Diploma level schedule and details can be found via these links:

Everything you need to know about the Diploma Certification.

Check out WSET's full syllabus or Specification linked here.

You can sign up to attend a diploma info session via zoom here.

Book a 15 min. phone call with our diploma advisor, Noelle Hale, if you have more questions or need further details:  https://calendar.app.google/rQsoCDC6SA8VVgVr8
 

FAQs

When is the deadline for registering for D1?

We can take D1 registrations up until the first day of the course, although we can’t give new students access to the book until they are approved by WSET London as having passed Level 3. This usually takes a day or two.

Can I register for D1 before I get WSET Level 3 results?

You can register for D1 before getting WSET Level 3 results but we can’t give new students access to the ebook and study materials until they are approved by WSET London as having passed Level 3 examination. This usually takes a few days.

Do the units need to be taken in a certain order?

• Yes, D1 Wine Production must be taken first, no exceptions, but you can defer the exam 30 days before the date if you prefer to take it on the same day as the D2 exam. This will reduce your trips to Napa.

• D2 Wine Business must be taken after the D1 course (not at the same time) but you don't need to take the D1 exam in order to proceed to the D2 course.

• After you have taken D1 and D2 exams, or have taken D1 and are currently enrolled in D2 and registered for the exam, you can register for other units. You don't need to pass D1 and D2 exams in order to proceed to other units.

• D3, D4, D5 and D6 can be taken in any order after D1 and D2.
  
  

What if the exam date doesn’t work for me?

You can transfer for your exam date without an added fee if you do it before we have ordered your exam from WSET. For some units such as D1 and D2, you need to let us know 30 days before the exam, but for some other units such as D3, the notice may be required up to 90 days before. If you have a conflict with the exam date, please contact us before registering [email protected] and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Do I have to travel to Napa to take the exams?

Yes, all Diploma exams are in-person in Napa, CA. However, if you want to minimize the number of trips to Napa, you can take D1 and D2 exams and D4 and D5 exams on the same day. We don't recommend combining D3 exam with any other exams. This way you'll only take three trips.

Where do I register?

D1 Wine Production: 

https://napavalleywineacademy.com/product/wset-level-4-diploma-d1-wine-production/

D2 Wine Business: 
https://napavalleywineacademy.com/product/wset-level-4-diploma-d2-wine-business/

D3 Wines of the World: 
https://napavalleywineacademy.com/product/wset-level-4-diploma-d3-wines-of-the-world/

D4 Sparkling Wine: 
https://napavalleywineacademy.com/product/wset-level-4-diploma-d4-sparkling-wine/

D5 Fortified Wine: 
https://napavalleywineacademy.com/product/wset-level-4-diploma-d5-fortified-wine/

D6 Research Paper: 
https://napavalleywineacademy.com/product/wset-level-4-diploma-d6-research-paper/

I have taken Diploma units with other APP, can I continue with NVWA?

Generally this is possible but requires WSET's approval. If you transfer your Diploma center, that means all the remaining units will be completed with NVWA and your graduation school will be NVWA. To proceed, please complete the transfer request form below and submitting it to [email protected] 

I have taken Diploma courses with other APP, can I take just the exam with NVWA?

Generally, we can accommodate students from other schools to take exams if it is more convenient for the student to sit the exam at a different location. Please, reach out by emailing [email protected] with your preferred exam date and confirm your student details, including candidate number, email and birthdate to register for the exam. An exam fee will be payable upon registration.

What study materials come with my tuition and what do I need to get on my own?

For units D1 – D5, the WSET publishes a digital textbook outlining what you need to know for that unit. Exam questions will come from the information provided in the books. If you choose to not purchase the optional wine kits for D1, D3, D4 and D5, you will also need to source and purchase wines to supplement your learning. Please see the Specification for recommended tasting samples.

How long do I have to complete all diploma units?

When you enroll in the Level 4 Diploma, you receive access to the WSET’s materials for three years. Most students complete the program in 18 months to two years. If you need more than three years to complete the program, you must pay a candidate renewal fee of $200 to receive an extension of access for another three years.

Is it possible to finish the diploma in 12 months?

No. The reason for this is that it would be impossible to get all the Unit exams completed in 12 months, given the way they are scheduled by the WSET. More practically, the Level 4 Diploma is a very comprehensive and challenging course of study and thus it takes at least 18 months to complete.

How long is each unit?

You should plan on studying for D1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 for about 3 months each. Plan on at least 6 months of study for D3.
Please note that your online course or in-person classes are not the only time you need to study. It is expected that you are studying before and after your classes for the recommended amount of study hours per unit.

Are all classes online?

Yes, at Napa Valley Wine Academy, all Diploma classes are currently offered online-only, and there is no in-person option available. Each unit includes access to our proprietary online classroom with study resources, regular live classes via Zoom, graded feedback on practice exam questions, mock exams and more to help you have a positive experience with online learning.

How do I do tastings in an online class?

We provide opportunities to learn the Diploma tasting method via live webinars for each of the units with a tasting component. Additionally, students have the option during classes to submit practice answers for grading by our Diploma instructor team via Feedback Tests. For units with tasting exams, the Feedback Test will include writing dry tasting notes to practice using the Diploma tasting grid.  Students will either be expected to purchase wines on their own (NVWA can provide a list of recommended samples), or students can purchase a wine kit for the tasting units to taste alongside the instructors during classes.

Can you help international students obtain a student visa if they enroll in the diploma program?

No, the Diploma program does not require a residency in the United States, the Napa Valley Wine Academy is not a university degree-granting institution, and the Diploma is not an accredited program, so Diploma students are not eligible for student visas to study in the US.