Recommended Tutor Scheme
Handbook
includes application form
Wine and Spirit Education Trust
(WSET)
39-45 Bermondsey Street
London SE1 3XF
Phone: +44 (0)20 7089 3800
Fax: +44 (0)20 7089 3847
Email: wset@wset.co.uk
Web: www.wset.co.uk
www.wsetglobal.com
Issue 27
November 2007
1
Contents
Introduction
3
Introduction to WSET® Qualifications
4
About the Recommended Tutor Scheme
5
Approved Programme Providers
7
Summary of Fees
7
Code of Practice
8
WSET® Tutor Support Materials
8
Who to Contact
9
Application Form
10
2
Introduction
Welcome to the Wine & Spirit Education Trust
The WSET exists to promote, provide and develop high quality education and training in wines and
spirits for those in the wine and spirit trade or intending to join it, as well as for the interested
consumer. We aim to be the leading educational body in our field.
To achieve this, we design courses, produce teaching and learning materials and set examinations,
working through a network of Approved Programme Providers around the world. In 2005/06 over
17,000 students took a WSET qualification across 35 different countries.
We are a UK-based educational charity. We work closely with the drinks industry, educational
partners world-wide and the relevant regulatory authorities.
Recommended Tutor Scheme
WSET qualifications have been evolving since their inception in 1969. They are now recognised as
the benchmark for wine and spirit education in the UK and have achieved world-wide recognition.
The WSET Recommended Tutor Scheme was developed to cater for this expansion of the Trust,
nationally and internationally.
The aim of the Scheme is to provide WSET Approved Programme Providers and students with a
minimum standard of delivery of the Level 2 and Level 3 WSET qualifications. This is through a
system of evaluation, provision of support, tutor materials and a programme of professional
updates.
Education Partners
Through WSET Awards we oversee the appointment, administration and support of an extensive
network of third-party teaching and examination centres around the world: the WSET Approved
Programme Providers.
The WSET School administer the WSET Recommended Tutor Scheme, for individuals wishing to
teach the Level 2 Intermediate Certificate in Wines and Spirits and the Level 3 Advanced
Certificate in Wines and Spirits.
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Introduction to WSET® Qualifications
Our qualifications are formally recognised by the UK Government, and have a strong reputation
internationally because of their wide ranging coverage of the subject—an important factor in an
increasingly global business.
WSET qualifications are available at five levels, enabling candidates to progress through a clear
and comprehensive educational structure providing them with the knowledge and skills required
for a career in the drinks industry:
WSET® Level 1 Foundation Certificate in Wine
This qualification aims to provide the basic product knowledge and skills to prepare a person for
their first job in the Industry.
WSET® Level 2 Intermediate Certificate in Wine and Spirits
This qualification provides a broad introduction to all product categories and to the theory of
tasting technique, and is suitable for those with little or no previous experience in the drinks
industry.
WSET® Level 2 Professional Certificate in Spirits
This qualification offers a broad introduction to the spirits of the world and the theory of tasting
technique. It is suitable for those with little or no previous experience in the spirits industry.
WSET® Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Wines and Spirits
This qualification is a more comprehensive study of the wines and spirits of the world, with an
increased focus on tasting. Candidates will be required to demonstrate underpinning knowledge of
wines and spirits and be able to apply this in a multiple choice question paper, a short written
answer paper comprising four questions, and a practical tasting assessment.
WSET® Level 3 International Higher Certificate in Wines and Spirits
WSET® Level 3 International Diploma Entry Examination
Please note that these qualifications are available to international APPs only.
For further details please contact either Jude Mullins jmullins@wset.co.uk or David Wrigley MW,
dwrigley@wset.co.uk
WSET® Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits
This is a specialist qualification where detailed knowledge is combined with commercial factors and
a thorough system for the professional evaluation of wine. The Diploma is recommended by the
Institute of Masters of Wine for candidates wishing to pursue membership.
WSET® Level 5 Honours Diploma in Wines and Spirits
