Hosted at Pacific Coffee Research on Friday – Sunday, May 8-10 9 am – 4pm

Experience world-class coffee education in the vibrant growing region of Hawai‘i, where Pacific Coffee Research provides a dynamic setting for immersive, hands-on learning. Surrounded by active farms and a thriving local coffee community, participants gain a rare opportunity to connect theory with practice in an authentic production environment.

The Barista Skills Professional course is an advanced, three–day program designed for experienced baristas preparing to step into leadership and head barista roles. Participants must have successfully completed Barista Skills Intermediate and have a minimum of one year of professional barista experience prior to enrollment.

This course emphasizes a deep understanding of the science, technique, and decision-making behind professional barista work. Through guided instruction and practical application, participants will refine advanced espresso preparation, milk texturing, and latte art skills while developing a systematic approach to brew recipe development and beverage menu design.

Students will also explore a structured sensory and tasting methodology, gaining the ability to clearly describe coffee flavors and evaluate quality across beverages. Additional focus is placed on drink composition, ingredient selection, and workflow, as well as the skills required to train, guide, and manage others in producing consistent, high-quality drinks.

Assessment includes both a written exam evaluating theoretical knowledge and a practical exam based on professional working activities conducted throughout the course.

What You Will Learn

Advanced Drink Preparation & Quality Control: Gain a deep understanding of variables that influence espresso and milk-based beverages, including calibration, extraction analysis, and ingredient interaction. Use techniques to maximize drink quality through refined espresso preparation and milk texturing.

Sensory & Tasting Methodology: Use of a structured sensory approach to describe and evaluate coffee flavors with precision.

Menu & Recipe Development: Systematic methods for developing brew recipes that reliably deliver desired flavor profiles. Follow a framework for structuring beverage menus based on quality, consistency, and operational considerations.

Leadership & Barista Team Management: Skills for guiding, coaching, and overseeing others to produce consistent, high-quality drinks. Development of a practical understanding of workflow efficiencies and quality standards at a managerial level.

Theoretical Knowledge & Professional Standards: Advanced coffee science including ingredient effects, drink chemistry, and troubleshooting.

Why Take This Course

This course bridges scientific understanding and real-world practice — empowering baristas to produce consistently excellent coffee while cultivating leadership, sensory awareness, and operational excellence. Graduates leave with the knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully to the specialty coffee industry.

Additional Details:

3-day full-day course runs from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Registration includes SCA certificate fee, snacks, lunch, and coffee

Final Exam: Upon course completion, students have 21 days to take the SCA Barista Professional written exam online. A practical exam will be administered on the third day of the course.

SCA Course Enrollment Link

Hosted at Pacific Coffee Research

Wednesday- Monday May 13-18 9 am – 5 pm | 6-Day Course | Cost: $2250

Experience world-class coffee education in the vibrant growing region of Hawai‘i, where Pacific Coffee Research provides a dynamic setting for immersive, hands-on learning. Surrounded by active farms and a thriving local coffee community, participants gain a rare opportunity to connect theory with practice in an authentic production environment.

The SCA Evolved Q Grader Course represents the pinnacle of global coffee evaluation training and certification. Developed by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), this program is designed for experienced coffee professionals seeking to master the most advanced sensory and quality assessment system in the industry.

Over six intensive days, you will engage deeply with the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA), the SCA’s most comprehensive and contemporary framework for evaluating coffee quality. Through guided instruction, applied exercises, and rigorous testing, you will refine your sensory acuity, analytical precision, and professional judgment across every dimension of coffee evaluation.

Upon successful completion of all examinations, you will earn the SCA Evolved Q Grader Certification, a globally recognized credential that validates your exceptional expertise and leadership in coffee assessment.

Course Structure

Duration: 6 intensive days (48 total hours)

Location: Pacific Coffee Research, Hawai‘i

Format: Integrated theoretical instruction, practical exercises, and SCA certification exams

This advanced course merges conceptual learning with hands-on mastery, preparing you to perform at the highest international standard of professional sensory evaluation.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

1. Command the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA)

Understand and articulate the CVA’s theoretical foundations, and apply its principles strategically across professional and market contexts.

2. Execute Comprehensive Coffee Evaluations

Perform all four pillars of the CVA with precision and confidence to construct a full-spectrum profile of any coffee:

Physical Assessment: Examine green coffee for color classification, moisture content, bean sizing, and defect identification.

Descriptive Assessment: Map the sensory landscape by accurately identifying aroma, flavor, and textural attributes.

Affective Assessment: Evaluate coffee quality and potential objectively, considering diverse consumer perspectives.

Extrinsic Assessment: Identify and communicate value-adding attributes such as origin, producer story, certifications, and sustainability practices.

3. Analyze Through Multiple Lenses

Develop the ability to separate subjective taste from objective evaluation and to recognize how perceived value shifts across cultures, clients, and market segments.

Course Schedule

Day 1 Building Your Foundation: Orientation, cupping principles review, and in-depth exploration of CVA Physical Assessment (green coffee evaluation).

Day 2 Mapping Sensory Profiles: Comprehensive instruction in Descriptive Assessment, aroma and taste identification training, and the first practical exam on physical evaluation.

Day 3 Sharpening Sensory Precision: Triangulation and discrimination exercises, roasting defect analysis, and aroma identification testing.

Day 4 Understanding Perceived Quality: Deep dive into CVA Affective Assessment, evaluating coffees from multiple market viewpoints. Includes practical exams on triangulation and descriptive analysis.

Day 5 Beyond the Cup: Exploration of extrinsic attributes including heritage, certifications, and sustainability. Includes testing on roasting defects, basic tastes, and affective evaluation.

Day 6 Real-World Integration: Apply all learned competencies through authentic market scenarios (Value Discovery) and complete any second exam attempts if required.

Testing Standards

The Evolved Q Grader program includes nine comprehensive examinations: eight practical and one written,  covering all areas of professional expertise.

Each participant receives two attempts per exam during the course week and three attempts at the online written exam at no additional cost.

Please note: No retake opportunities exist beyond the course week. Failure to pass any exam will require full re-enrollment to pursue certification.

Important Additional Details:

The total for the course is $2150 and payment will be due when the course is confirmed, a link will be sent to registrants +$100 billed by SCA to student

Please register here and request enrollment through the SCA if you are interested in joining this course

A minimum of 5 students must be enrolled in order to confirm the course and we will notify registrants if the course is confirmed one-month prior to the start date

SCA course enrollment fee is included in the price of our course

Lunch, refreshments, and all materials provided and included in course fee

SCA Q Grader Course Enrollment Link