Sensory Foundations and Intermediate - SCA Certificate Program

Sensory and olfactory skills are used to identify and communicate the flavors and aromas found in coffee. Our certified sensory courses will help students develop these skills, and provide an overview of how to implement tasting and cupping skills in the coffee business. 

Foundation

Expose and sensitize student on the notion of specialty vs non-specialty coffee. Enabling the student to recognize the core concepts of sensory analysis, and explain why and how coffee professionals use it in the coffee industry. Broad focus will be put on identifying, describing and discriminating objectively aroma, taste and body in coffees. Students will be introduced to the SCA cupping protocol and methodology and reflect on the qualitative dimension of this evaluation methodology.

The Foundation level provides a first taste of a specific coffee discipline and is a great way to get insight into a module to help you decide if you want to go on to learn more.
The Foundation level requires no previous experience.
Courses at this level usually take 1 day.

Intermediate

To enable the student to apply core concepts of sensory science to analyze aroma, taste, and body differences in coffee. Students will be introduced to various testing methods including triangle and in/out and they will progress in their calibration of the SCA cupping form. Students will examine basic requirements for developing a sensory program at their place of employment.

The Intermediate level is suitable if you are already part of the industry, working in the field covered by the module, and have a firm knowledge of the basic skills.
Pre-requisite: Sensory Foundation (recommended only)
Courses at the Intermediate level usually take a minimum of 2 days.

How a Combo Class Works

The Combo Class is open for everyone from beginner to seasoned veteran.  It covers the curriculum in the Foundation and Intermediate Levels in order to give you a thorough experience and empowers you wherever you are in the coffee supply chain.  At the end of the course, you can choose if you would like to test at the Foundation Level, Intermediate Level or both.

Optional certificate testing typically occurs following this course.

If you would like to take the certification exam, please add the exam fee to your cart - in addition to the course.