FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Do I need to wait for my result to be released before enrolling into other courses or proceeding to the next level?

No, you do not need to wait for your result to be released. You may simultaneously enrol into other course or proceed to the next level while waiting.
What if I fail the exam?

You can retake the exam with a re-sit fee specific to each course. Please contact us to coordinate an exam re-take.
I passed an exam, but want to re-sit to achieve a higher score. Can I do that?

It is WSG policy that no person with a passing score be allowed to re-sit an exam. There are two reasons: WSG does not want one individual exhausting their question bank and compromising the integrity of the exam. WSG offers prizes each year for top-scorers. If everyone could re-sit until achieving a perfect score, there would be no point to rewarding those who studied hard and scored highly on the first attempt.
Is the test open book?

No, the in-person exam is proctored. When sitting the exam, no books, notes, maps or other materials can be on the desk/table, on the walls, or on the computer screen.
How do I collect my certificate and lapel pin?

We will contact you to arrange for collection at an agreed location. If you request for your certificate and lapel pin to be mailed, we will mail them via registered post and charge you a nominal fee to cover both administrative and postage costs. Please contact us to coordinate on such arrangement.
The use of abusive language and/or the display of unruly behavior against our staff.

Our team is committed to help our participants who need any assistance or administrative support regarding our courses. We also uphold the wellbeing of our staffs in term of their physical and mental health. Therefore, we reserve the right to refuse service to any potential participants who use abusive language or display unruly behavior through any means of communication channels targeted at our staffs.
Is there a tasting component to the exam?

No. The exams do not include a tasting component.
What is the format for the exam?

Wine Scholar exams consist of 100 multiple-choice questions. There is no tasting component to this exam. Participants have one hour to complete the exam.
Are the Wine Scholar exams beginner level?

No. These are advanced exams conferring a professional post-nominal. It is helpful to have a solid, general wine background before embarking on these courses of study.
How long should I spend in study?

Some chapters are longer than others, but the smaller units might contain the most amount of new information. For this reason, we recommend spending an average of four hours per chapter. In sum, participants should plan on approximately 100 hours of study and review in preparation. However, this is a broad generalization. Individuals will need more study time if their wine background is not strong.
What if I have a score below 75% for both units?

It is recommended that the participant start by retaking the exam for the unit with the lowest score. If the new composite score is above 75%, the IWS post-nominal is conferred. If not, the participant may register to retake the exam for the other unit.
What if I score below 75% on one unit and my composite score for both units does not average 75%?

The participant may register to retake the exam for the unit which did not achieve a passing score (75%).
Can I move onto the second unit if I do not achieve a passing score on my first unit exam? Should I retake my first exam before registering for the next unit?

This is a personal decision. Participant may opt to re-sit the exam with a numerical score under 75 or move on to the next unit in the hopes of scoring high enough to achieve a composite score of 75 or higher. Please note that all exam re-takes incur an additional fee. Obviously, it is best to be prepared for each exam the first time you sit.
What do I get after I sit the exam for my first unit?

After an exam is graded, each participant receives their results from us. Passing only one unit does not confer a certificate or post-nominal.