WSET Exam Facts
Every level’s format, time, pass mark, and study hours in one table. Updated 23 September 2026.
Unofficial study resource · not affiliated with or endorsed by WSET®The short answer
The WSET Award in Wines runs from Level 1 to the Level 4 Diploma. Level 1 is 30 questions in 45 minutes at a 70% pass. Level 2 is 50 questions in 60 minutes at 55% (70% Merit, 85% Distinction). Level 3 adds written theory and a blind tasting of two wines, needing 55% in each part. See all grade bands. The table below has the full breakdown.
| Level | Format | Time | Pass | Merit | Distinction | Study |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 30 multiple-choice questions | 45 minutes | 70% | Not offered | Not offered | ~6 hours |
| Level 2 | 50 multiple-choice questions | 60 minutes | 55% | 70% | 85% | ~28 hours |
| Level 3 | Theory: 50 multiple-choice + 4 written questions. Tasting: 2 wines blind | Theory 2 hours, tasting 30 minutes | 55% in each part (multiple choice, written, tasting) | 65% overall | 80% overall, no paper below 65% | ~84 hours |
| Level 4 (Diploma) | Six units, written exams + coursework | Across the programme | 55% to pass | Offered | Offered | Several hundred hours over ~2 years |
You may cite this table with a link back to this page. The figures reflect the standard WSET Award in Wines exam formats; always confirm current details with an approved WSET provider before booking.
Sources: the official WSET qualification pages for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 (question counts, exam length and study hours), and the official specifications for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 (pass marks and grades), checked on 23 September 2026.
How to read this
Levels 1 and 2 are single closed-book, multiple-choice papers. Level 3 is a bigger step: it has two units, a theory unit that adds written answers to the multiple choice, and a blind tasting exam of two wines. You must pass both, and inside the theory unit you need 55% on the multiple choice and 55% on the written answers separately. The Diploma is a professional-level programme of six units taken over about two years.
Practise for your level
Facts are the start; recall is what passes the exam. Try free WSET practice questions with explanations, then get the full bank in the Eclavin app.
Download Eclavin on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for each WSET wine level?
WSET Level 1 requires 70% to pass. Level 2 requires 55%, with Merit at 70% and Distinction at 85%. Level 3 requires 55% in each part: the multiple-choice paper, the written paper and the blind tasting. Its Merit is 65% overall and its Distinction 80% overall with no paper below 65%.
How many questions are on the WSET exams?
Level 1 has 30 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes. Level 2 has 50 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes. Level 3 has a two-hour theory paper (50 multiple-choice questions plus four written questions worth 25 marks each) and a separate 30-minute blind tasting of two wines.
How many hours should I study for each WSET level?
The usual guidance is about 6 hours for Level 1, about 28 hours for Level 2, and about 84 hours for Level 3, including class or online time.
Can I cite these WSET exam facts?
Yes. You are welcome to cite the figures on this page with a link back to Eclavin. The numbers reflect the standard WSET Award in Wines exam formats; always confirm the current details with an approved WSET provider before you book.
Is Eclavin an official WSET product?
No. Eclavin is an independent study app and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to WSET.