Frequently Asked Questions

WSET (say each letter: W, S, E, T) is the global awarding body for wine, spirits, sake, and beer qualifications, based in London and recognized by the drinks industry worldwide. IBA is one of its Approved Programme Providers: an independent school approved to deliver WSET courses and exams. IBA is not part of WSET.

Level 1 is a 4-week introduction with about 6 hours of study; ideal if you are new to the subject or want a quick, recognized credential. Level 2 is the qualification most professionals start with: 5 weeks, about 6 hours a week, and it goes much deeper into grapes, regions (or spirit categories), and tasting. You do not need Level 1 to take Level 2. If you are unsure, email Luis with a few lines about your background for an honest recommendation.

Not at this time. IBA is approved for the Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Wines and in Spirits. Any new qualifications will be announced here and by email.

Yes. Courses are delivered online in English. You must be of legal drinking age in your country of residence. Level 2 students outside the US receive the eBook study pack rather than a printed one.

Yes. WSET courses involve tasting alcohol. You must be of legal drinking age where you live (21 in the United States) and at least 18 anywhere. Your date of birth is requested at checkout and verified before registration with WSET.

WSET’s own learning platform. Your course content, activities, mock exam, and a WSET online educator live there. You log in with credentials WSET emails you before the start date. IBA registers you, supports you throughout, and books your exam.

Level 1: about 6 hours in total over 4 weeks, plus revision. Level 2: about 6 hours a week over 5 weeks, including textbook reading, plus revision. Modules open in order and you study when it suits you within the course window.

After you enroll, IBA submits your booking to WSET, WSET creates your Online Classroom account, and (for Level 2) your study pack has to reach you before day one. Ten days is the minimum that makes all of that reliable. Late registrations cannot be accepted; the next Wines start date is usually two weeks away.

WSET emails it from onlineclassroom@wsetglobal.com, usually 3 to 5 days before the course starts. Check your spam folder. If it has not arrived two days before the start, email Luis.

Yes. Tasting is part of every WSET course. Samples are not shipped; you receive a prioritized shopping list with widely available bottles and, on request, retailer suggestions near you. Plan on roughly $100 to $200 for Level 1 and more for Level 2 depending on how much of the list you taste. Half bottles and sharing with a study partner keep the cost down.

Level 1: everything is inside the Online Classroom; no printed book is needed. Level 2: the official WSET study pack (textbook and workbook) is included and shipped to US addresses, or provided as an eBook.

Two layers. Inside the Online Classroom a WSET online educator answers questions and reviews the tasting notes you post. Separately, Luis Romero is available by email and by Zoom for anything from a confusing concept to exam nerves, from the day you enroll until you are certified.

Level 1 Wines and Level 1 Spirits: 30 multiple-choice questions in 45 minutes; pass mark 70%. Level 2 Wines and Level 2 Spirits: 50 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes; pass mark 55%. All exams are closed book.

You take the exam on your own computer with a webcam and a stable internet connection, in a quiet room, supervised remotely by WSET’s invigilation service. IBA books the exam for a date after your course ends, agreed with you, and sends WSET’s guidance and a system check at least seven days before. Your exam must take place within one year of the course start date.

WSET issues results and your digital certificate, usually within a few weeks of the exam. You will also receive a WSET certified logo you can use on LinkedIn and your résumé.

You can resit. The resit fee is $200 for Level 1 and $290 for Level 2, which covers the WSET exam and remote invigilation. Luis will help you plan the second attempt.

Say so at booking (there is a field at checkout) or email Luis. With supporting documentation, IBA applies to WSET for reasonable adjustments on your behalf. Applications must reach WSET at least four weeks before the exam. See the Reasonable Adjustments Policy.

WSET course registration, study materials, one exam attempt with remote invigilation, and IBA support. Tasting samples are not included. The resit fee is listed on every course page.

By credit or debit card or PayPal at checkout. You will receive an order confirmation immediately and a personal email from Luis within two business days confirming your WSET registration.

A full refund is available if you cancel by email at least 15 business days before your start date. You can transfer to a later start date of the same course, once, if you ask at least 10 business days before the original start. After you have been registered with WSET and accessed the Online Classroom, no refund is available. Full details in the Cancellation and Refund Policy.

All IBA policies (cancellations and refunds, privacy, reasonable adjustments, special consideration, complaints and appeals, conflict of interest, equality, malpractice) are on one Policies page. You confirm you have read the cancellation policy at checkout.

Yes. Enter the student’s details in the enrollment fields at checkout (certificate name and date of birth must be the student’s). For group bookings or invoicing, email Luis.