How difficult is the SCA coffee certification exam?

How difficult is the SCA Coffee Certification Exam?

SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) is one of the largest coffee professional organizations in the world, and its coffee certificate exam is widely recognized and accepted. For those who want to develop in the coffee industry, obtaining the SCA coffee certificate is an important milestone. So, how difficult is the SCA coffee certificate exam? This article will analyze it from different angles.

1. The exam content is complex and comprehensive

First of all, the SCA coffee certification exam covers a wide and complex area of ​​knowledge, including roasting, tasting, extraction and many other aspects. For those who do not have relevant background knowledge or experience, it takes a lot of time and effort to learn and understand these knowledge points.

In addition, there are many details to master in each field. For example, in tasting, you need to understand the different types and origins of coffee beans and be able to accurately distinguish the tiny differences between them; in roasting, you need to understand the impact of different roasting degrees on flavor, etc. These knowledge points need to be mastered through a lot of practice and experience, so the exam is relatively difficult.

2. Strict exam requirements

The SCA coffee certificate exam has very strict requirements for students. Not only theoretical knowledge is required, but also certain practical skills. For example, in terms of extraction, you need to be proficient in various coffee making tools and techniques, and be able to adjust and optimize according to different situations.

In addition, another important part of the SCA coffee certificate exam is oral expression ability. During the tasting session, you need to accurately describe the taste, aroma and other characteristics of each sample and evaluate them using professional terms. This may increase the difficulty for non-native speakers.

3. The learning time investment is large

Obtaining the SCA coffee certificate is not a simple and quick process. In addition to attending training courses and studying materials, you also need to spend a lot of time on practical exercises and self-reflection and summary.

In terms of roasting, you may need to try many times to find the best roasting time and temperature. In terms of tasting, you need to frequently participate in coffee cupping activities and communicate and discuss with other professionals. All of these require a lot of time and energy.

4. The exam pass rate is relatively low

Since the SCA coffee certificate exam is difficult, the pass rate is relatively low. Especially in the primary stage, many people may fail to pass the exam due to insufficient theoretical knowledge or insufficient practical operation ability.

However, although the SCA coffee certificate exam is difficult, as long as you have enough enthusiasm, perseverance and patience, and are willing to work hard to learn and practice, you will be able to successfully obtain the certificate.

in conclusion

In summary, the SCA coffee certificate exam is quite difficult. It requires students to master complex and comprehensive knowledge, have certain practical skills, and spend a lot of time studying and practicing. Although the pass rate is relatively low, as long as you are fully prepared and work hard, you will eventually succeed.