WSET Diploma

Diploma Program Introduction

The WSET Diploma in Wines & Spirits is a program of study for consumers and wine professionals who are serious about pursuing an internationally recognized wine credential. Diploma is one of the most demanding and challenging courses of wine study offered in the United States**, and is a prerequisite for entry into the Master of Wine program. Testing takes place through a combination of course work assignments, hand-written tasting notes, blind tastings, and closed-book essay and multiple-choice exams.

Diploma Overview

The WSET Advanced Certificate is a prerequisite for entry into the Diploma Program.

For an overview of the Diploma Program, please read International Wine Center's Diploma FAQ and the Diploma Specifications Guide available on the WSET website (see links below). Please keep in mind that IWC's FAQ applies only to the program administered in New York, while the Specification Guide explains Diploma in depth and outlines the program syllabus.

IWC's WSET Diploma FAQ page
WSET website - Diploma Specification


The Diploma encompasses six required Units:

Unit 1- The Global Business of Alcoholic Beverages
Unit 2- Wine Production
Unit 3- Light Wines of the World
Unit 4- Spirits of the World
Unit 5- Sparkling Wines of the World
Unit 6- Fortified Wines of the World

Each Unit has exam(s) you must complete to pass that Unit. A passing grade is required in all 6 Units in order to earn Diploma. The exam formats are as follows:

Unit 1- One Course Work Assignment (independent research report) of between 2500 and 3000 words, and one closed-book Case Study examination
Unit 2- 100 question multiple-choice examination
Unit 3 - Theory exam of 5 written questions and a 12-wine Blind Tasting Exam
Unit 4- Theory exam with written questions and a 3-Spirit Blind Tasting Exam
Unit 5 - Theory exam with written questions and a 3-Sparkling Wine Blind Tasting Exam
Unit 6 - Theory exam with written questions and a 3-Fortified Wine Blind Tasting Exam

Diploma students enter the program by first studying Unit 2. The Unit 2 multiple-choice examination is a gateway examination and must be taken first. No other exams or assignments may be attempted until the student has taken the Unit 2 exam.

Diploma at IWC
Students may register for the Diploma either as in-class or online students. In class students attend classes at International Wine Center. Classes are usually held once a week and run from 6:00PM until 8:30PM. Please see the class schedule for details. The online program is designed for students who cannot attend classes. All students must be aware of the many hours of individual research and study that are required. The WSET recommends 600 study hours to complete all Units of the Diploma. All exams are held at International Wine Center unless otherwise noted. Online Diploma students will incur the expense of traveling to New York to take their exams. Do not hesitate to contact the Center via email or phone (212.239.3055) with questions.


Diploma ONLINE

Now, for the first time, if you cannot come to classes in NYC, you can study for the WSET Diploma via an online program that WSET runs. You register with International Wine Center as an online student, participate in WSET’s online program, and take your exams in NYC. Besides receiving online instruction and feedback, you also have the benefit of two days of in-class tasting and instruction at International Wine Center.

Online Diploma follows the standard 6-Unit Diploma structure: You must start with Unit 2 (Wine Production) and then may take the subsequent Units of study in the sequence you choose. Each online Unit has a specific starting date and specific exam date. When you come to NYC to sit your first exam (Unit 2 — which does not involve tasting), you also attend the in-class course days; these days of instruction and tasting practice prepare you for your subsequent Units of study, which do involve tasting.

When you register with International Wine Center for a Unit of Online Diploma study, we will ship you the study materials for that Unit and, a few days before the start date, we will give you an online access code. All your study, review and feedback will occur through WSET’s online classroom. Your exam takes place in New York City. Before each exam, we will contact you to confirm your attendance at that exam; with adequate advance notice, you can postpone your exam to a future date.


** WSET qualifications are part of the UK qualifications framework, and the education courses leading to WSET qualifications are an invaluable source of information for students to enhance their knowledge of wines and spirits. WSET qualifications are not a guarantee of employment or career progression, nor do they form part of any regulated qualifications framework outside of the UK.
Continue to Diploma FAQ page