How Many Hours to Study for WSET
The recommended hours for each level, and how to plan them. Updated 2026.
Unofficial study resource · not affiliated with or endorsed by WSET®The short answer
WSET recommends about 6 hours of study for Level 1, about 28 hours for Level 2, and about 84 hours for Level 3, including class time. Plan steady weekly sessions rather than cramming, and spend most of the time on active practice.
| Level | Recommended study | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | ~6 hours | One day |
| Level 2 | ~28 hours | A few weeks |
| Level 3 | ~84 hours | A couple of months |
What the hours include
The figures cover both class or online time and your own study. Level 1 is usually a single day, Level 2 fits into a few evenings a week over a month, and Level 3 needs steady work over about two months, including tasting practice.
How to plan them
Break the total into weekly blocks. For Level 2, roughly one focused hour on weekdays plus a longer weekend session hits 28 hours in about three to four weeks. For Level 3, plan theory and tasting separately across two months.
Make the hours count
Reading fills time but active recall fixes knowledge. Spend the bulk of your hours answering practice questions and reviewing the explanations, not re-reading the book.
Make your study hours count
The fastest way to turn hours into a pass is active practice. Try free WSET questions here, then use the Eclavin app's full bank and wrong-answer notebook.
Download Eclavin on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
How many hours to study for WSET Level 2?
WSET suggests around 28 hours for Level 2, including class time. Spread over three to four weeks, that is about one focused hour a day plus a longer weekend session.
How many hours to study for WSET Level 3?
Around 84 hours is the usual guidance for Level 3, covering both written theory and tasting practice, usually over about two months.
Can I study for WSET faster than the recommended hours?
Some people do, especially with focused practice questions. But tasting skill and long-term recall benefit from spacing the hours out rather than cramming.
Is Eclavin an official WSET product?
No. Eclavin is an independent study app and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to WSET.