WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits - Private Course, Industry Only

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WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits - Private Course, Industry Only

$425.00

Private, industry only course.

Please do not register unless you have received details and a discount code from Virginia Spirits.

The WSET Level 1 Spirits qualification will assist those who need a basic familiarity with the main styles and categories of spirits, for example people who work with spirits in the retail and hospitality sectors. Successful candidates will be able to list the principal spirits categories, state their defining characteristics, and know the key principles involved in the storage and service of spirits. They will consequently be in a position to answer customer queries and provide recommendations for spirits service.  Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET digital certificate and lapel pin.

Register

Prerequisites

  • There are no prerequisites for WSET Level 1 Spirits

  • Candidates must be at least 21 years of age to participate.

Course Structure

  • Single day course, 10am - 5pm

What you’ll learn:

  • The basic principles of spirit production

  • The main types and styles of spirits

  • How to serve spirits

  • Factors affecting the flavor of spirits

  • How to describe spirits using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Spirits® (SAT)

Exam Details

  • Closed book exam of 30 multiple-choice questions. 45 minute time limit.

  • Two exam options:

    • In person, paper exam at the end of the in-person class session (only available for candidates who register before Dec 19, 2025).

    • Online Remotely Invigilated (RI) exam. Candidates must meet the requirements outlined in WSET’s RI Exam Essential Guidance.

  • Candidates who fail a qualification will be allowed to resit the exam until successful. The fee for each resit attempt is $100 for Level 1 qualifications via Remote Invigilation. If candidates do not wish to resit via Remote Invigilation, they must arrange to join a pre-existing exam date for a paper exam in-person in Richmond, VA. These are offered once per quarter.

  • Students with disabilities or documented special educational needs may apply for reasonable adjustments for either RI or paper exams. Applications must be conferred to WSET at least 4 weeks before the exam date. To apply for reasonable adjustment, contact tracy@vawsa.com to confidentially discuss options before registering for a course.

What’s included

  • WSET Level 1 Spirits workbook

  • Tutored tasting of 10 spirits styles

  • Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET digital certificate and lapel pin.

For further information on this course please see the official WSET specification

For further information on VAWSA’s cancellation/rescheduling, privacy, and other policies, please see our Terms and Conditions.