WSET is transitioning to Digital Certificates and e-Badges for all qualifications, with the rollout happening gradually over the next few months. At VSF, Digital Certificates and e-Badges for Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications are set to launch on 1st April 2025, while those for Level 3 qualifications will launch on 1st August 2025 (*see Special Note below). This significant development highlights WSET’s commitment to sustainability and modernisation.
Key Benefits:
Faster Delivery: You will receive your Digital Certificate link immediately upon receiving your exam results via email, compared to the current waiting time of an additional 6-8 weeks for paper certificates after exam results are released.
Security: No more risk of loss or theft—your Digital Certificate and e-Badge are stored on a secure online platform, accessible anytime, anywhere. You can save the certificate as a PDF for easy sharing, or share the Digital Certificate link directly with your current or future employers.
Easy Updates: Your personal information on the Digital Certificate can be amended quickly. Once you submit the necessary supporting documents (e.g., a change of name deed, marriage certificate, etc.), WSET can update your student record and make the necessary corrections to your Digital Certificate.
Effortless Sharing: Sharing your Digital Certificate and e-Badge on social media platforms like LinkedIn is easier than ever. You can also add your credentials to your Digital Wallet for quick and convenient access.
Verification Made Simple: Employers can quickly and easily verify the authenticity of your Digital Certificate online.
Printing Options: You can save the certificate as a print-quality PDF (with bleed margins) and have it professionally printed, available in both A4 and US Letter sizes.
Transitional Arrangements:
As part of the transition, all Approved Programme Providers (APPs) worldwide will switch to Digital Certificates and e-Badges by 1st August 2025 at the very latest. However, the exact dates vary from one school to another. At VSF, the transition will occur in two stages:
The transition to Digital Certificates and e-Badges for Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications will take place on 1st April 2025 (*see Special Note below).
The transition for Level 3 qualifications will occur on 1st August 2025 (*see Special Note below).
*Special Note: For Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications, it is the date of exam registration (rather than the exam date itself) that will determine the transition, while for Level 3 qualifications, the exam date (rather than the registration date) will be the deciding factor.
This means that if you take a Level 3 exam on or before 31 July 2025, you will receive a Paper Certificate and a physical Lapel Pin. If you register for a Level 1 or Level 2 exam on or before 31 March 2025 (even if the exam itself takes place on or after 1 April 2025), you will still receive a Paper Certificate and a physical Lapel Pin. However, if you register for a Level 1 or Level 2 exam on or after 1 April 2025, or if you take a Level 3 exam on or after 1 August 2025, you will receive a Digital Certificate and an e-Badge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: If I have already received (or will receive) a Paper Certificate and a physical Lapel Pin, can I request a Digital Certificate and e-Badge in addition to the paper version?
A1: Yes. You can order a "Digital Replacement Certificate" (with an e-Badge) for a fee through this WSET webpage:
Q2: If I have lost my Paper Certificate and physical Lapel Pin, can I request a Replacement Paper Certificate and a physical Replacement Lapel Pin?
A2: Yes. You can order a "Paper Replacement Certificate" (with or without a physical Replacement Lapel Pin) for a fee through this WSET webpage:
Besides, you can order a "Digital Replacement Certificate" (with an e-Badge) instead of, or in addition to, the paper version for a fee through this WSET webpage:
Q3: If I have already received (or will receive) a Digital Certificate and an e-Badge, can I request a Paper Certificate and/or a physical Lapel Pin in addition to the digital version?
A3: WSET's goal is to phase out Paper Certificates, so once you have received a Digital Certificate, no additional Paper Certificates can be issued. However, you can order a physical Lapel Pin (limited to one pin per qualification per student) for a fee through our school. This service is expected to be available starting 1 May 2025, and we will provide further details once the physical Lapel Pin ordering service is launched.
Q4: As a current student who has not yet taken the exam, what steps should I follow to receive a Paper Certificate (instead of a Digital Certificate)?
A4: For Level 1 and Level 2 students, please ensure you register for the exam on or before 31 March 2025 (note: the registration date, not the exam date, is what matters). For Level 3 students, make sure to take the exam on or before 31 July 2025 (note: for Level 3, the exam date is what matters).
Q5: As a current student who has not yet taken the exam, what steps should I follow to receive a Digital Certificate (instead of a Paper Certificate)?
A5: To receive a Digital Certificate, you can either wait until after 1 April 2025, to register for a Level 1 or Level 2 exam, or take a Level 3 exam on or after 1 August 2025. Alternatively, you can sign up before the respective deadlines to receive a Paper Certificate and later request a Digital Replacement Certificate through this WSET webpage (https://shop.wsetglobal.com/products/digital-certificate) for a fee.
Q6: I have other questions about the WSET Digital Certificate...
A6: Please visit WSET's webpage on Digital Certificates (https://www.wsetglobal.com/qualifications/digital-certificates/) for further details (including a "Student Guidance & Troubleshooting" document).
Comments