How long is a WSET course?
Quick answer
WSET courses range from a quick 6-hour Level 1 session to the mammoth 18-24 month Diploma. Level 2 takes about 28 hours, Level 3 around 84 hours. Most training centres offer flexible formats -- intensive weeks, evening classes, or weekend sessions -- so you can fit it around your schedule.
Detailed answer
One of the best things about WSET is its flexibility. Whether you have a free afternoon or a year to spare, there is a level that fits.
Level 1 is the quick start: 6 hours of teaching plus a 30-question multiple-choice exam. Many centres run it as a single day course, making it perfect for hospitality staff who need a foundation fast or curious beginners wanting a structured introduction. Cost: EUR 150-300.
Level 2 requires about 28 hours total: 16-18 hours of classroom time and 10-12 hours of self-study. You can do it as a 3-day intensive, spread over 6 evening sessions, or across a couple of weekends. The exam is 50 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes. Cost: EUR 400-700.
Level 3 is a significant step up: roughly 84 hours total, with 30-36 hours in the classroom and 50-60 hours of self-study. Most people take it over 8-12 weeks of evening classes, though intensive 5-day formats exist (with substantial pre-course study expected). The exam includes both theory (MCQ + written) and blind tasting. Cost: EUR 700-1,200.
The Diploma (Level 4) is the big commitment: 18-24 months of study across 6 units, each with its own exam. Total study time exceeds 500 hours. It is considered equivalent to an undergraduate degree in terms of academic rigour. Passing the Diploma is a prerequisite for attempting the Master of Wine. Cost: EUR 3,000-5,000.
In Belgium, centres like 20hVin in La Hulpe offer Levels 1-3 in French. For the Diploma, most Belgian candidates head to London, Paris, or Amsterdam.
| WSET Level | Total hours | Typical duration | Cost (Belgium) | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | ~6 h | 1 day | EUR 150 – 300 | 30 MCQ (45 min) |
| Level 2 | ~28 h | 3 days or 6 evenings | EUR 400 – 700 | 50 MCQ (60 min) |
| Level 3 | ~84 h | 8-12 weeks or 5-day intensive | EUR 700 – 1,200 | MCQ + written + tasting |
| Diploma (Lv. 4) | 500+ h | 18 – 24 months | EUR 3,000 – 5,000 | 6 exams (theory + tasting) |