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Wine & Beverage Education

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Program Overview

Johnson & Wales University is a leader in beverage education, with thousands of candidates certified by various credentialing organizations.

JWU is accredited as a WSET® Approved Program Provider. A successful career is marked by an appropriate education verified by a credible certification program recognized by the public and peers.

  • These credentials are an essential element of a wine, beer & spirits professional’s commitment to personal career development and, ultimately, to the beverage industry.
  • Individuals that receive professional certification raise the standard of proficiency in the wine, beer, and spirits industry, be it retail (on- or off-premise), distribution, or on the supplier end.
  • Professional certification encourages individuals to pursue excellence and achieve subject mastery.

For Registrants

  • Registration closes 2 weeks prior to the start date, unless otherwise noted below.
  • For companies registering employees for in-person and online courses: Each candidate must have a separate email address to ensure timely communication around login credentials, remote exam instructions, system checks, and grade results.
  • Register a unique email address for each individual if registering more than one person or giving courses as a gift.
  • Online courses are delivered as asynchronous programs with educator support. Students can contact the educator with questions at any time.
  • Textbooks will be handed out during in-person classes; online course materials include an e-book.
  • Remote exam date and time are to be chosen by the student at the time of course registration. Choose any day of the week (except UK holidays) and any time between 5am-7pm (EST).
  • Contact Keri Adams at 401-598-2339 if you require any registration assistance.

Refund Policy: To receive a full refund, you must cancel your registration up to one week (7 days) before the scheduled class. JWU reserves the right to cancel courses due to insufficient enrollment.

REGISTER FOR CLASSES
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WSET LEVEL 1 CLASSES

WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN WINE
$425 | In-person instruction and same-day, in-person exam

  • Session 1: 10/14/23 from 9am-5pm
  • Session 2: 12/2/23 from 9am-5pm
  • Session 3: 3/30/24 from 9am-5pm
  • Session 4: 4/20/24 from 9am-5pm

The Level 1 Certificate is an entry-level introduction to wine. It is ideal for consumers, restaurant or retail sales professionals who are new to wine. It is also a great course for those wanting to learn the primary wine styles, grape varietals, tasting techniques, food and wine pairing and service. This one day, 8-hour session includes wine tasting and food and wine pairing exercises concluding with a short multiple-choice exam.

WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN WINE
$375 | 4 weeks | Online instruction, ebook and remote exam

  • Session 1: 9/18-10/15/23
  • Session 2: 10/16-11/12/23
  • Session 3: 2/19-3/17/24
  • Session 4: 3/18-4/14/24

The Level 1 four weeks Certificate is an entry-level introduction to wine. It is ideal for consumers, restaurant or retail sales professionals who are new to wine. It is also a great course for those wanting to learn the primary wine styles, grape varietals, tasting techniques, food and wine pairing and service.

The 5 course modules should take approximately six hours to complete and should be followed in sequential order.

  • Exam re-sit fee: $95 (if student fails the first exam)
  • The 45-minute exam must take place after the scheduled end date of the course.
  • Email Jennifer Broderick with scheduling questions.

WSET LEVEL 1 AWARD IN SPIRITS
$375 | 4 weeks | Online instruction, ebook and remote exam

  • Session 1: 8/21-9/17/23
  • Session 2: 10/16-11/12/23
  • Session 3: 3/4-3/31/24
  • Session 4: 4/29-5/26/24

This course is an entry-level introduction to spirits. The qualification is ideal for consumers, retail and hospitality professionals who need a basic familiarity with the main styles and categories of spirits Successful candidates will be able to list the principal spirits categories, state their defining characteristics, and know the key principles involved in the storage and service of spirits. They will consequently be in a position to answer customer queries and provide recommendations for the service of spirits.

  • The 7 course modules should take approximately 6 hours to complete and should be followed in sequential order.
  • The 45-minute exam must take place after the scheduled end date of the course. Schedule remote exam date and time up to 25 working days prior to the end of the course by emailing Jennifer Broderick.
  • Exam re-sit fee: $95 (if the student fails the first exam)
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WSET LEVEL 2 CLASSES

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
$945 | 9 weeks | In-person instruction and in-person exam

  • Session 1: Saturdays, 10/7-12/2/23 from 1:30-3:30pm
  • Session 1 Exam: 12/9/23
  • Session 2: Saturdays, 2/3-3/30/23 from 1:30-3:30pm (no class 3/9)
  • Session 2 Exam: 4/6/23

Note: Registration closes 1 week prior to the start date.

