Very high. Most students pass with minimal preparation beyond the course.
High. Consistent study and practice questions give you excellent odds.
Challenging. Thorough preparation over months is essential.
A note on these numbers
WSET does not regularly publish official pass rates. The figures above are approximate and based on information shared by WSET-approved programme providers, industry reports, and candidate experience. Actual rates can vary by provider and region.
Level 1: ~95%+ pass rate
WSET Level 1 is an introductory qualification designed to be accessible to everyone. The pass rate reflects this — the vast majority of students pass on their first attempt.
With 30 multiple-choice questions and a 70% pass mark (21 correct), you can afford to get 9 questions wrong and still pass. The questions test basic wine knowledge that is covered thoroughly during the one-day course.
How to ensure you pass: Pay attention during the course, review the textbook once, and take a few practice quizzes. That should be more than enough.
Level 2: ~90% pass rate
Level 2 is a step up in difficulty but still very achievable. The 90% pass rate means that with consistent study, your chances are excellent.
The 55% pass mark is notably lower than Level 1's 70%, which helps offset the increased difficulty. You need 28 out of 50 questions correct — meaning you can get 22 wrong and still pass.
The 10% who fail typically underestimate the breadth of material (especially grape varieties and regions) or don't practise with exam-style questions before the real thing.
How to be in the 90%: Study for 4-8 weeks. Focus on grape varieties — they're the biggest topic. Use practice quizzes and take at least 2-3 feedback exams before your exam date.
Level 3: ~50% pass rate
This is where things get serious. Roughly half of all Level 3 candidates fail on their first attempt. The combination of MCQs, written answers, and blind tasting creates a significantly harder exam.
The depth of knowledge required increases dramatically. Level 2 asks you to identify grape varieties; Level 3 asks you to explain how climate, soil, and winemaking techniques combine to create specific wine styles.
The written component catches many students off guard. Knowing the facts is not enough — you must be able to explain and analyse under time pressure.
How to beat the odds: Study for 3-6 months. Use spaced repetition for the enormous volume of facts. Practise writing short-answer responses. Taste wines regularly using the SAT framework. Take full feedback exams under timed conditions.
What factors affect your chances?
Study consistency
Students who study regularly over weeks or months outperform those who cram. Spaced repetition is proven to improve retention.
Practice under exam conditions
Taking timed feedback exams builds familiarity with the format and reduces anxiety on exam day.
Active recall vs passive reading
Testing yourself (quizzes, flashcards) is significantly more effective than re-reading notes.
Course provider quality
A good instructor will clearly signal the most important topics and provide exam-focused guidance.
Prior wine experience
Helpful but not decisive. Students with tasting experience have an advantage at Level 3, but structured study matters more than background knowledge.
Improve your odds with practice
GrapeQuiz gives you exam-style practice questions, feedback exams, and spaced repetition for all WSET levels. Completely free.
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