Sensory Skills Professional Course
Course Description
Sensory Skills Professional Course
Description
Sensory Skills Professional Course. Master the science of taste and aroma with the SCA Sensory Skills Professional course, the high point of coffee sensory training. This intensive program is designed for advanced professionals aiming to take control of quality assurance, lead sensory panels, and drive product development in speciality coffee. From gustatory profiling to interpreting sensory data and designing testing protocols, learners gain an in-depth understanding and actionable skills that are immediately applicable in high-level roles within roasteries, labs, and coffee businesses.
If you’re ready to influence coffee quality with evidence-based precision and shape coffee experiences from farm to cup, this is your next career milestone.
Why This Course?
The sensory experience of coffee is its most powerful storytelling tool. Being able to identify and standardize those experiences across teams and markets is a mark of excellence. This course empowers you with:
- Precision in sensory measurements
- Industry-aligned evaluation skills
- Leadership in sensory panel design
- Competence in new product development and shelf-life analysis
Why Choose This Training?
- Delivered by Authorized SCA Trainers (ASTs) with 10+ years of experience
- Cutting-edge sensory equipment, facilities, and calibrated cupping labs
- Small group, hands-on, and immersive learning experience
- Certification opens doors to sensory roles worldwide in QC, product design, and R&D

Course Details
Feature |
Details |
| Prerequisites (Mandatory) | SCA Sensory Skills Intermediate Course
A good grasp of cupping protocols, sensory vocabulary, and data collection is expected. |
| SCA Points Earned | 25 Points towards SCA Coffee Diploma |
| Skill Level | Advanced (Professional level) |
| Fees (VAT Exclusive) | AED 5,250 – 5,618 |
| Certificate Award | SCA Sensory Skills Professional Certificate (counts towards SCA Coffee Diploma)
|
| Duration | 3 Full Days / 21 Hours (7 hours x 3 Days) |
| Delivery Mode | English, small-group setting, max 6-8 participants per class |
| Training Mode | In-person, practical and theory-based |
| Intake Dates | Scroll down for TRAINING CALENDAR & upcoming intake dates and BOOK NOW |
| Location | Electra St., COOP Building, Level 7, Wing 701, Office 10, next to ADCB Bank headquarters, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
Who Should Attend?
- Quality Control professionals in coffee roasteries or green coffee traders
- Sensory Lab managers and product developers
- Head Baristas and Trainers aspiring to lead sensory training
- Coffee buyers, consultants, and Q-graders are expanding their speciality expertise
- Any professional preparing for SCA Coffee Skills Diploma with sensory specialization
What You Will Learn
- Overview of advanced sensory science
- Physiology and sensory attributes
- Taste and aroma thresholds
- How stimuli interact and alter perception
- Mapping sensory chains from stimulus to response
- Application of the SCA Flavor Wheel and WCR Lexicon
- Ranking gustatory intensities
- Detecting quality differences in key sensory attributes
- Advanced understanding of mouthfeel, balance, and aftertaste
- Sensory profiling of positive vs. negative coffee attributes
- Designing and executing descriptive sensory profiles
- Sensory panel design, calibration, health and performance tracking
- Green coffee assessment in relation to processing methods
- Designing tests for new product development and shelf-life monitoring
- Planning objective sensory tests and analyzing data output
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Apply advanced sensory principles in real-world settings
- Identify green coffee attributes relevant to quality grading
- Lead and calibrate sensory panels to SCA standards
- Rank and differentiate sensory attributes with high accuracy
- Use data interpretation techniques to support quality control decisions
- Design structured sensory testing programs for R&D and consumer feedback
- Evaluate sensory impact of post-harvest processes on cup profile
- Establish consistency across quality teams and across market evaluations
Training Calendar
FAQs
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Is this course suitable for Q-graders? Yes, it complements Q Grading by expanding applied sensory design and data analysis.
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Do I need to bring my own cupping tools? No, all tools, forms, and materials are provided.
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Can I take this course without Intermediate level? No, SCA mandates completion of the Intermediate certificate.
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Is this recognized internationally? Yes, the certificate is recognized by all SCA member organizations globally.
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What does the exam include? It includes a written test and extensive practical assessments on profiling and calibration.
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Can I use this certificate for employment in R&D labs? Yes, many R&D teams consider this training essential for product testing and innovation roles.
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Are there breaks or refreshments? Yes, light snacks and refreshments are served. Coffee is on us!
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Do I need lab or science background? Not necessary, but understanding cupping and sensory vocabulary is crucial. We recommend you our Cupping Course HERE
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How often is this course held? It runs quarterly; early booking is recommended due to limited seats.
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What is the class size? Between 6 and 8 participants for personalized attention.
Courses Frequently Bought Together
Packages Frequently Bought Together
- Full Sensory Track: Foundation + Intermediate + Professional (10% bundled savings)
- Sensory+ Roasting Professional Bundle (5% Bundled Savings)
- Sensory + Green Coffee Professional Bundle (for R&D careers)
What to Bring:
- Comfortable shoes for standing during cupping and tests
- Curiosity, focus, and your sensory intuition
- Notebook (optional but recommended)
Age Requirement
18 years and above
Buy this course to your loved ones

Addon
Gift Card: AED 157 (Free Delivery with in Abu Dhabi and Dubai)
