WCC Judge Skills Program
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Want to judge at the World Coffee Championships (WCC) or refine your judging skills? The WCC Judge Skills Program is designed for aspiring and experienced judges looking to improve their competencies and prepare for certification. This hands-on training breaks down WCC rules, scoring, and sensory evaluation, helping you judge with confidence and consistency. Whether you're new to judging, a competitor wanting to understand scoring, or an existing judge preparing for certification, this program will sharpen your skills.
*Please note this is an education program with a certificate of participation from the SCA/WCC. This is not the same as a judge certification.
**This program will be taught in English
Duration: 2 Days (16 Hours)
What You'll Learn
WCC Purpose, Structure & Ethics
- Understand the history and mission of the World Coffee Championships
- Explore the roles of judges, reps, and organizing committees in competition structure
- Review the Code of Conduct and ethical standards expected of WCC judges
Competition Rules & Judging Framework
- Learn how WCC rules are developed, interpreted, and applied in real-world settings
- Understand the role of rules as tools for fairness, clarity, and consistency
- Prepare for hands-on judging activities by reviewing key resources and expectations
Judging Roles & Responsibilities
- Gain clarity on the responsibilities of sensory, technical, and head judges
- Understand the WBC and WBrC formats, scoring systems, and competition flow
- Recognize the importance of a competitor-first mindset and collaborative judging
Scoring Systems & Evaluation Types
- Explore scoring scales including Yes/No (0-1), Accuracy (0-3), Impression (0-3), and Experience (0-6)
- Differentiate between descriptive, discriminative, and affective evaluations
- Learn how to evaluate technical elements like cleanliness, workflow, and dosing
- Develop sensory evaluation skills for espresso, milk, and signature beverage courses
Practical Judging Application
- Write clear, constructive, and rules-based comments
- Calibrate scores with other judges and align perceptions of quality
- Evaluate individual beverages and complete full routine scoring
- Participate in guided deliberation sessions and practice adjusting scores
- Refine comment clarity through comment calibration exercises
- Conduct professional competitor debriefs with supportive, actionable feedback
Who This Course is For
- Coffee professionals & enthusiasts preparing to become certified WCC judges
- Current & aspiring judges seeking to deepen their understanding of WCC rules, roles, and scoring
- Trainers and educators responsible for preparing competitors or judging teams
- Competition organizers and national body coordinators aiming to align with global standards
- Competitors looking to better understand how their routines are evaluated
Course Prerequisites
No prior experience is required—this course is designed for beginners to intermediate skill levels.
What's Included
- Facilitator Fee
- Facility Usage
- All Required Coffee
- Sensory Activity Supplies
- Printed Handouts & Resources
- Lunch and Snacks
- Course Certificate (upon successful completion)
- All SCA Fees
Develop Sensory Alignment for Judging
Learn how to evaluate and align your perception of coffee quality with the WCC scoring system, ensuring fair and accurate assessments.
Understand WCC Scoring & Evaluation
Gain in-depth knowledge of competition formats, scoresheets, and rules to confidently assess competitors at the highest level.
Prepare for WCC Judge Certification
Improve the judging competencies needed to pass WCC judge certification in order to take your place in the world of competitive coffee judging.
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 get a certificate?
Yes. All students receive an official Certificate of Completion from the WCC/SCA at the end of the 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.
