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WSET® Level 1 Award in Sake
Online Course Price: $349
About the WSET Level 1 Award in Sake
If you’re new to sake, the WSET Level 1 Award in Sake is the ideal place to start. This qualification introduces the principal styles of sake, the key ingredients and steps in production, and the basics of storing and serving sake at its best. No prior knowledge is needed, and the course feels approachable from the very first lesson.
By the end of the course, you’ll describe the major sake categories with confidence and recognize how production choices shape flavor. You’ll also pair sake thoughtfully with food using a clear, working framework. The WSET Level 1 Award in Sake is the foundation that every later sake qualification builds on.
In short, this course sets you up well whether you stop here or continue to Level 2.
Prerequisite: None. Curiosity and an interest in sake are all you need.
Who Is This For?
- Hospitality and beverage professionals who want a credible foundation in sake to better serve guests and recommend bottles.
- Wine, beer, or spirits enthusiasts ready to add sake to their tasting vocabulary.
- Retail and on-premise staff who sell or pour sake and want to speak about it accurately.
- Curious drinkers who simply want to understand what they are tasting and why.
Course Details for the Level 1 Award in Sake
Our online Level 1 Sake course is delivered through the WSET Online Classroom, a structured digital learning environment with lessons, activities, and self-check questions. You’ll work through the material at your own pace, with educator support available throughout the 4-week support window to answer questions and help you prepare for the exam.
In short, the format is built for working professionals and curious beginners who want a real foundation in sake without rigid scheduling. When you’re ready, you’ll schedule your online exam via Remote Invigilation at a time that works for you.
What You’ll Learn
The main styles and categories of sake
You’ll learn how sake is classified, what distinguishes the major Special Designation categories, and how to talk about sake style in clear, accurate terms.
Key ingredients in sake production
You’ll study the role of rice, water, kōji, and yeast, and understand how each ingredient shapes the final character of the sake in your glass.
The principal steps in sake production
You’ll follow the production journey from rice polishing through fermentation to bottling. Along the way, you’ll learn how production choices show up in the finished sake.
How to taste and describe sake
Using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake® (SAT), you’ll learn a structured method for evaluating and describing what you smell and taste.
Storage and service essentials
You’ll learn how to store sake properly, choose the right glassware, and serve sake at the correct temperature to show each style at its best.
Pairing sake with food
You’ll explore the basic principles of pairing sake with food. Then, you’ll build a working framework for confident recommendations across a range of dishes.
Reading a sake label
You’ll learn to identify the key information on a sake label so you can shop, pour, and recommend with confidence.
Online Course Includes
- Digital WSET Level 1 Award in Sake study materials available in the WSET Online Classroom
- Access to the WSET Online Classroom for 12 months, including online lessons, activities, and self-check questions
- 4 weeks of educator support as you progress through the course modules
- Flexible, self-paced online learning with no live sessions and no required login times
- Guidance on which sake styles to taste during the course
- Online exam (scheduled at the end of the course)
- Sake samples are not included.
Time Commitment
Overall, the WSET Level 1 Award in Sake requires approximately 6 hours of total qualification time. All 6 hours are delivered as guided learning (lessons, activities, and the 45-minute exam), with no separate independent study requirement.
Because this is a self-paced online course, you can spread that time across the 4-week course window however best suits your schedule.
Assessment for the Level 1 Award in Sake
- The WSET Level 1 Award in Sake exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes.
- To pass, you must correctly answer 70% of the questions. The qualification is awarded as a single Pass or Fail. There are no Merit or Distinction grades at Level 1.
- All online course registrations include an online exam via Remote Invigilation.
- This allows you to take the exam from home at a time arranged with our team.
- In-person exams are available by request, but availability is limited and scheduling may require additional time.
- If you would prefer to sit your exam in person, please contact us before your course ends to discuss options.
- You have one year from your course end date to take your exam. After one year, a rescheduling fee will apply.
- Successful students will receive a digital WSET certificate, and a lapel pin is available upon request.
- This qualification is Ofqual regulated.