WSET® Level 2 Award in Sake

Online Course Price: $699
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About the WSET Level 2 Award in Sake

If you’re ready to explore the world of sake, the WSET Level 2 Award in Sake offers a clear, structured path into this dynamic category. This qualification is ideal for anyone wanting to understand the different styles of sake and how they are made, as well as those looking to build on the introductory knowledge gained in Level 1.

You’ll learn how brewers transform rice, water, kōji, and yeast into the wide range of sake styles found across Japan and beyond. You’ll also develop the skills to describe and assess sake using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake® (SAT).

In addition to production and style, you’ll gain an understanding of how to store and serve sake correctly and the key considerations when pairing sake with food. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your WSET Level 2 Award in Sake certification.

Prerequisite: None. Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning about sake are all you need.

Who Is This For?

  • Beverage professionals in hospitality, retail, or wholesale who want to confidently recommend, sell, and serve sake.
  • Enthusiasts ready to move beyond introductory knowledge and build real tasting and evaluation skills.
  • Graduates of the WSET Level 1 Award in Sake who are ready to progress to the next level.
  • Wine, spirits, and sommelier professionals looking to expand their expertise into one of the fastest-growing categories in beverage.

Course Details for the Level 2 Award in Sake

Our online Level 2 Sake course is delivered through the WSET Online Classroom, a structured digital learning environment with lessons, activities, and end-of-module quizzes. You’ll work through the material at your own pace, with educator support available throughout the 5-week support window to answer questions, review tasting notes, and help you prepare for the exam.

In short, the format is built for working professionals and committed enthusiasts who want depth 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

How to taste and describe sake

Using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake® (SAT), you’ll learn how to assess quality and accurately communicate what you’re tasting.

The ingredients used to make sake

You’ll study the raw materials brewers use to make sake, the optional ingredients they may add, and the key rice varieties they brew with.

Processing the raw materials

You’ll learn how brewers prepare steamed white rice and kōji, and why different sake styles call for specific polishing ratios and kōji characteristics.

How sake is made

You’ll explore each stage of production, from the fermentation starter and multiple parallel fermentation through pressing, filtration, dilution, and packaging. You’ll learn how production choices lead to stylistic differences.

Sake categories, grades, and speciality styles

You’ll understand the difference between basic and premium sake, the grades of premium sake, and the principal speciality styles including nigori, nama-zake, sparkling sake, and koshu.

Key production choices behind different styles

You’ll examine the decisions that create fruity ginjō styles, rich junmai styles, and the major speciality styles so you can understand how producers shape aroma, texture, and flavor.

Common labeling terms

You’ll learn the core labeling terms used across sake, including important classifications and how some of these terms are written in Japanese.

Online Course Includes

  • Printed WSET Level 2 Award in Sake study materials shipped to your mailing address
  • Access to the WSET Online Classroom for 12 months, including online lessons, activities, quizzes, and discussion forums
  • 5 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 building a tasting lineup and the option to post tasting notes for educator feedback
  • Access to 50+ practice questions, activities, and end-of-module quizzes within the WSET Online Classroom
  • Online exam (scheduled at the end of the course)
  • Sake samples are not included. You’ll receive guidance on which styles to taste during the course.

Time Commitment

Overall, the WSET Level 2 Award in Sake requires approximately 26 hours of total qualification time. This breaks down into 15 hours of guided learning (lessons, activities, and the 1-hour exam) and 11 hours of independent study working through the textbook, tasting your own samples, and reviewing practice materials.

Because this is a self-paced online course, you can spread that time across the course window however best suits your schedule.

Assessment for the Level 2 Award in Sake

  • The WSET Level 2 Award in Sake exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes.
  • To pass, you must correctly answer 55% of the questions:
    • Pass: 55% to 69%
    • Pass with Merit: 70% to 84%
    • Pass with Distinction: 85% and above
  • 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.

Helpful Resources

Level 2 Award in Sake Specification
See Course Information