---
title: Grading FAQ for Professors
description: "**Wine Educator Access – National Wine School** Welcome to your grading dashboard. This resource explains the grading tools available through the **Wine Educator Access** portal and outlines how they apply to different course levels. Our system blends automated evaluation with…"
url: "https://wineschool.us/help/grading-faq-for-professors/"
updated: "2025-07-21"
category: Universities and Wine Schools / Professors
---

# Grading FAQ for Professors

**Wine Educator Access – National Wine School**

Welcome to your grading dashboard. This resource explains the grading tools available through the **Wine Educator Access** portal and outlines how they apply to different course levels.

Our system blends automated evaluation with professor-led assessments—ensuring that student performance is judged fairly, consistently, and in accordance with national wine education standards.

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## Tastings Grading

*For L2 and L3 Courses*

This is the **primary grading tool** for most professors. While theory exams are auto-scored, **in-class tasting exams must be manually evaluated** by the instructor.

**How to access:**
Go to the **Wine Educator Access** page and click **“Tastings Grading.”**

**What to grade:**

- Blind tasting accuracy
- Sensory evaluation skill
- Terminology use
- Descriptive clarity and structure

A tasting rubric is provided in the **Professor Package** for each course. Use it to assign consistent and defensible scores. Prompt grading is expected after the tasting exam is completed.

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## Override Grading

*Used for manual entry of grades outside the LMS*

This option is available when a student completes an exam or assessment **outside the standard online platform**—for instance:

- In-class theory retakes
- Missed quizzes with approved makeups
- Handwritten exams or paper-based assessments

**Access it from:**
**Wine Educator Access → Override Grading**

**Requirements:**
Override grading is reviewed by National Wine School management. You must document:

- The date and context of the assessment
- Grading criteria used
- The student’s work or your scoring notes

If requested by an NWS auditor, you must supply this information within twenty-four hours of the request.

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## Automated Grading

Some course levels rely on automated grading:

| Course Level | Automated Components | Manual Grading Required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| L1 | Entirely automated | None |
| L2 | Theory exam only | Tasting exam (in class) |
| L3 | Theory exam only | Tasting exam (in class) |

Theory exams are auto-scored through our platform. Professors **only need to step in** if an override or re-test is approved.

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## Essay Grading

*Typically for L4 (Advanced Sommelier) and higher*

This tool is used for programs that include formal written assignments, such as:

- Position papers
- Extended tasting analyses
- Advanced wine theory essays

Essays appear in the **Essay Grading** tab when required. Use the rubric provided in the course’s professor package.

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## Assignment Grading

*Primarily for L4+, or where legally required*

This section is rarely used for standard certification levels, but may appear in the following cases:

- Advanced coursework with structured assignments
- Legal compliance: e.g., **ID upload for age verification** in certain jurisdictions

Assignments, if present, should be reviewed promptly and scored according to provided criteria.

---

## Grading Protocols & Academic Standards

To maintain accreditation and national consistency:

- Use standardized rubrics from your course’s **Professor Package**
- Grade tasting exams within 72 hours unless otherwise arranged
- Document any overrides clearly and submit backup
- Maintain grading records for **at least 12 months**