Overview
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.
Highlights
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 Calibration & 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.
Schedule
Previous
Next
Days 1 & 2
Throughout this immersive experience, you’ll:
Practice using intensity scales and hedonic scoring
Engage in cuppings calibrated to official SCA sensory references
Explore how flavor, value, and consumer preference intersect
Learn to use CATA (Check-All-That-Apply) and other modern evaluation tools
This is not a lecture-based course—expect collaborative tasting sessions, expert feedback, and skill-building exercises that you can take directly into your cupping lab or QC routine.
Gallery
What's included
What's Included
Facilitator Fee
Facility Usage
All Required Course Equipment & Supplies
Lunch & Snacks
Free-Flowing Brewed Coffee Throughout The Course
SCA Issued Certificate
What's Not Included
Travel to The Course
Any Required Accommodations During the Course
Tickets
Course Fee + Certification
All-in course fees including the certification fee.
FROM$519.37/pp
$668.83/pp
Educators
Trent Rollings
Accredited SCA Trainer, Evolved Q Instructor, World Coffee Championships Representative & Judge
Reviews
One of my favourite experiences was cupping with Trent. I have taken sommelier courses before, but Trent met me at my level throughout our cupping, helping me break down and understand the flavor components. Through his mentorship, I felt confident analyzing coffee, and I look forward to developing my palate further.
Eric L.
Dates
October 2025
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FAQs
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Q Graders preparing to transition to the new Evolved Q Grader certification before the 2025 deadline
- Quality control specialists looking to improve consistency and sensory precision across teams
- Coffee buyers aiming to make more confident and calibrated purchasing decisions
- Roasters seeking to better understand, communicate, and assess coffee value
- Coffee educators and trainers looking to stay current with evolving evaluation methodologies
- Cuppers and QC professionals wanting to align with the latest SCA-led industry practices
Am I guaranteed certification for this course?
The price of this course includes a certificate however a certificate can only be issued if the practical and written exams are passed successfully.
How long is the course?
The in-person course is 16 hours including breaks split over two days. During this time, you'll receive both theory and practical hands-on judging training.
Is there an exam?
Yes, there are written and practical exams for this course.
What certification do I receive upon completing the course?
Upon passing the exam, you’ll earn the official CVA for Cuppers Certificate of Completion from the Specialty Coffee Association signifying that you have successfully completed the program. This is the certificate required as a part of fast tracking Q grader credentials to Evolved Q Grader.
Is there a payment plan available for this course?
Yes, all of our courses have payment plans when booking more than one month in advance. The final payment for the course is due one month before the course.
Do I need experience to take this course?
No prior experience is required.
Do I need to bring anything to the course?
Everything you need will be provided, including meals and snacks, but you may want to bring a notebook for personal notes.
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 accommodate for them when ordering snacks and lunch.
What is the difference between courses and camps?
Courses are structured training classes focused on developing specific coffee skills, such as barista techniques, brewing, and sensory analysis. They typically don't include accommodations or additional opportunities beyond the course itself.
Camps are all-inclusive, immersive experiences that include but go beyond structured courses. They combine hands-on coffee education with community-building, outdoor activities, and unique experiences, creating a deeper connection to coffee and the people behind it.