WCC Judge Skills Program
Build Your Skills as a WCC Judge.
If you're new to competition judging and want to learn how to do it well, or you're already judging and want to sharpen your skills, this program is built for both. It focuses on the WCC judging framework used at regional and world-level barista competitions.
Over two days, we cover judging mindsets and alignment, the WBC scoresheets and scoring scales, comment writing and calibration, the technical and sensory rules across espresso, milk, and signature courses, and the practical skills of stage behavior, deliberation, and debriefing.
Built for aspiring judges, experienced baristas moving into judging, and current judges looking to improve their scoring and comment writing.
What You'll Walk Away With
- Judging mindsets and alignment across a judge team
- How to read and score using the WBC scoresheets and scoring scales
- How to write clear, useful comments for competitors
- The technical and sensory rules across all barista course categories
- The practical skills of stage behavior, deliberation, and debriefing
What We'll Cover.
01 Judge Mindsets and Alignment
- Adopting the competitor-first judging mindset
- Recognizing personal preferences and bias
- The concept of alignment (formerly called calibration)
02 WBC Format, Scoresheets, and Comment Writing
- The WBC structure and judge team roles
- Scoresheets and the WCC scoring philosophy
- The three types of assessments: discriminative, descriptive, and affective
- The four scoring scales (yes/no, 0-3 accuracy, 0-3 impression, 0-6 experience)
- Best practices for comment writing
- Comment calibration
03 Rules and Score Categories
- Rules as tools for addressing questions
- Technical judging protocol and score categories
- Sensory judging protocols across espresso, milk beverage, and signature courses
- Barista evaluation categories
- Video routine evaluation for technical and sensory judging
- Qualities of a champion
04 Practical Judging in Action
- Stage behavior during a competitor's routine
- Deliberation with your judge team
- Debriefing competitors after their round
- The appeals process
Included in Your Registration.
- Official WBC scoresheets and printable resources
- All coffee and materials for both days
- Video routine evaluation and calibration exercises
- Comment writing and calibration practice
- Lunch and refreshments both days
Everything You Need to Know Before You Come.
Duration
2 Days
Class size
Max 12 Students
Level
Beginner to Intermediate
Location
422 11 Ave SE #104, Calgary · Map
Trent Rollings
I founded Timberline and am the lead educator at the school. I've spent years in the industry as a World Coffee Championships Representative and Certified Judge, Q Grader/Instructor, and an Accredited Coffee Trainer, and have experience running coffee shops, a roastery, and training labs.
I wrote and developed this WCC Judge Skills Program for World Coffee Championships.
In class, my focus is creating a safe, fun environment to practice and develop your skills. I break concepts down so they're easier to understand and give you time to try them yourself.
4.9 Stars from 28 Google Reviews.
"Trent is a great instructor. Well organized, communication was super clear, and he was quick to answer any questions before and after the class."
Small class, tons of hands-on time. I finally understand how to dial in at home.
Worth every dollar. Trent explains the why behind everything, not just the how.
Good to Know.
Do I need any experience?
None required. This program is designed for both new judges and current judges looking to improve. Whether you're stepping into your first competition or you've been judging for a while, we start with foundational mindsets and build through the practical judging skills.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself. All the equipment, coffee, and materials are provided here at the school.
Where does it take place?
At our coffee school: 422 11 Ave SE #104, Calgary, AB T2G 0Y4. Everything happens on site unless a date says otherwise.
What if I need to reschedule?
No problem. You can move to another date up to 48 hours before your session. Just get in touch and we will sort it out.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. Canadian students can split any purchase through Shop Pay at checkout, up to 24 monthly payments (subject to approval, often interest-free on eligible plans).