This is an individual research project that enables students to develop skills in research, evaluation
and analysis in a wine- and spirit-related subject of their choice. This qualification is open to
anyone holding the WSET Level 4 Diploma.
4
About the Recommended Tutor Scheme
Which levels can I be recommended to teach?
The Scheme recommends its tutors to teach Level 2 Intermediate Certificate and Level 3 Advanced
Certificate.
Who can apply?
Applicants must have up-to-date wine and spirit product knowledge and have recent experience in
the delivery of WSET qualifications, with comprehensive understanding of the WSET Systematic
Approach to Tasting. Teaching qualifications and/or teaching experience shown by portfolio are
preferable.
Having passed at least 3 Units of the Level 4 Diploma is mandatory for all tutors. Tutors applying
for Recommendation to Advanced Certificate Level should already hold the WSET Level 4 Diploma
in Wines and Spirits. It is also mandatory that all Advanced Level tutors attend a L3 Assessor
Workshop, which gives approval to assess the tasting unit of the examination paper.
It is mandatory that applicants attend a WSET three-day Tutor Training Workshop—please read
the Summary of Fees on page 7.
Three-Day Tutor Training Workshop
This is divided into 5 modules.
Module 1 is mandatory for all new tutors and covers an Introduction to the WSET, followed by a
three-hour session on developing teaching and learner skills. Module 2 covers the WSET
qualification structure and Social Responsibility.
On the second day, Module 3 Foundation training then Module 4 Intermediate. Module 5 after
lunch covers the Professional Certificate in Spirits, Advanced Certificate and L3 assessor training.
Each Tutor must give a short presentation at Intermediate Certificate Level demonstrating what
was learnt in Module 1. This serves the dual purpose of giving Tutors the opportunity to observe
their peers and enables the WSET to observe and give feedback to the Tutors on their
presentation and teaching skills. This presentation will happen on day 3 of the course. This
observation forms the basis of passing the 3 day Workshop.
These training days are held throughout the year at the WSET’s premises in London Bridge.
New Tutors applying to join the Scheme will not be signed up or receive the benefits of
the Scheme until they have attended and passed the Workshop.
Definition
A WSET educational programme is a course of study, set out and supported by the Trust, which
prepares candidates for one or other of the WSET Awards. Recommended Tutors offering such
programmes through Approved Programme Providers (APP) have the right to use the name and
logo of the Trust alongside their own promotional and related literature.
Validity
A tutor number will be issued to tutors and recommendation will be valid initially for three years.
Upon production of students’ results, feedback from students and evidence of updated wine
knowledge, the tutor can apply to renew for another three consecutive years subject to payment
of the annual fee.
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How to Apply
If you are now ready to join our Scheme and feel you meet the requirements specified, please
complete the application form at the back of this handbook, and send it with supporting
documentation and the appropriate fee to the address given. Applications will be assessed
individually and you may be asked to submit more details. Once received, and checked for
completeness, if the application meets the criteria, the tutor will be notified in writing that
membership of the Scheme has been granted and will be sent a Recommended Tutor Pack and
details for attending the Tutor Training Workshop. Normally, this process will be completed within
two weeks of receipt of the application.
Benefits
Benefits to which Recommended Tutors are entitled are as follows:
Continual professional development through:
 Tutor specific Global Campus including:
events diary
discount subscription of Just-drinks website
market data
trade publications
 free Assessor training for Advanced Certificate Level 3
 free Foundation level training
 free subscription to Recommended Tutor e-newsletter
 updated Study Pack materials, as and when produced, for level of Recommendation
 Tutor CD
PowerPoint presentations
Specification
Session plans
SAT sheet
Tasting mats
 networking opportunities
 opportunity to attend seminars arranged specifically for Tutors
 opportunity to attend Study Tours to wine regions
Marketing:
 advertising contact details on our website
 details made available to all Approved Programme Providers.
Discounts:

