FAQs

1. Will the WSET Certificates help me in my career in the wine industry?
2. Who takes the WSET courses?
3. Do I need to take the Foundation before the Intermediate?
4. Do I need to take the Intermediate before the Advanced?
5. What is the difference between the ISG courses and the WSET courses?
6. How many people in a class?
7. What do I need to bring to class each week?
8. How many wines will I taste?
9. How old do I have to be?
10. When will I receive my WSET study guide?
11. Some WSET course providers offer shorter and longer length courses. What is the reasoning behind the timeframes offered by Fine Vintage?
12. What is the dress code?
13. What if I am going to be away for a class?
14. What do I do if I need a Replacement Certificate / Final grade transcript (mine is lost, damaged or the details are incorrect)?
15. If I fail the exam or miss it entirely, can I resit the exam?
16. When will I receive my exam results?
17. In addition to my certificate is there any other 'designation" I will receive?

1. Will the WSET Certificates help me in my career in the wine industry?
Yes, most employers look for WSET Certification.  Many graduates work in wine importing, retailing, or for wineries.  Some are F&B Directors, others are Sommeliers, and others are wine buyers.  Whatever career in wine that you are hoping to pursue, the WSET can help you get there.

2. Who takes the WSET courses?
We have a wide range of people taking our courses; young and old, men and women, industry types and general wine enthusiast.  At each table there inevitably an interesting mix of people.  Some are professionals seeking to enhance their career, others are looking to start a career in the wine industry, some are connoisseurs, and others just come for the great wines and the good times.

3. Do I need to take the Foundation before the Intermediate?
No, the Foundation is not a pre-requisite so if you already have a good base of knowledge you can skip the Foundation. However, we do recommend most people start with the Foundation so there are no gaps in your knowledge.

4. Do I need to take the Intermediate before the Advanced?
No, the Intermediate is not a pre-requisite but we do need to speak to you about jumping straight into the Advanced as this is generally not recommended.

5. What is the difference between the ISG courses and the WSET courses?
The International Sommelier Guild (ISG) courses were created by a private individual in Ontario who developed a series of courses and exams, and then certified students as "sommeliers". The ISG courses are primarily offered just in North America, and are not well known internationally. The ISG is not recognized by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

The WSET is an independent accredited educational institute based in London that has offered the WSET courses for 40 years in 39 countries. The courses are recognized by The Institute of Masters of Wine who oversee the syllabus. The WSET courses are well known throughout the world and are considered the gold standard in wine education.

6. How many people in a class?
Typically there are 24 people in a class. Occasionally there are 36 people. This allows for plenty of interaction and there is lots of open discussion.

7. What do I need to bring to class each week?
Just bring a pen and a notebook. And if you have been given tasting glasses already then bring those to each class as well, along with your tasting notebook. If you are taking the Foundation course, then bring that study guide along as well.

8. How many wines will I taste?
At each evening course you will taste at least 8 wines per night, and in the daytime courses you will taste 18-20 throughout the day. At Fine Vintage we are well known for the outstanding wines we pour.

9. How old do I have to be?
19 in Canada and 21 in the US. We need proof of age if there could be any doubt!

10. When will I receive my WSET study guide?
The study guides are handed out on the 1st evening of the course along with any starter kits purchased. If you will be attending any of the condensed all day courses, your study guide will be mailed to you at least 2 weeks in advance of the course start date.

11 Some WSET course providers offer shorter and longer length courses. What is the reasoning behind the timeframes offered by Fine Vintage?
Our courses follow the precise format offered by the WSET in the UK, except we run for 30 minutes longer each night so you get additional instructional hours.

12. What is the dress code?
We would like you to feel as comfortable as possible. Some people wear jeans and a t-shirt and others come directly from work in a suit. There is a wide range of dress.

13. What if I am going to be away for a class?
Attendance is taken at each class so there is no need to call or email us in advance if you are going to be away. It will be up to you to ensure that you have read the textbook and prepared for the exam. All exam questions come from the textbook. Please note that instructors are unable to provide copies of their presentation materials but will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the course content.

14. What do I do if I need a Replacement Certificate / Final grade transcript (mine is lost, damaged or the details are incorrect)?
Where a certificate has been lost or damaged in transit, lost or damaged by the candidate, details have been incorrectly spelt, or the candidate has changed their name, a Replacement Certificate Request Form (for exams written in Canada click here) (for exams written in the USA click here) should be completed and sent to the WSET in the UK with the appropriate fee as detailed on the form. All details should appear on the form as they were at the time of registration. If the student is in possession of the original certificate, this must be returned before a duplicate can be issued. Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing such applications.

15. If I fail the exam or miss it entirely, can I resit the exam?
Students who fail an examination may re-sit until success is achieved. There will be a re-sit examination fee which includes the cost of the exam and an administration fee. Grades achieved as the result of such re-sits will supersede any previous examination grade. Students who have previously passed a qualification or component unit, cannot re-sit these to improve their grade. It is possible to do an exam re-sit on the next available exam day for your appropriate course level. Exams are always held on the last day of a course session. Please note that if you would like to re-sit an exam, the request and fee must be received by our office a minimum of 15 business days prior to the exam re-sit date requested.

16. When will I receive my exam results?
The WSET in the UK will issue an exam Grade transcript, and, in the case of a passing grade, a certificate for the specific level completed. The student will receive these via the mail 8-10 weeks after the exam date.

17. In addition to my certificate is there any other 'designation" I will receive?
Once you have successfully obtained the Advanced Level Wine & Spirit Education Trust Certificate, you will be able to use the designation of "WSET Certified" on your business cards, stationary and personal documentation. The designation is recognized throughout the world and is very highly regarded. This form can be used to apply to the WSET in England for use of the designation.