WSET ยท Choosing a level
WSET Level 1 vs Level 2: which should you take?
Both are real qualifications, but they are built for different goals. Here is how to choose.
The exams side by side (Wines)
- Level 1: 30 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes; 70% to pass; pass or fail only; usually a one-day course.
- Level 2: 50 multiple-choice questions in one hour; 55% to pass; Pass, Merit and Distinction grades; about 16 hours of guided learning plus private study.
The difference in depth
Level 1 teaches you to talk about wine and serve it with confidence: the major grapes and styles, how wine is made in outline, labels, service and pairing. Level 2 adds many more grape varieties and regions, more detail on production, sparkling and fortified wines, and a structured approach to tasting. A lower pass mark does not mean an easier exam, because the content is much wider.
Choose Level 1 if
- you are new to wine and want a quick, low-pressure introduction;
- you work in a restaurant, shop or bar and need working knowledge fast;
- you want to see whether you enjoy formal wine study before committing more time.
Choose Level 2 if
- you already know the basics or are happy to work harder from the start;
- you want a qualification that carries more weight with employers;
- you plan to continue to Level 3 later.
Do you have to take Level 1 first?
Level 1 is not normally a requirement for Level 2, but entry rules are set by WSET and your course provider, so confirm with them before you book.
Preparing for either
Whichever level you choose, timed practice questions are the quickest way to find what you do not know yet. Cellar Prep has modules for both levels, so you can start with Level 1 and move up.
Note: exam details below were checked against WSET's published course information in October 2026. WSET can change formats, so confirm the current specification and your provider's rules before you sit the exam.
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