Study · 4 min read
From knowing to explaining.
Level 2 asks what you know. Level 3 asks you to explain it in writing and to taste against the clock. The step up is real: three times the study time, a written section and a blind tasting.
The two qualifications share a name and much of their vocabulary, so it is easy to think of Level 3 as Level 2 with more regions. It is a different exam. Level 2 tests whether you know the main grapes, regions and styles. Level 3 tests whether you can explain in writing why the wines taste as they do and describe two of them blind.
This is an independent guide, based on the current specifications. Formats change, so check the WSET website before you plan.
The two exams side by side
Level 2 Award in Wines
- Exam. One closed-book paper of 50 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes.
- Grades. A pass from 55%, a merit from 70% and a distinction from 85%.
- Tasting. Taught but not examined. Choosing not to taste alcohol is no barrier to passing.
- Study time. 28 hours in total, of which 11 hours are private study.
- Where marks are. 31 of the 50 questions cover grape varieties, principal and regionally important.
Level 3 Award in Wines
- Exam. A two-hour closed-book theory paper (50 multiple-choice questions and four written questions of 25 marks each), then two still wines tasted blind in 30 minutes.
- Pass rule. 55% in each part of the theory paper and 55% in the tasting.
- Grades. On the aggregate of all papers: a merit from 65% and a distinction from 80%, with no paper below 65%.
- Study time. 84 hours in total, of which 51.5 hours are private study.
- Where marks are. Still wines of the world carry 28 of the 50 multiple-choice marks and 70 of the 100 written marks.
What changes at Level 3
- From recall to explanation. A Level 2 question asks which grape grows where. A Level 3 written question asks how the climate there shapes the wine. Our guide to Level 3 written answers shows what that means for each command verb.
- Every part stands alone. At Level 2 one good paper is enough. At Level 3 the multiple choice, the written section and the tasting each need 55%, so a weak part cannot hide.
- A tasting exam. Two wines, 30 minutes, a full note for each on a fixed structure. See our guide to the tasting exam.
- Private study. 11 hours at Level 2 against 51.5 at Level 3: almost five times as much work on your own.
Level 3 is not Level 2 with more regions; it is a different exam.
The grade lines move too. A merit starts lower at Level 3 (65% against 70%), but a Level 3 distinction needs 80% overall with no paper below 65%.
Do you need Level 2 first?
No, but WSET recommends it. The Level 3 specification recommends the Level 2 Award in Wines or an equivalent level of experience. It suggests that candidates who believe they already have that knowledge discuss it with their provider before enrolling.
Level 3 matters beyond itself: it is required for entry to the Level 4 Diploma.
If you sit in English and it is not your first language, WSET recommends IELTS 6 or above for Level 2 and 6.5 or above for Level 3 (or an equivalent ability).
Who each level suits
- Level 2. WSET describes it as a beginner to intermediate qualification, suitable for people who work in wine and for enthusiasts. It is the right start if you want a solid grasp of the main grapes and regions without a tasting exam.
- Level 3. WSET describes it as advanced, designed for dedicated enthusiasts. It suits you if you want to understand why a wine tastes as it does and are ready to taste and write against the clock. Without the tasting, there is no Level 3 award.
When you are ready to move up
A Level 2 certificate is not the only signal. These are better ones.
- Your Level 2 scores are comfortable. You pass timed Level 2 questions well above the merit line, week after week, rather than scraping through.
- You can say why. Pick a region you know and explain, in three sentences, how its climate shapes the wine. If you can name the facts but not link them, build that habit first.
- You can taste in a structure. You describe acidity, tannin and body consistently and your calls match those of someone tasting with you.
Plan the time honestly. Our Level 2 plan runs six to eight weeks; Level 3 needs twelve to sixteen.
Practise at each level
Worth Opening: WSET Level 2 has 20 mock exams of 50 questions, 1,000 questions with every answer explained, flashcards and a study plan. Worth Opening: WSET Level 3 has 20 full mock exams, theory and tasting: 1,000 multiple-choice questions, 80 written questions with their mark schemes and 40 model tasting notes. In both apps, Mock 1 and the flashcards are free. Independent study aid. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
The quickest way to decide is to sit Mock 1 of the level you are unsure about on the real clock and mark it honestly.
