How Much Does WSET Cost? Full Price Breakdown for Every Level
A complete breakdown of WSET certification costs — course fees, exam fees, study materials, and hidden costs for Levels 1 through 4 Diploma.
The first question most people ask about WSET is: how much? The answer isn’t straightforward because costs vary by provider, location, and format. Here’s a complete breakdown.
Quick Cost Summary
| Level | Course Fee | Total Cost (Inc. Extras) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $300-500 | $350-550 |
| Level 2 | $500-800 | $650-1,000 |
| Level 3 | $700-1,200 | $1,000-1,600 |
| Level 4 (Diploma) | $4,000-7,000 | $5,500-10,000 |
| Levels 1-3 Combined | $1,500-2,500 | $2,000-3,150 |
| Levels 1-4 Combined | $5,500-9,500 | $7,500-13,150 |
Prices in USD. UK prices are typically lower. Major city prices (London, New York, San Francisco) are at the higher end.
Level-by-Level Breakdown
WSET Level 1: Awards in Wines
What’s included in the course fee ($300-500):
- 1 day of classroom instruction (6-8 hours)
- Study pack with official WSET textbook
- Tasting wines during class (6-10 wines typically)
- Exam at the end of the day (30 multiple-choice questions)
- Certificate upon passing
Additional costs:
- Travel to the course venue: varies
- Study wines at home (optional): $30-50
Total realistic cost: $350-550
Is it worth it? Honestly, Level 1 is basic enough that many wine enthusiasts already know the material. Consider starting at Level 2 if you regularly drink and read about wine. Level 1 is best for absolute beginners or hospitality staff who need a quick credential.
WSET Level 2: Award in Wines
What’s included in the course fee ($500-800):
- 3-5 days of classroom instruction (or online equivalent)
- Study pack with official WSET textbook and SAT guide
- Tasting wines during class (40-60 wines)
- Exam (50 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes)
- Certificate and lapel pin upon passing
Additional costs:
- Practice tasting wines at home: $100-200
- Supplementary study materials (flashcard apps, study guides): $0-30
- Travel and accommodation (if attending away from home): varies
- Exam resit fee (if needed): $100-200
Total realistic cost: $650-1,000
The value proposition: Level 2 is the most popular WSET qualification and offers the best education-to-cost ratio. The knowledge gained transforms wine shopping, restaurant ordering, and overall enjoyment.
WSET Level 3: Award in Wines
What’s included in the course fee ($700-1,200):
- 5-8 days of classroom instruction (or online/hybrid equivalent)
- Study pack with official WSET textbook and SAT guide
- Tasting wines during class (60-80 wines)
- Two-part exam: theory paper + tasting paper
- Certificate and lapel pin upon passing
Additional costs:
- Practice tasting wines at home: $200-400 (you need regular tasting practice)
- Supplementary study materials: $0-50
- Travel and accommodation: varies
- Exam resit fee (if needed): $150-300 (per paper)
- Study group tasting contributions: $50-100
Total realistic cost: $1,000-1,600
The investment: Level 3 is where WSET becomes a serious credential. The cost is higher, but the career and knowledge returns are proportionally greater. Budget for wine-buying during the study period — you’ll need to taste 2-3 wines per week for proper exam preparation.
WSET Level 4: Diploma in Wines
What’s included in the course fee ($4,000-7,000):
- 2-3 years of part-time study
- Multiple units covering viticulture, winemaking, business, and deep regional study
- Extensive tasting sessions
- Multiple exams across different units
- Diploma certificate upon completion
Additional costs:
- Practice wines over 2-3 years: $1,500-3,000
- Supplementary books and references: $200-500
- Travel to tastings and study sessions: varies
- Exam resit fees (if needed): $200-500 per unit
- Optional study trips to wine regions: $500-3,000
Total realistic cost: $5,500-10,000+
The commitment: The Diploma is a serious, multi-year investment that puts you on par with the highest wine credentials below Master of Wine. It’s for committed professionals and the most dedicated enthusiasts.
Online vs In-Person: Cost Comparison
| Format | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|
| In-person classroom | $600-900 | $800-1,400 |
| Online (live instructor) | $500-700 | $700-1,000 |
| Online self-paced | $400-600 | Not commonly offered |
Online trade-offs: Lower cost, but you miss the in-person tasting experience with an instructor guiding you. For Level 2, online works well. For Level 3 with its tasting exam, in-person instruction is strongly recommended.
Cost-by-City Comparison
| City | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|
| London, UK | £400-600 ($500-750) | £600-900 ($750-1,100) |
| New York, US | $700-900 | $1,000-1,400 |
| San Francisco, US | $650-850 | $900-1,200 |
| Sydney, Australia | AUD 800-1,000 ($520-650) | AUD 1,200-1,600 ($780-1,040) |
| Toronto, Canada | CAD 700-900 ($510-660) | CAD 1,000-1,400 ($730-1,020) |
Prices are approximate and vary by provider.
How to Reduce WSET Costs
Employer Sponsorship
If you work in hospitality, wine retail, or any beverage-related role, ask your employer about education budgets. Many companies cover WSET fees as professional development. Even partial coverage helps significantly.
Early-Bird Discounts
Some providers offer 10-15% discounts for early registration. Book 2-3 months ahead when possible.
Provider Comparison
Don’t assume all providers charge the same. Compare 3-4 Approved Programme Providers in your area. Prices can vary by 20-30% for the same qualification.
Group Bookings
Some providers offer discounts for groups (e.g., colleagues enrolling together). If you have wine-interested friends or colleagues, coordinate enrollment.
Free Study Supplements
Instead of buying expensive supplementary materials, use Sommo’s free WSET resources — the app includes flashcards, quizzes, cheatsheets, and mock exams that complement the official coursework.
Strategic Wine Buying for Practice
You don’t need expensive wines to practice tasting. Focus on:
- Classic examples of major grape varieties ($8-15 each)
- Wines from key regions in the syllabus
- Split bottles with study group members to taste more, spend less
Is WSET a Good Investment?
For Career Advancement
If wine is your profession, WSET pays for itself quickly through salary increases and career opportunities. A sommelier with Level 3 earns 10-20% more than one without.
For Personal Enrichment
For enthusiasts, WSET improves every wine experience you’ll have for the rest of your life — every restaurant meal, every shop visit, every dinner party, every bottle opened at home. Divide the cost of Level 2 ($650-1,000) by the thousands of wine experiences ahead of you, and it’s pennies per glass.
For Knowledge ROI
WSET provides structured education that would take years of self-directed learning to replicate. The framework, the systematic tasting method, and the organized knowledge base are hard to build on your own.
The cost is real. But for anyone serious about wine — professionally or personally — it’s one of the best investments you can make.
Start with WSET Level 2, prepare thoroughly with Sommo’s study tools, and see where the journey takes you.
