WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits - Specification - Issue 2 - Fully revised and updated

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by Ivy

WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits Specification provides essential guidance for candidates and Approved Programme Providers on the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits. It defines qualification aims, structure, entry requirements, Total Qualification Time and Guided Learning Hours, and recommended progression. The document details four Learning Outcomes and associated assessment criteria covering spirits production factors, types, labelling, production of flavoured spirits and aromatised wines, and cocktail principles. It also includes recommended tasting samples plus examination guidance and examination regulations, ending with information on other WSET qualifications.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages28

Reading Time1 h 11 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Introduction to the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

Qualification aims

Entry requirements

Total Qualification Time (TQT) and Guided Learning Hours (GLH)

Recommended progression routes

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcome 1

Learning Outcome 2

Learning Outcome 3

Learning Outcome 4

WSET® Level 2 Award in Spirits Specification [wsetglobal.com](wsetglobal.com) Wine & Spirit Education Trust 39–45 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF, United Kingdom [wset@wsetglobal.com](wset@wsetglobal.com) [wsetglobal.com](wsetglobal.com) © Wine & Spirit Education Trust 2017, 2018, 2022 Issue 1, 2017 Issue 1.1 (minor amendments), 2018 Issue 2 (fully revised and updated), 2022 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without the prior permission in writing from the publishers. Designed by Ricky Wong Contents Introduction 4 1 Introduction to the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits 5 2 Learning Outcomes 7 3 Recommended Tasting Samples 17 4 Examination Guidance 19 5 Examination Regulations 21 6 WSET Qualifications 26 Introduction This Specification contains necessary information for both candidates and Approved Programme Providers (APPs) about the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits. The main part of the document is a detailed statement of the learning outcomes of the Level 2 Award in Spirits. These outcomes should be used by APPs to prepare programmes of learning, and by candidates to plan their studies, because the examination is specifically set to test these outcomes. The Specification also provides a list of recommended tasting samples, guidance concerning the examination and the examination regulations. At the end of this document you will also find information on the other WSET qualifications. 1 Introduction to the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits | Qualification aims
The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits is intended for people who have little or no prior knowledge of spirits. It is intended to provide a comprehensive level of focused product knowledge required to underpin job skills and competencies – for example, in bar service, and for staff requiring focused product knowledge in retail and wholesaling businesses.
Successful candidates will be able to give information on the characteristics of the principal spirits and aromatised wines as well as their methods of production. They will confidently provide guidance on the use and service of spirits and make informed recommendations to customers when selecting spirits and liqueurs to meet their taste and price requirements.
Qualification structure
Learning Outcomes
In order to meet the qualification aims there are four Learning Outcomes.
Learning Outcome 1 Understand the main production factors that affect a spirit's style. | | | --- | --- | | Learning Outcome 2 | Understand how the principal types of spirits are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics. | | Learning Outcome 3 | Understand how the principal types of flavoured spirits and aromatised wines are produced and labelled, and describe their key characteristics. | | Learning Outcome 4 | Know the principles used to create a balanced cocktail and name some core cocktail families. | 1 Introduction to the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits Entry requirements There are no restrictions on entry to the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits. Please refer to Section 1 in Chapter 5 for additional eligibility information. Total Qualification Time (TQT) and Guided Learning Hours (GLH) TQT is an estimate of the total amount of time, measured in hours, that a learner would reasonably need to be able to show the level of achievement necessary for the award of a qualification. It is made up of GLH and private study time. GLH include all tutor-supervised learning and supervised assessments. The TQT for the Level 2 Award in Spirits is 26 hours. This is made up of 15 GLH (of which 1 hour is for the examination) and 11 hours of private study. Recommended progression routes The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits, or an equivalent level of knowledge, is recommended for entry to the WSET Level 3 Award

FAQs

Who is the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits intended for?

It is intended for people with little or no prior knowledge of spirits, and for learners building focused product knowledge for job skills such as bar service or retail/wholesaling roles.

What is the Total Qualification Time (TQT) and Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the award?

The TQT is 26 hours, made up of 15 GLH (including 1 hour for the examination) and 11 hours of private study.

What do the four Learning Outcomes cover?

They cover spirits production factors affecting style, production and labelling of principal spirit types, production and labelling of flavoured spirits and aromatised wines, and principles for creating a balanced cocktail with core cocktail families.

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by Ivy