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How does WSET Level 3 in-person WSET course work?Updated a month ago

We offer many course format options for getting WSET certified, so you can choose the option that works for your learning style and budget the best. WSET Level 3 in-person course consists of self-paced online pre-course and 5 days in classroom with an instructor.

We currently offer WSET Level 3 Award in Wines in-person courses in Napa, CA. To find the upcoming courses and to enroll, please click on this link: https://napavalleywineacademy.com/products/wset-level-3-award-in-wines-in-person


WSET Level 3 In-person Course

  1. Enrolling in Course: You'll receive a purchase confirmation email within minutes of enrolling in an in-person course.

  2. Course Access: Within 30 minutes of enrolling, you'll get an email titled "Important information: Access Your Course & Study Materials" with a link to access your course at learn.napavalleywineacademy.com Note: You don't need to purchase a wine kit for in-person courses

  3. Study Materials and Shipping: Students receive immediate access to eBook within the online course at learn.napavalleywineacademy.com. You may also purchase a hardcopy book as an add-on on our website 

  4. Suggested Pre-Study Time: WSET Level 3 minimum of 50 hours of self-study using the online pre-course and book

  5. What to Bring to In-Person Class:  On the day of your in-person class, come prepared with:

    • Your study materials (if applicable)
    • A valid ID 
    • Notebook & pencils for notes and the exam
    • Lunch is not included at all locations, please refer to the course confirmation email for details
    • Questions? Your instructor and Student Support Team is here to help.

  1. Taking the Exam:  The official WSET Level 3 exam is at the end of your in-person course. Exam date/time reminders will be sent. If you enrolled within less than 10 days of the course start, please contact [email protected] to schedule your exam.

  2. Exam Grading and Results: Your WSET Level 3 exam is sent to WSET London for grading. Once we receive the grade list from WSET, you’ll receive an email from [email protected] within about 8-12 weeks.  Individual grading by hand requires longer processing time from WSET Global.



WSET Level 3 Exam Info

  • WSET Level 3 recommended study hours are >86 hours in order to succeed in the exam. The exam is always taken in-person and it has two parts. 
  • Tasting (30 min) includes two wines for which you need be able to write tasting notes and get 55% of the score to pass. 
  • Theory (2 hours) includes 50 multiple choice questions and eight SWAs (short written answers) and you need to get 55% score for each part to pass it. 
  • After passing the exam your results and digital certificate and badge will be sent to you by email within about 8-12 weeks of the exam. WSET Level 3 Certificates and badges are digital for exams taken after August 1st, 2025.




FAQs:

  • How is WSET Bootcamp different from WSET Level 3 in-person class?
    • All teaching in an in-person class happens in a class room vs. Bootcamp includes field trips to wineries, vineyards, cooperage etc. Please, review our website for further details on Bootcamps.

  • How is WSET online course different from in-person course?
    • Key differences:
      • Online course includes more independent study and less interactive teaching with an instructor as the instruction happens over webinars and instructor feedback to home assignments.
      • Online course is valid for 12 months with flexibility to register for an exam within a year for the course start date vs. in-person courses have a fixed exam date at the end of the course. 
      • Online course wine kits have a limited number of wines to taste vs. in-person courses include a wider variety of wines that are tasted together with the instructor.

    • Similarities:
      • WSET recommended study hours are the same, regardless of the course format.
      • Books are the same in online and in-person courses.

  • Can I skip levels and start from WSET Level 3 if I have prior knowledge?
    • Yes, especially if you have industry experience or previous wine education, you might consider starting at a higher level. Please, review the Course Specification to determine the right level for you.
    • wset_l3wines_specification_en_highres_may2022_issue2.pdf274.5KB
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