6
10% or more off some materials.
Approved Programme Providers (APP)
WSET Awards operates a strict quality assurance programme for all its qualifications, which meets
the ISO9001 quality standard. This enables us to meet all the regulatory requirements in the
United Kingdom and also benefits APPs and their students. A key feature of these arrangements is
that APPs are only approved once we have confirmation that they meet all our quality criteria.
The Approval Scheme is designed to cover the way in which APPs administer the registration of
individual candidates, and conduct examinations. It also considers the provisions that each APP
makes to prepare candidates for examinations.
The Approval Scheme:
guarantees that the APPs meets the stringent requirements of WSET Awards
enhances the quality and prestige of WSET qualifications
allows WSET Awards to demonstrate to the UK Government’s regulatory body (QCA) that we
have rigorous and robust quality assurance arrangements in place to safeguard the integrity of
our qualifications
 ensures clear and systematic communication between WSET Awards, APPs and candidates
 offers publicity opportunities for Programme Providers through WSET channels such as the
web site.
Only WSET APPs can offer WSET courses and order WSET qualification examination papers.
For further details about the APP Scheme, please contact John Townley, 020 7089 3843 or via
email jtownley@wset.co.uk



Summary of Fees
New Tutors
New Tutors applying to join the Scheme will pay an initial fee plus an annual fee which varies
according to the level of recommendation sought. The annual fee is valid from 1 December to 1
December and is NOT pro-ratable. On application, Tutors should pay the joining fee of £150,
which is non-refundable. Tutors will receive notification that they are booked onto the next
Tutor Training Workshop (TTW), which is valued at £500 worth of training.
Upon passing the TTW, Tutors will be charged the relevant annual fee and receive the Tutor
CD(s), Student Pack(s), membership of the online WSET Global Campus and be listed in the
relevant directories. Tutors are also entitled to pay £110 for the Foundation Certificate and CD if
they wish to tutor the Foundation level.
Tutor’s who fail the TTW will be notified at the Tutor Training Workshop.
Tutor Recommendation fees
New Tutor Fee
Annual fee for Intermediate Certificate level
(AIWS members receive £20 discount)
Annual fee for Intermediate Certificate and Advanced Certificate levels
(AIWS members receive £25 discount)
2007/8
£150.00
£ 90.00
£152.00
NB. Status as a Recommended Tutor alone does not allow you to order examinations; therefore
you cannot offer WSET qualification examinations unless you register as an Approved Programme
Provider (APP).
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WSET Support Materials

WSET Tutor CD (Intermediate and Advanced) including: PowerPoint Presentations,
Specification, Session Plans, Systematic Approach to Tasting sheet, Tasting mats, Ariadne*

