WSET Level 1 Award in Beer
Online Course
What makes a pilsner crisp, an IPA bitter and a porter rich and creamy? The WSET Level 1 Award in Beer online course helps you understand the differences, and recognise the characteristics of major beer styles. You’ll build the confidence to explore beyond your go-to beer. No prior knowledge or experience is required. With the flexibility of online learning, study from anywhere, at a pace that suits you.
WSET is a global leader in drinks education. When you enroll with Fine Vintage, you’ll have access to an expert WSET-certified instructor online to answer your questions and support your learning. With courses starting regularly throughout the year and online exam dates to suit your schedule, you can easily fit your studies around your life. You’ll have four weeks from your course start date to complete the program.
Bonus offer: register for any WSET online course with Fine Vintage and receive a FREE Fine Vintage online course (valued at $99-$299, depending on your selection), FREE access to our extensive video library, plus our exclusive exam practice questions. Get more out of your WSET course with Fine Vintage.
Course Overview
Discover what makes beer unique, from the ingredients and brewing process to its flavours and styles. You’ll start with beer’s four essential ingredients: malt, water, hops and yeast, exploring how each shapes beer into what it is. Then you’ll follow the journey from malting and mashing through fermentation, carbonation and packaging to understand how brewing choices influence the beer you drink. From crisp pilsners and hop-forward IPAs to rich porters, yeast-driven saisons and tart geuzes, you’ll explore the major beer styles and learn what sets each apart. Understand how ingredients and brewing methods influence flavour, aroma and character, helping you recognise different styles. (And find the beers you enjoy most). But this course isn’t just about the different beer styles out there. Learn how to store and serve beer properly, spot common faults and find foods that bring out the best in beer. You’ll also develop the skills to taste and describe beer with greater confidence. By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of beer and leave ready to explore beyond your usual pint. Plus, you’ll now have an internationally recognised WSET qualification. The entire course is delivered online, so you can study from anywhere in the world.
Here are the six modules:
Module 1: What is beer and how is it made?
Module 2: Malt and other sources of sugar
Module 3: Hops and yeast
Module 4: Styles of beer
Module 5: Storage and service of beer
Module 6: Revision and mock exam
Price & Payments
The WSET Level 1 online beer course costs USD$299, all inclusive. The cost includes access to the WSET online course, your online study materials, access to a WSET-certified expert instructor, your exam fees, and certificate.
You’ll need to purchase your own beer samples, if you desire. It’s not a requirement to buy any beer to complete this course, but it’s beneficial to taste a selection of beer styles to get the most out of it. After registration, we provide you with a list of recommended beer styles that are widely available.
Full payment is charged at the time of registration. Your payment is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Don’t forget: when you register for a WSET online course, you receive a FREE Fine Vintage online course (value of $99-$299 depending on your selection) plus FREE access to our extensive video library, and a list of our Fine Vintage proprietary exam practice questions.
Online Program
You can choose from multiple start dates, with courses regularly scheduled throughout the year. You’ll have four weeks from the course start date to complete the six modules. You can do these six modules at your own pace, whether that’s all in one day or spread over four weeks. This course has a time commitment of approximately six hours of guided learning, including the 45-minute exam, with no additional private study required.
Examination
Your WSET Level 1 Award in Beer exam is completed fully online using remote invigilation. Fine Vintage offers regular online exam dates to fit your schedule. You can pick your exam date and time online immediately after you register for the course or you can select your exam date anytime in the next 11 months. You have one year from your course start date to schedule and take your exam.
The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 45 minutes. A grade of 70% or higher is required to pass. You’ll receive your results within 4 weeks by email, and if successful you’ll receive a digital WSET certificate and badge.
We require 10 business days’ notice to register you for the WSET Level 1 Award in Beer exam. There is a USD$100 fee to change your exam date after it is scheduled or to resit the exam, if required.
You should have a reasonable degree of technical ability to use the examination software. You’ll receive detailed set-up instructions after you register.
The WSET Level 1 Award in Beer is an internationally recognized qualification, regulated by Ofqual since February 2026.
Online Course Format
Approximately 6 hours required
The perfect online course to start your beer education
No prerequisites
Get your WSET certification online
Upcoming course dates:
Important: You must register for the WSET Online Courses at least 6 business days before the course begins.
TERMS: Full payment is charged at the time of registration. Your payment is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Tell me more
Who takes this course?
This course is for anyone who enjoys beer and has always wanted to understand what is in the glass and why it tastes the way it does.
It is equally suited to people starting a career in hospitality, retail, brewing or distribution. This is an introductory course and we presume no prior knowledge. You will have access to certified instructors throughout the online program.
Course Preparation
Study Guide
You will be emailed the access codes to the online course by the WSET within two business days of the start of the course. Your study materials are available through the online portal beginning on the course start date. Fine Vintage will also email you a list of practice exam questions to help you thoroughly prepare.
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