Frequently Asked Questions

About Slate Wine & Spirits Academy

How do I register?

The easiest and fastest way to register for a course is through our website. You can find the next available session on the relevant qualification page. If you still have questions, please send us a message through our contact page.

Where is the school located?

Slate Wine & Spirits Academy is a Florida based academy with partner classrooms across Central and North Florida, including Orlando, Saint Augustine, and the Jacksonville area. We also deliver self-paced online courses to students anywhere in the United States. Classroom addresses are shared with registered students by email before the course begins.

Where do I park?

Parking directions are sent to registered students before each in-person course. Every classroom venue offers ample parking.

Do you offer in-person courses?

Yes. We run in-person courses at partner classrooms across Central and North Florida on set dates throughout the year. Available sessions are listed on each qualification page.

Do you offer corporate or group training?

Yes. Slate Wine & Spirits Academy regularly partners with hospitality groups, retailers, and corporate teams to deliver private cohorts of WSET qualifications, including onsite delivery at your property when suitable. To discuss a corporate engagement, please email the Academy Principal at lee@slatewineacademy.com.

Do you accept corporate invoicing for large cohort registrations?

Yes. For corporate or group registrations, we can arrange consolidated invoicing and batched candidate registration. Please email the Academy Principal at lee@slatewineacademy.com to coordinate.

Can someone else register a candidate on their behalf?

Yes, with the candidate’s consent. For corporate bookings, a single designated contact typically registers the full cohort.

At what level do I become a sommelier?

A sommelier is an important position in the hospitality field, but it’s a job title rather than a single certification. Many of our students have gone on to become very successful sommeliers after completing courses at Slate Wine & Spirits Academy, while others have moved into distribution, importing, consulting, and retail. The specific duties of your position determine when you become a sommelier.

Do I have to be 21 years old to attend classes and tastings?

Yes. All WSET courses at Slate Wine & Spirits Academy require students to be 21 or older.

I’m traveling to take a course. Can my materials be shipped to another state?

Yes. We ship materials and certificates anywhere within the United States. Domestic shipping is included in the price of every course.

Can I buy the textbook without registering for a course?

No. We do not sell or ship study materials outside of a course registration. However, WSET sells books directly through their UK-based shop.

Is lunch included in the cost of the all-day courses?

Lunch is not included in in-person courses. Students receive a 60-minute break to eat, and our classroom venues are near plenty of dining options.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes! Please see our Scholarships page to learn more.

Can I transfer my registration to a later course date?

Transfers may be possible depending on how close to the course start date the request is made. Please see our Cancellations, Refunds & Transfers Policy for full terms or email registration@slatewineacademy.com.

How soon after I register will I receive my books?

Books and study packs are shipped the working day following your registration confirmation. The confirmation process takes anywhere from a few hours to three working days, depending on WSET’s response time. If you have further questions, please contact us at registration@slatewineacademy.com.

How do I know my registration is confirmed?

A confirmation email is sent from our registration team within three working days of receiving your order. It goes to the email address you provided on your registration form. Please wait for the confirmation email before booking any travel or accommodation.

About WSET & Qualification Pathways

What is WSET?

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust is an awarding body and registered charity devoted to the development and delivery of qualifications and courses in wines, spirits, and sake. Established in 1969 for the UK wine trade, WSET has since grown into the global industry leader. WSET qualifications are recognized worldwide as the international standard in wine and spirit knowledge. They’re designed for those starting out in their careers, established professionals, and enthusiasts with a passion for wines and spirits.

What’s the difference between WSET Levels 1, 2, and 3?

Each WSET level builds on the last. Level 1 is an entry-level introduction to the main styles of wines, spirits, or sake and the fundamentals of how they’re made. Level 2 is an intermediate qualification that goes deeper into how the product is made, classified, and tasted using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting. Level 3 is an advanced qualification covering the factors that shape the style, quality, and price of wine, including detailed study of the world’s wine regions and a full tasting exam. Slate Wine & Spirits Academy currently delivers Level 3 in Wines only. Level 1 is not a prerequisite for Level 2, and Level 2 is strongly recommended before Level 3.

Can I study for the Level 2 Award in Wines without completing Level 1?

We recommend starting with WSET’s Level 1 Award in Wines, which gives you the theoretical knowledge and tasting foundation needed to progress successfully through the higher levels. If you have a background in wine and wine tasting, it’s possible to start at Level 2.

Can I study for the Level 3 Award in Wines without completing Level 2?

Slate Wine & Spirits Academy and WSET strongly recommend completing the Level 2 Award in Wines before enrolling in Level 3. In rare cases we allow students to start at Level 3, but in our experience the prerequisite experience gained in Level 2 is what sets students up for true success at Level 3, regardless of background.

Studying Online

Which courses are available online?

