SCA CVA for Cuppers Course
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Get equipped with the newest approach to coffee evaluation—and prepare for the future of sensory analysis. The Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) for Cuppers course is a hands-on, two-day training designed to introduce you to the Specialty Coffee Association’s updated method for assessing coffee.
This course helps cuppers, roasters, and quality professionals apply the CVA framework in real-world contexts—covering descriptive, affective, physical, and extrinsic evaluation.
For current Q Graders, this course is required to fast-track toward the new Evolved Q Grader certification, which will become the industry standard by the end of 2025.
Duration: 2 Days (16 Hours)
What You'll Learn
- Understand the purpose and structure of the SCA Coffee Value Assessment (CVA)
- Use 15-point intensity scales to evaluate sensory attributes
- Calibrate with others using shared reference standards
- Identify and apply aroma and flavor categories using sensory references
- Apply CATA (Check All That Apply) lists for descriptive analysis
- Use the CVA Descriptive Form to profile coffees objectively
- Use the CVA Affective Form to assess perceived quality and personal or market preference
- Practice affective cupping and recognize how preferences differ across tasters
- Evaluate extrinsic coffee attributes like origin, processing, and certifications
- Complete descriptive, affective, and extrinsic assessments across multiple cuppings
- Understand the role of impression of quality in coffee value assessment
- Prepare for and complete the CVA written and practical exams
Who This Course is For
- Green buyers evaluating samples or lots
- Roasters profiling or selecting coffees
- Q Graders & sensory professionals seeking alignment and to fast track to an Evolved Q certification
- Lab managers & trainers leading cuppings or education
- Exporters & producers wanting to understand buyer language
- Judges & competitors aiming to understand the competitions which have been affected by the CVA
Course Prerequisites
Participants should already be familiar with the cupping process and how to evaluate coffee using a cupping form. While cuppings will be conducted during the course, instruction on how to cup will not be provided.
What's Included
- Facilitator Fee
- Facility Usage
- All Required Coffee
- Sensory Activity Supplies
- Printed Handouts & Resources
- Lunch and Snacks
- Course Certificate (upon successful completion)
Explore a New Method for Coffee Value Discovery
Dive into the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA), a structured approach to evaluating coffee across quality, preference, physical traits, and context.
Hands-On Practice & Sensory Development
Build your sensory confidence through guided tastings, calibration sessions, and real-world application of the CVA cupping form.
Fast-Track Your Q Grader Certification
Build your sensory confidence through guided tastings, calibration sessions, and real-world application of the CVA cupping form.
Meet Your Trainer
Trent Rollings is the founder of Timberline Coffee School, a certified SCA trainer, and a World Coffee Championships Representative and Judge. With over a decade of international experience in coffee education and competition, Trent brings deep industry insight and a passion for helping others grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience to join?
Having a knowledge of how to cup coffee is essential for this course. Other than that, no prior experience is required.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. All students receive a the official CVA for Cuppers certificate upon successful completion of this course.
What do I need to bring?
Just yourself, a notebook, and a willingness to learn. We’ll provide everything else, including equipment, tools, tasting supplies, and printed resources.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We will send you a pre-course email before your course where we ask for any dietary restrictions you may have so that we can work to accommodate for them when ordering snacks and lunch.
