FAQs

What is WSET®?

WSET® is the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, founded London 1969. They design professional wine courses that are delivered through an approved network of providers - of which The Tasting Class is one of. Recognised internationally as the benchmark of wine qualifications you can’t go wrong completing a WSET® course.

What is WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines?

WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines provides a straightforward introduction to wine with 8-9 wines tasted, 7 hrs tuition, 0 hrs home study and a 45 min multiple-choice exam, costing 1,725 AED.

What is WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines?

WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines is suited to those who have an interest in wine, and wish to broaden their knowledge in a structured way with 30-35 wines tasted, 18 hrs tuition across 3 days, 14 hrs home study and a 60 min multiple-choice exam costing 3,750 AED.

We also have a payment plan option:

1,000 AED to secure your space and have the course booklet delivered to you.
1,375 AED 4/6 weeks before the course
1,375 AED due before the first day of the course

If you wish to booking using the payment plan, contact our team who will support with setting this up.

What is WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines?

WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines provides a detailed understanding of grape growing and wine making. Upon completion you will be able to assess wines accurately, and use your understanding to confidently explain wine style and quality with 69 wines tasted, 30 hrs tuition across 6 days, 54 hrs home study, 120 min multiple-choice & written answer exam plus 30 min blind-tasting exam costing 6,800 AED.

We also have a payment plan option:

1,000 AED to secure your space and have the course booklet delivered to you.
1,935 AED 8 weeks before the course
1,935 AED 4 weeks before the course
1,935 AED due before the first day of the course

If you wish to booking using the payment plan, contact our team who will support with setting this up. cheers@thetastingclass.com

Does having a WSET® qualification make me a sommelier?

Not necessarily. The term sommelier simply means a wine waiter or wine professional. Traditionally, no formal qualification was required to work as a sommelier. However, over the past 15 years, WSET qualifications have become a common requirement for many employers hiring for wine-focused roles.

WSET courses focus on wine knowledge and tasting skills, rather than on-service techniques. This makes them valuable for both hospitality professionals and wine enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of wine without needing advanced service training.

WSET Level 1 is an excellent starting point, but on its own it is not sufficient to secure a sommelier position. Many establishments are willing to hire someone with WSET Level 2 as a junior sommelier or wine steward. However, venues with serious wine programmes typically expect a WSET Level 3 qualification for full sommelier roles.

How many people will be on each course?

Each course runs with 8-18 students ensuring every student has the best WSET® experience possible.

Do I need an understanding of wine, or prior knowledge before starting?

Basic understanding and knowledge helps but it is not essential in completing level 1.

As you advance through level 2 to 3 – this definitely helps. Level 2 requires 14 hours of home study, and level 3 requires 54 hours of study. The further you progress through WSET® the more knowledge and understanding you need.

Can I skip level 1 and start at level 2, or 3?

Yes, there is no minimum pre-requirement to advance to level 2 , however, in order join the level 3 wine course it is a pre-requisite to have completed level 2 with a pass.

How long does it take?

WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines is a 1-day course, with an examination at the end of the day.

WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines is a 3-day course, with an examination at the end of the last day.

WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines is a 6-day course, with an examination at the end of the last day.

What time does the course start?

WSET® Level 1 and Level 2 Award in Wines courses all start at 10 AM and run until 6 PM unless otherwise stated.

WSET® Level 3 Award in wine courses all start at 9 AM and run until 6 PM unless otherwise stated.

Can I do it from home?

We offer both in-person and online courses. Please visit our WSET Courses page for more information.

Are there any course materials? Is that an additional cost?

Yes, we have a study handbook which we courier out to students once they’ve registered – but fear not, as it’s included in your course costs.

Can I purchase WSET® learning materials from The Tasting Class?

Yes. Study guides and learning materials for each course can be purchased separately in advance:

WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines – AED 120
WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines – AED 450
WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines – AED 610

If you decide to sit your WSET® course with The Tasting Class this price will be deducted from the total course price on booking.

Can I sit the exam-only, or do a re-sit exam?

Exam-Only: If you have completed your course with another WSET® Approved Program Provider you can transfer to The Tasting Class to sit your exam by having your current WSET® Approved Program Provider email us to inform us that you have completed your hours and that they have no objection with you completing your exam with us. This does not entitle you to a refund with your current APP. Prices to sit the exam with us are listed below. Exams take place on the last day of the course. Advanced registration is required.

Re-Sit Exam: In the unlikely event, you fail your WSET® exam, you can re-book on the next available course date to re-sit the exam for a minimal fee. If you are registered with another WSET® Approved Program Provider we will need your personal info as well as your existing WSET® Candidate number. Exams take place on the last day of the course. Advanced registration is required and subject to availability.

WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines: AED 450 to re-sit exam
WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines: AED 650 to re-sit exam
WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines: AED 650 to re-sit theory exam, AED 350 to re-sit tasting exam

How long until I get my results?

WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines – 4 weeks from time of the exam
WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines – 4 weeks from time of the exam
WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines – 6 weeks from time of the exam

Please note this may vary and is subject to confirmation.

How long until I receive my digital certificate and pin?

WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines – 4 weeks from time of the exam
WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines – 4 weeks from time of the exam
WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines – 6 weeks from time of the exam

Please note this may vary and is subject to confirmation.