The following Slate Wine & Spirits Academy qualifications are available online:

• WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
• WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
• WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
• WSET Level 1 Award in Spirits
• WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits
• WSET Level 1 Award in Sake
• WSET Level 2 Award in Sake

Please note: All WSET Level 3 exams must be taken in person, regardless of whether the course is completed online or in the classroom.

What is the Online Classroom?

The Online Classroom is WSET’s e-learning platform. It enhances textbook study with educational materials and activities designed for different learner types, including videos, quizzes, games, and tasting activities. Student forums also connect you with classmates so you can share your experiences.

What support and guidance will I get?

One of the best things about studying online is that you’ll be assigned a dedicated expert educator who guides and supports you throughout the course. They’ll answer any questions you have about the materials and help you develop your tasting skills. The Online Classroom support team is also on hand to help you get the most out of the platform.

How does tasting work in an online course?

Tasting is an important part of every WSET course. For online courses, you’ll source your own samples with plenty of guidance on what styles to buy. Throughout the course, you’ll share your tasting notes and your educator will give you feedback to help you hone your palate. All Slate Wine & Spirits Academy students can also source these wines at a 10% discount through Tim’s Wine Market in Orlando. Please contact us for more information.

Please note: For Level 3 courses, where there is a tasting element in the exam, online students are welcome to attend our in-person Level 3 tasting review session before their exam.

How do I sit the exam?

For Levels 1 and 2, the exam can be completed in person or online via Remote Invigilation. You’ll receive information on how this works once you’ve enrolled. For Level 3, the exam must be sat in person, and each course has a set exam date.

How long will I have access to my course?

Full access to online materials and educator support is provided during the advertised course dates. After the course ends, read-only access continues for up to one year following the advertised start date.

When will I receive my login details?

New Online Classroom users receive a username and temporary password by email. Please check your junk or spam folder if you don’t see it. Login details are issued once the course is live in the Online Classroom, which is available at least two weeks before your course start date. Returning Online Classroom users, including anyone who has previously completed a WSET online course, will use their existing login details. No new details are issued in those cases.

I’m having trouble logging in.

If you’ve forgotten your login information, use the “Forgotten your username or password?” link on the login page. If you’ve received your details but they don’t seem to be working, first double-check that you’ve copied them correctly. If you still can’t log in, please contact us at registration@slatewineacademy.com and we’ll work with WSET to get you back into the Online Classroom.

Exams & Results

I took a WSET course at another school but didn’t pass the exam. Can I retake my exam at Slate Wine & Spirits Academy?

Yes. Please see our Exam Policies for full details or contact us at registration@slatewineacademy.com.

I’m taking a WSET online course. Do I have to come to the school to take my exam?

No. Online exams via Remote Invigilation are available for all WSET Level 1 and Level 2 courses. You’ll need a laptop with a webcam, a smartphone, and a reliable internet connection. In-person exams are also available if you’d prefer that format. Please contact us at registration@slatewineacademy.com to schedule either option.

Will I get my WSET exam results on the same day?

No. WSET regulations require that all exams be marked centrally at one of their grading centers. For Levels 1 and 2, results are typically returned within about six weeks. For Level 3, results take approximately 10 weeks. Results are delivered by email as soon as they’re released.

I haven’t received my results yet. When can I expect them?

WSET processing times can vary, but typical timelines are around six weeks for Levels 1 and 2 and around 10 weeks for Level 3. If your results are significantly past these windows, please contact us at registration@slatewineacademy.com and we’ll follow up with WSET on your behalf.

How is my exam marked? Why does it take so long?

WSET exams run around the world, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Every exam paper is marked through a controlled process involving multiple steps at each qualification level to ensure that every candidate receives a fair and accurate grade. WSET prioritizes accuracy, reliability, and global quality assurance over speed, which is what makes WSET qualifications respected worldwide as the international standard in wine, spirit, and sake knowledge.

I’ve lost my digital certificate. How do I get a replacement?

WSET now issues digital certificates only (physical certificates and lapel pins are no longer part of standard issue). You can request a replacement digital certificate directly through the WSET replacement certificates page.

My name was misspelled on my certificate. How do I get a replacement?

We’re sorry that happened. Please contact us at registration@slatewineacademy.com as soon as possible so we can work with WSET to issue a corrected certificate. Please note that a fee may apply if the error originated from your registration form.

What happens if I fail an exam?

If you don’t pass, you can pay for and book a resit any time after your results are released. Please see our Exam Policies for full details or contact us at registration@slatewineacademy.com.

Can I sit my exam at a later date?

Yes. If you need to postpone your exam, you can book a new date under the terms of our Exam Policies. Please contact us at registration@slatewineacademy.com to coordinate.

How do I request a reasonable adjustment or special consideration?

If you need an adjustment to access your course or exam, or if something outside your control affected your exam performance, please see our Reasonable Adjustments & Special Considerations Policy and contact us at registration@slatewineacademy.com.