect on a 50-question exam.
WSET Level 2 Wines · Study plan
A practical study approach for the Level 2 exam, from first read-through to timed practice.
WSET Level 2 Spirits · Exam guide
The format, topics and marking for the Level 2 Spirits exam.
WSET Level 2 Sake · Exam guide
The format, topics and marking for the Level 2 Sake exam.
WSET · Choosing a level
How the two levels differ in depth, exam format and study time.
WSET Level 2 Wines · Practice
Free sample questions in the style of the Level 2 exam, with explanations.
Study guide · Grapes
The key grapes and the styles they make, in one place.
Study guide · Regions
A study guide to the regions that come up most.
Study guide · Labels
What label terms tell you and what they do not.
Study guide · Service and pairing
Serving temperature, glassware, storage and pairing principles.
Study guide · Production
From vineyard to bottle: the main winemaking steps.
Study guide · Production
The main methods and how they shape style.
Study guide · Tasting
Cork taint, oxidation and other faults and how to spot them.
Study guide · Spirits
How the two still types shape the spirit.
Study guide · Sake
Rice, polishing, brewing and the main grade categories.
Study guide · Beer
Ingredients, the brewing process and major style families.
Hospitality · Restaurant staff
Why servers, bartenders and chefs take WSET and which level fits.
Hospitality · Is it worth it?
An honest look at the benefits, costs and alternatives.
Hospitality · Career path
How WSET sits alongside other wine credentials and floor experience.
WSET · Finding a course
How to find an approved provider and what to ask.
WSET · Costs
What drives the price and how to compare providers.
WSET Level 3 Wines · Exam guide
The theory and tasting parts, how they are marked, and how Level 3 differs from Level 2.
WSET Level 3 · Exam technique
A practical method for structuring short written answers under time.
WSET Level 3 · Spirits and Sake
Exam structure and preparation for the two Level 3 qualifications.
WSET Level 4 · Diploma
The six units, how they are assessed and how to plan the study.
WSET Level 3 · Study plan
Typical study time and a sample 10-week plan.