World Coffee Championships: Judge Skills Program
About this Event
Open to all, but specifically designed for judges, competitors and coaches who want a deeper understanding of how the World Coffee Competition performances are evaluated & scored.
THERE ARE THREE PROGRAM OPTIONS:
BARISTA: August 14 & 15 $700
BREWERS: August 16 & 17 $700
UNTIL JULY 25 - BOTH PROGRAMS: $1250
The number of students for each class is limited to ensure adequate learning and practice opportunities.
Why Attend?
The WCC Judge Skills Program is an educational course that introduces participants to the judging process, scoring systems, competition rules, and evaluation methods used across the World Coffee Championships. It is the ideal first step for anyone who wants to judge more consistently, prepare to compete more strategically, or coach competitors with greater comprehension.
Who is It For?
Prospective Judges : Build a strong foundation in WCC judging standards comprehension and prepare for the pathway toward WCC Judge Certification, in a learning environment with hands-on practice.
Excellent first step for those looking to judge at any national competitions too.
Competitors: Learn how performances are scored, to aid your design of routines, refine service choices, and make competition decisions with more specific intentions.
Coaches: Strengthen your ability to guide competitors using rules-based feedback, scoresheet language, and a deeper understanding of evaluation criteria.
What you’ll Learn:
- How WCC competitors are judged and scored
- Key judging criteria, evaluation systems, and scoresheet language
- The latest WCC Rules & Regulations and how they can shape decisions and be used as tools
- Practical calibration concepts for more consistent, fair and supported judging
- How to use the scoresheets efficiently (including comment calibration)
- How the Coffee Value Assessment framework supports sensory evaluation in competitions
- How to use judging insights to improve competition preparation and coaching
Program Benefits
- For Judges: Gain structured knowledge and confidence before taking the next step toward certification.
- For competitors: Understand what judges are looking for and align your routine ideas with official intentionality with regards to rule requirements.
- For coaches: Deliver clear, more accurate guidance and feedback using the same R&R based framework judges apply on stage.
- For the coffee community: Support more consistent judging standards and stronger competition preparation to create better overall professional development
Completion & Certificate
Participants who successfully complete the course receive an official digital certificate issued by WCC and SCA. The program is an educational course and serves as a foundational step toward judging national competitions or preparing for a WCC Judge Certification. Beginning in 2027, completion of the Judge Skills Program is expected to be a prerequisite for those looking to become WCC Certified Judges.
Your Instructors:
Our trainers bring unparalleled expertise to ensure a world-class experience. Both are official WCC Reps with over 20 years of experience and currently serving as Judge Operation Leads for the Barista and Latte Art competitions, respectively. They have collectively judged over 150 National Competitions, more than ten world finals, coached world champions and finalists and played key roles in delivering 6+ global Judge Certification programs (250+ world certified judges).
ADD-ON PROGRAMS: One day additional educational opportunites to hone your craft
Opportunity 1: Judge Certification Insight and Mentoring
On August 18, three WCC Reps will host a Judge Certification Insight and Mentoring workshop exclusively for participants of this event. This program is not mandatory; however, participation in BARISTA and/or BREWERS JSP is a prerequisite to signing up for this specific one day class. Learn more and register for the add-on workshop here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1993553345722?aff=oddtdtcreator
Opportunity 2: Judging Accuracy in Coffee Competitions
On August 17, three WCC Reps will host a workshop on Judging Accuracy in Coffee Competitions. The workshop is open to everyone. You will learn directly from WCC Reps how to use statistically-proven techniques as a competitor to determine the most ideal flavor descriptors to provide for each coffee or beverage; understanding how to better judge accuracy based on the CVA and latest sensory science; and how to understand & utilize the aromatic references and the Specialty Coffee Flavor Wheel descriptors and apply them in preparation and competition. Learn more and register for the add-on workshop here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-coffee-championships-judging-accuracy-in-coffee-competitions-tickets-1993558618493?aff=oddtdtcreator
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 700.00 to USD 1250.00