WSET Intermediate Certificate Course Material Pack and textbook*

WSET Advanced Certificate Course Material Pack and textbook*

WSET Video Series

WSET Foundation Certificate Study Pack

WSET Foundation Certificate Tutor CD

WSET Professional Certificate Course Material Pack and textbook

WSET Professional Certificate Tutor PowerPoint Presentation
For further information please contact our Sales Team on 020 7089 3800 or sales@wset.co.uk
*Provided as part of the Recommended Tutor Scheme
Code of Practice for Recommended Tutors
Recommended tutors undertake to:
Comply with WSET standards of delivery, including coverage of learning outcomes, use of up-todate study and teaching materials, and recommended tasting samples;
Observe the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting when teaching tasting skills;
Comply with WSET Equal Opportunities Statement;
Comply with the WSET Copyright requirements;
Accept external inspection by or on behalf of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust;
Accept regular quality monitoring by the relevant Approved Programme Provider;
Include promptly any changes to educational programmes as notified in Information Update;
Bear full responsibility for the communication of required standards to non-recommended tutors
who may be appointed by the Recommended Tutor to deliver individual course units;
Keep accurate course records of individual sessions, tutors, and attendance;
Keep students informed of the programme timetable and notify any alterations promptly;
Represent the WSET in a fitting manner at all times;
Maintain the integrity of the WSET and its awards and in particular uphold the WSET values of
impartiality and objectivity.
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Copyright
Recommended Tutors are permitted to use the WSET® logo to advertise their offering and to
promote WSET® courses. The WSET® will pursue instances of unauthorised copying where these
are identified. This applies to segments of materials such as maps as well as entire publications.
The WSET® Systematic Approach to Tasting© checklist for each of the WSET® courses is available
for duplication. All copies must carry the acknowledgement and copyright statement.
Withdrawal of Recommendation
Approval as a WSET® Recommended Tutor may be suspended or withdrawn at any time if the
Recommended Tutor has not complied with the Recommendation criteria or any of the WSET®
policies, regulations, requirements, procedures and guidelines which are currently in force.
Where Recommended Tutor approval is withdrawn, the tutor will always be given a reasonable
period of notice.
Approval may be withdrawn by WSET® School at any time if:
·
·
·
The Tutor has a proven case of major malpractice against them
Payment for WSET® services is not received in accordance with the payment terms;
A Regulatory Authority gives guidance that Recommendation should be withdrawn.
We may decide not to withdraw approval immediately but to discuss the problem and give a
reasonable time period within which to implement corrective action.
Who to contact
For further details about the
Recommended Scheme
email: amoss@wset.co.uk
Contact Ngarita Warden
Tel: 020 7089 3811
email: nwarden@wset.co.uk
For enquiries concerning purchase of
materials
For enquiries on Approved Programme
Provider Scheme or our Customer
Service Statement
Contact JOHN TOWNLEY
Tel: 020 7089 3843
email: jtownley@wset.co.uk
For enquiries on Syllabi and Learning
Outcomes
Contact ANTONY MOSS
Tel: 020 7089 3826
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Contact SALES
Tel: 020 7089 3800
email: sales@wset.co.uk
For any other enquiries
WSET GENERAL CONTACT DETAILS:
Tel: 020 7089 3800
Fax: 020 7089 3847
email: wset@wset.co.uk
website: www.wsetglobal.com
Recommended Tutor Application Form
(Please complete ALL 3 PAGES in block capitals)
Personal Details
Full Name:
Correspondence Address:
County:
Post Code:
Date of Birth:
Candidate Number:
Daytime contact telephone number:
Mobile phone number:
Email address:
Approved Programme Providers for whom you teach or wish to teach:
Alternatively, please tick this box if you do NOT wish your name and contact details to
be published in the Directory of Recommended Tutors.
RECOMMENDATION LEVEL
The level of recommendation requested
Intermediate Certificate only
Intermediate Certificate + Advanced Certificate
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QUALIFICATION/SKILLS
Qualifications in wines and spirits:
Please state the year passed and grade if known
WSET Level 1Foundation Certificate:
WSET level 2 Intermediate Certificate:
WSET Level 2 Professional Certificate:
WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate:
WSET Level 4 Diploma:
WSET Level 5 Honours Diploma:
Training/Teaching qualifications:
Please give details, including title, awarding body and year attained
Tutors without formal training qualifications but who have appropriate experience should
attach full details, together with written reference(s) from the organisation(s) concerned
in support of their application.
Tutors who have already conducted courses leading to WSET qualifications should
confirm the examination numbers of their three previous courses, or supply the name of
the APP and date of the examinations below.
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Tutors who have attended a Tutor Training Workshop or other seminars organised by
WSET should give details below:
Please state membership of Trade organisations, eg regional Wine & Spirit Associations,
the Association of Wine Educators etc:
I apply to become a Recommended Tutor of the Wine & Spirit Education
Trust, and enclose a non-refundable new tutor fee of £150 (applicable until
31 July 2008). I agree to pay the relevant annual fee, as outlined on page 7,
upon successfully competing the Tutor Training Workshop.
I wish to attend the Tutor Training Workshop on
( Please contact Ngarita Warden nwarden@wset.co.uk or tel 020 7089 3811 for available training dates.)
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge the statements made in this application are
correct. I confirm that I agree to abide by the Code of Practice for Recommended Tutors
and Terms and Conditions as set out by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
Signature:
Date:
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