How to Qualify

The WSET operates a rigorous approval process over applications to run our courses, designed to:

*  guarantee that the Programme Provider meets the stringent requirements set by WSET® Awards, the WSET division which administers the scheme, and complies with the requirements laid down by OfQual, our official regulator

* enhance the quality and prestige of WSET qualifications

* safeguard the quality of our qualifications

The approval process has both a generic element and sections specific to each qualification that a provider wishes to offer. It involves:

* initial discussions with the WSET Awards office

* the completion of the General Application form (please read the relevant Guide(s) first) and the relevant qualification application forms, below

* an approval visit by WSET Awards;

* the payment of the relevant fee

Educator Requirements

A key criteria for approval is that the APP must have eligible educators to deliver the courses.  The basic requirement is that the educator (s) must hold the WSET qualification above the one that they are applying to teach (or hold a WSET-recognised equivalent qualification) and at least one educator at each APP must have completed the required modules of the Certified WSET Educator training.  Details of the Educator programme can be found here.  (Please note that one place on the Educator training programme is included in the APP application fee and that when a place is being booked as part of an APP application, potential educators who are only teaching up to Level 2 qualifications do not need to have passed the WSET Diploma). 

If you need to book a place on the Educator Training programme, please submit that application form with your APP application.

APP Application process

There is a General Approval Guide and General Application form for applying to become a WSET Programme Provider (including a summary of the fees payable) available below.

Please ensure that you complete both the General Application form and the specific form(s) for the qualification(s) you wish to offer.

2010-2011 General Application Form and Guide

 0 - General Application Guide 2010-2011 (2410KB)

 0 - General APP application form 2010-2011 (2440KB)

Applicants are also advised to read the General Chapter of the APP Operating Handbook prior to commpleting their application form.  This document contains the general rules and regulations, policies and procedures that all APPs are required to comply with.

Please note that this document is over 50 pages long

 0 - APP General Handbook 10-11 (1124KB)

2010-2011 Qualification Application Guides:

 1 - Foundation Certificate Guide (1474KB)

 1b - Foundation Spirits Guide (5177KB)

 2 - Intermediate Certificate Guide (2104KB)

 2b - Professional Certificate Guide (7218KB)

  3 - Advanced Certificate Guide (130KB)

2010-11 Qualification Application Forms:

 1 - Foundation Certificate application form (2288KB)

 1b - Foundation Spirits Application form (2290KB)

 2 - Intermediate Certificate application form (2300KB)

 2b - Professional Certificate application form (2296KB)

 3 - Advanced Certificate application form (2298KB)

International APPs

International APPs are asked to contact the International Development team (international@wset.co.uk) prior to completing their application forms.

Email John Townley jtownley@wset.co.uk or call him on +44 (0)20 7089 3843 for further information.