WSET Spirits Level 1 exam-day guide
WSET Spirits Level 1 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring a current, government-issued photo ID with your signature; the name must match your booking. Acceptable ID types vary by venue, so confirm the list with your course provider before the day.
Exam confirmation / appointment details
Have your booking confirmation to hand - printed or on your phone - showing date, start time, venue address, or (for remote exams) the join link and log-in instructions.
Know the format before you arrive
The Level 1 Award in Spirits is assessed by multiple-choice questions only - there is no tasting or written tasting note component at this level. Confirm the exact question count and time limit with your provider.
Pens and pencil (paper exams only)
If your exam is paper-based, bring two black or blue pens and a pencil with an eraser. Confirm with your provider whether the sitting is paper or online.
Tech check (online/remote exams only)
Test your laptop, webcam, microphone, and internet connection on the platform's system check at least a day ahead; have a phone nearby as a backup contact for technical support.
Quiet, clear workspace (online/remote exams only)
A private room, plain desk, good lighting, and a power cable. Remove notes, books, bottles, and any second screen unless the invigilation rules explicitly allow them.
Reading glasses if you use them
You may be reading a screen or paper for a sustained stretch; bring your glasses or contacts rather than relying on memory.
Water in a clear, label-free bottle
Only if the venue or invigilation rules permit drinks at the desk - confirm this with your provider in advance.
Plan your journey or log-in time
Aim to arrive at the venue around 30 minutes early, or to be logged in and waiting 15 minutes before a remote exam starts, to absorb delays and ID checks.
Phone switched off and stowed
Unless your booking confirmation says otherwise, phones and smartwatches must be off and out of reach for the whole exam; check the provider's device rules before you travel.
Access arrangements confirmed
If you need extra time, a separate room, or other adjustments, these are normally arranged in advance with supporting evidence - check that yours are confirmed in writing.
Revision summary sheet - for the journey only
A single page of key facts (main spirit categories, base ingredients, core production steps, standard serve sizes) for a last look on the way; it goes away before you enter the exam room.
Plan the day
Re-read the course specification and your notes, focusing on your weakest areas: raw materials and base ingredients, the main production steps (fermentation, distillation, maturation, flavouring or blending), the principal spirit categories, and basic service and responsible-drinking points. Do a set of practice multiple-choice questions, review only the ones you got wrong, then stop adding new material.
Complete one timed practice paper under exam conditions to get used to the pace - the paper is short, so most candidates finish comfortably. Note any topics you still hesitate on and give them one focused pass.
Light revision only - a skim of your summary sheet, no cramming. Pack your bag: ID, confirmation, pens. Check your travel route or your remote-exam set-up. Eat normally, avoid a late night, and get a full night's sleep; recall is better rested than overloaded.
Eat a normal breakfast, avoid drinking alcohol, and re-check the start time and address or join link. Leave early. Arrive about 30 minutes before the start (or log in 15 minutes early for a remote exam), switch your phone off, use the bathroom, and have your ID ready for checking.
Listen to or read the invigilator's instructions, check your name and candidate details are correct, and note the total time available. Read each question in full - watch for words like 'not' and 'main'.
Work through the paper at a steady pace, answering the straightforward questions first. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so never leave a blank - mark uncertain ones and come back. Check the clock roughly at the halfway point.
Make sure every question has an answer, re-read any you flagged, and check you have not missed a page or a question number on the answer sheet. Submit or hand in as instructed and keep the answer sheet with you until it is collected.
Results are marked and issued through your course provider; ask them at the start of the day roughly when to expect yours rather than chasing immediately.
Rules to check
Bring valid photo ID. Name on the ID must match the name on your booking; if it does not, contact your provider before exam day to correct it. Confirm with the provider which ID forms they accept.
Arrive or log in on time. Late arrivals may be admitted at the invigilator's discretion or refused - confirm your provider's late-arrival policy rather than assuming.
No unauthorised materials. Notes, textbooks, phones, smartwatches, and headphones are not permitted in the exam room or at a remote desk; devices must be switched off and out of reach. Breaches are treated as malpractice and can void your result.
The exam is short, so breaks are normally not permitted once the paper has started. If you have a medical need for a break or other arrangement, request it in advance with supporting evidence - confirm the process with your provider.
There is no negative marking. Attempt every question, even if you are guessing, and always double-check that no answer line has been left empty.
Do not share, photograph, or reproduce exam questions or content afterwards. Exam materials remain the provider's and awarding body's property, and disclosure is treated as malpractice.
Access arrangements such as extra time or a separate room must be agreed before the exam, not on the day. Confirm with your provider what evidence they require.
The pass standard is a percentage of the total marks (commonly 70% at Level 1, with all questions weighted equally) - confirm the exact pass mark and result timeline for your sitting with your provider.
Results and certificates are issued via your course provider after marking. Confirm their expected turnaround time and how resits are handled before you leave.