The internationally recognized Wine & Spirit Education Trust® is offering a unique program for wine enthusiasts, food and beverage professionals, and hospitality management.

This intensive 9-week intermediate-level program includes wine production and classification and a fascinating look at all the major wine-growing regions of the Old and New World. Sparkling and fortified wines are included. Approximately 50 wines are tasted. This course is recommended as a starting point for those lacking experience before proceeding with the Advanced Level 3 or the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW).

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
$745 | 5 weeks | Online instruction, e-book and remote exam

  • Session 1: 10/2-11/5/23
  • Session 2: 11/13-12/17/23
  • Session 3: 1/22-2/25/24
  • Session 4: 3/18-4/21/24

The 6 course modules should take approximately 36 hours to complete and should be followed in sequential order over the five weeks.

Hybrid delivery option is available for an additional $75 and includes 3 in-person class sessions. Attendees have e-book access for one year. A print copy of the textbook costs an additional $65.

  • Schedule remote exam date and time up to 25 working days prior to the end of the course by emailing Jennifer Broderick
  • The 60-minute exam must take place after the scheduled end date of the course.
  • Exam re-sit fee: $145

WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits

$745 | 5 weeks | Online instruction, e-book and remote exam

  • Session 1: 10/2-11/5/23
  • Session 2: 11/27-12/31/23
  • Session 3: 1/22-2/25/24
  • Session 4: 3/18-4/21/24

Looking to enhance your knowledge of spirits? This 9-week course aims to provide a comprehensive level of focused product knowledge for avid consumers and to bolster job skills and competencies — for example, in bar service or for staff who require focused product knowledge in retail and/or wholesale business. Successful candidates will be able to give information on the characteristics of the principal spirits and aromatized wines and their production methods. They will confidently guide users in the use and service of spirits and make informed recommendations to customers when selecting spirits and liqueurs to meet their taste and price requirements.

This course is recommended for those needing additional knowledge to take the Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Certification course.

  • Schedule remote exam date and time up to 25 working days prior to the end of the course by emailing Jennifer Broderick
  • The 60-minute exam must take place after the scheduled end date of the course.
  • Exam re-sit fee: $125 (if the student fails the first exam)
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WSET LEVEL 3 CLASSES
WSET LEVEL 3 AWARD IN WINES
$1655 | 13 weeks | In-person instruction and exam

  • Session 1: Saturdays, 10am-12:30pm from 9/9-12/9/23 (No classes 9/22 or 9/30)
  • Session 1 Exam Date: 12/16/23
  • Session 2: Saturdays, 10am-12:30pm from 1/27-4/20/24 (No class 3/9)
  • Session 2 Exam Date: 4/27/24

Note: Registration closes one week prior to the course start date.

Designed for the wine enthusiast and professional who is qualified at the Level 2 Awards in Wine. This 13-week program will examine the process of wine production in great detail. You will study production methods and labeling laws as they relate to wines from around the world. You will come away with a thorough knowledge of wines from different regions of Europe, the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. You will study Champagne, Sherry, and Port wines. In short, you will have done what is necessary to have the knowledge to be successful in your field. More than 70 wines are tasted in class.

  • Exam re-sit fee, tasting component: $125
  • Exam re-sit fee, theory component: $225

WSET LEVEL 3 AWARD IN WINES
$1855 | 9-13 weeks | Hybrid course option | Mix of in-person/remote classes and in-person exam

  • Session 1: 9/18-11/19/23
  • Session 1 Exam: 12/16/23
  • Session 2: 1/29-3/31/24
  • Session 2 Exam: 4/27/24

Attend most of the class sessions in person (and on campus) with our WSET educator. In parallel, enroll in the online course; keep up with modules for grading and feedback over 9 weeks and 9 modules. The exam is in-person.

Print copy of the textbook is included. $115 if you would also like the e-book.

WSET LEVEL 3 AWARD IN WINES
$1395 | Online instruction, e-book with an in-person exam

  • Session 1: 9/18-11/19/23
  • Session 1 Exam: 12/16/23
  • Session 2: 1/29-3/31/24
  • Session 2 Exam Date: 4/27/24

The nine course modules should take approximately 10 hours per week to complete and should be followed in sequential order. Total course hours = 90 over the 9 weeks. The 3-hour exam must take place in person.

Optional Hybrid Delivery: You are welcome to join 4 class sessions in person. You will have e-book access for one year; a print copy of the textbook costs an additional $115.

  • Exam re-sit fee, tasting component: $125
  • Exam re-sit fee, theory component: $225