Course Description

SCA Sensory Intermediate Course- Sharpen Your Senses

Description

SCA Sensory Intermediate Course – Sharpen Your Senses. The course builds on the concepts and skills introduced in the Sensory Skills Foundation course. It prepares the learner for more complex job functions in the sensory evaluation of coffee and related products.

This course covers a wide range of topics, including the physiology of taste and aroma; the types of sensory analysis tests, the operation of a cupping session; the diversity of coffee attributes; the use of the SCA Flavor Wheel and WCR Sensory Lexicon; and the implementation of a sensory analysis panel and session.

Whether you’re aiming to enhance your role in a speciality coffee business or looking to become a recognised sensory expert, this course gives you the structure, tools, and real-world techniques to get there. A written exam tests intermediate course knowledge, while a practical exam assesses the learner’s ability to identify basic differences in coffee attributes and recall fragrance identification.

Why this Course?

The world of speciality coffee is no longer just about brewing; it’s about knowing. Sensory Skills Intermediate isn’t just another course; it deeply gets into how and

why coffee tastes the way it does. This course empowers you with an enhanced understanding of:

• Human sensory perception
• Industry-grade testing protocols
• Flavor impact factors across the supply chain
• Practical testing, like triangle tests, in/out tests, and cupping panels

It prepares you to taste coffee and understand it, and make data-driven sensory decisions in any professional coffee setting.

Who Should Attend?

This course is tailor-made for:

• Coffee professionals working in QC, roasting, green buying, or product development
• Sensory analysts and cupping lab technicians
• Baristas and trainers looking to upgrade their sensory skills
• Coffee enthusiasts are serious about becoming cupping panelists or SCA-certified experts
• Coffee brand owners focused on flavor profiling and product consistency

What You Will Learn

This course introduces you to the complete intermediate-level knowledge spectrum, including:

1. Sensory Analysis Principles – The role of sensory science in coffee evaluationPurpose of cupping as related to sensory science
2. Physiology & the Senses – Taste, smell, aroma, and tactile understanding
3. Types of Sensory Tests – Analytical (triangle tests, in/out tests) vs. affective test
4. Flavor Attributes and Mouthfeel – From brightness to body and beyond
5. Supply Chain Impact – How origin, processing, and roasting affect taste
6. Cupping Protocols – Roles, tools, environment, and SCA-approved forms
7. Flavor Wheels and Lexicons – How to use and interpret sensory frameworks
8. Sensory Panels – Building, training, and managing a cupping panel
9. Data Collection – Setting up effective scoring systems and test reliability
10. Quantitative vs Qualitative Tests – Understanding accuracy and confidence in sensory decision-making

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the physiological factors that influence flavor perception
• Conduct and evaluate a range of sensory analysis tests, including triangle tests
• Identify and differentiate key coffee flavor attributes using controlled testing
• Set up and manage a cupping panel for internal quality control
• Apply WCR Lexicon terms in real sensory analysis sessions
• Operate cupping sessions following SCA protocols with accuracy and consistency
• Interpret cupping data and apply it to quality or product improvement decisions
• Implement scalable sensory programs for coffee businesses

Course Details

Training Calendar

[tockify component=”calendar” calendar=”coffeepodium”]

Why Choose This Training?

At CP Coffee Academy, we deliver more than certifications we craft coffee professionals. Here’s what makes our Sensory Skills Intermediate course unique:

• Trainer-led SCA-accredited sessions with authorised SCA trainers (AST)
• Small group sizes to maximise interaction and personal feedback
• A sensory lab environment equipped with calibrated tools and real speciality coffees
• Opportunities to practice cupping under real competition and production conditions
• Access to current WCR Sensory Lexicon, SCA Flavor Wheel, and descriptive scales
• Real-life sensory analysis applications for cafés, roasteries, and quality control teams

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the course suitable for non-baristas or those outside cafés? Yes, anyone with a genuine interest in flavor and coffee quality can benefit, including product developers, coffee buyers, and enthusiasts.

2.  Is this course only about tasting?
   No. It combines the science of taste with practical applications for businesses, training, and quality control.

3.  What is the passing score for certification?
   A minimum of 70% in both written and practical exams is required to earn the SCA Intermediate certificate.

4.  Can this help in a career in roasting or quality control?
   Absolutely. Sensory evaluation is a core skill in both disciplines and is highly valued by employers.

5.  Is there a refund if I can’t attend?
   Please refer to our refund and rescheduling policy. We do offer alternate dates or credit toward another course.

6.  Can I take this course if I haven’t done the Foundation level?
   Yes, though we strongly recommend taking the Foundation first for best understanding.

Courses Frequently Bought Together

• SCA Introduction to Coffee
• SCA Sensory Foundation
• SCA Roasting Foundation

Packages Frequently Bought Together

Intermediate Sensory + Intermediate Roasting
A solid combo for professionals moving into production or QC.

Full Sensory Track (Foundation + Intermediate + Professional)
Best value for those planning a long-term career in sensory or quality analysis.

Team Training Package
Get your café or roastery team trained with a customized group session.

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll be standing during cuppings)
• Notebook or tasting journal
• Curiosity and a clean palate (avoid perfumes or strong food before training)

Age Requirement

Participants must be 18 years and older to attend and participate in certification exams.

Addon

Gift Card: AED 157 (Free Delivery Fee within Dubai and Abu Dhabi)

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