BECOME AN AUTHORIZED
SCA TRAINER (AST)
As an Authorized SCA Trainer (AST), you deliver SCA certificate courses using a globally recognized curriculum developed for the specialty coffee industry. You bring your experience into a structured education system while maintaining flexibility in how you teach. You set up your own course fees, choose your delivery format, and teach in environments that suit your approach, while meeting SCA standards and requirements.
Benefits of becoming an AST
As a trainer, you can:
Deliver official SCA certificate courses
Set your own course fees based on your local context
Deliver courses in approved formats, in line with SCA requirements
Design lessons aligned with SCA learning objectives and assessments
Teach in public or private settings at venues you choose
ASTs operate under a license that provides access to official materials, assessments, and ongoing updates. Continuing professional development is required.
All ASTs are expected to uphold the SCA’s Core Values and Code of Conduct.
Steps to become an Authorized SCA Trainer (AST)
1
Choose your training pathway
Choose the courses you would like to teach. Then ensure you have completed the required courses to be eligible to teach within that program topic.
2
Submit your application
Provide your industry experience, training background, certifications, references and any other supporting documentation.
3
Complete a knowledge assessment
Eligible approved applicants take a program-specific knowledge assessment.
4
Attend the AST course
Complete the required online course with live sessions and assignments.
5
Get licensed and start teaching
Pay the license fee, sign the agreement, and start delivering SCA courses.
6
Continue your professional development as an AST
Continue developing your knowledge, teaching skills, and industry experience as an Authorized SCA Trainer.
For current authorized ASTs
If you already hold an AST license and want to add another program, follow the steps above except #5: Attend the AST Course. You do not need to attend the AST course again when adding additional programs. You may need to sign an updated license agreement required.
Types of Authorized SCA Trainer (AST) licenses
AST Individual Trainer License
For independent trainers.
License is issued to you as an individual
No additional cost to add more programs (modules)
You can teach within your assigned country/region group, with the option to expand globally if needed
AST Enterprise License
(formerly Flex License)
For companies managing trainers internally.
Requires active SCA Company Membership
License is issued to the company, not individuals
Trainers under the license can add programs without extra cost
Teaching is limited to the company’s country/region group, with a global option available for companies teaching internationally
Each license covers one designated trainer, and additional trainers require separate licenses
A Course Administrator can be assigned for coordination
Course fees are managed by the company
What you can teach as an AST
Your AST license allows you to teach courses in the areas you are certified for. All ASTs are also qualified to teach Introduction to Coffee, regardless of their specialization.
SCA pricing is structured to support access and equity across the global coffee community.
License fees for trainers are based on country of residence, into five pricing groups. These groups are determined using International Monetary Fund data and Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) indices.
This approach:
Aligns education costs with local economic conditions
Improves accessibility across producing and consuming countries
Supports long‑term participation across the value chain
Understand what you pay
How SCA pricing works
The AST license fee
The AST license fee is the fee required to become an Authorized SCA Trainer (AST), with options for a 1-year or 3-year term.
SCA license fees are based on:
Your pricing group based on country/region of residence
Your license term (1 or 3 years)
Where you’ll teach (within your region or globally)
Pricing Group Details
Don’t see your country/region? The SCA is a US-based 501(c)6 non-profit and held to US sanctions. This list will be updated as sanctions adjust.
Expand your training business
Become a Q Instructor
As your training experience grows, you may choose to expand beyond AST certification and pursue the Q Instructor pathway. Q Instructors are authorized to teach and administer the Q Grader Course, helping support advanced sensory education across the coffee industry.
To become a Q Instructor, you must:
Hold a current Sensory Skills AST authorization.
Hold a valid Q Grader license, earned through completion of the 6 day Q Grader course with SCA.
Successfully complete the Q Instructor Onboarding Exam
To apply, complete the Q Instructor application through the SCA Trainer Portal.
Become a Registered
SCA Instructor
As your interest in coffee education grows, you can begin teaching by becoming a Registered SCA Instructor. This pathway allows you to deliver official introductory workshops, including Intro to Cupping, while supporting foundational learning in your community with access to approved materials and global recognition.
To become a Registered SCA Instructor, you must:
Submit your registration through the SCA Membership Portal
Review and accept the instructor terms, workshop guidelines, and registration policies
Prepare using official SCA study materials covering cupping fundamentals, workshop delivery, and Coffee Value Assessment (CVA)
Successfully complete the required open-book knowledge assessment
To finalize your registration, pay the one-time registration fee to gain access to official instructor resources and teaching materials.
The CTechP AST License authorizes the trainer to deliver all six CTechP courses, including Hydraulics Foundation, Electrical Foundation, Water & Preventive Maintenance Foundation, Intermediate Diagnostics & Repair, Intermediate Water Treatment, and Advanced Equipment Support.
Due to the importance of safety and the broad application of course content, the eligibility requirements for CTechP trainers are different from other certificate programs and include more documented career experience. An eligible applicant for the CTechP AST License will have the following:*
CTechP Hydraulics Foundation course certificate
CTechP Electrical Foundation course certificate
CTechP Water & Preventive Maintenance course certificate
CTechP Intermediate Diagnostics & Repair course certificate
CTechP Intermediate Water Treatment course certificate
CTechP Advanced Equipment Support course certificate
At least three years of confirmed experience servicing or repairing coffee equipment for external clients, or three years’ confirmed experience working in technical support as employee of an equipment manufacturer.
Experience as an active member of the coffee community, including attendance at trade shows, coffee events, coffee competitions, etc.
Two letters of recommendation
One letter speaking to subject matter expertise, submitted by:
An equipment manufacturer, or
A service or repair client, or
A colleague who serves in an equipment support or repair role
One letter speaking to the applicant’s ability as an instructor, submitted by:
An employee or colleague that has received training or instruction from the applicant, or
A client who has received training or instruction from the applicant, or
A person who has received instruction or training from the applicant outside of the coffee industry
Coffee Technicians Program - Limited License Eligibility
(For applicants applying to teach only the Water & Preventive Maintenance course)
Applicants must meet the following additional eligibility requirements:
Hold a current Barista and Brewing AST License
Pass the Water & Preventive Maintenance Foundation course
Have completed the AST Onboarding Course
Pass the CTechP General Knowledge Assessment
Becoming a CTechP AST and delivering SCA CTechP certificate programs is not possible in all countries due to certain regulations. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that CTechP certificate program courses can be taught in their country or local jurisdiction.
*Eligibility requirements are subject to change without notice.
Topics include:
Introduction to Coffee
Electrical (Foundation)
Hydraulics (Foundation)
Water & Preventive Maintenance (Foundation)
Diagnostics and Repair (Intermediate)
Water Treatment (Intermediate)
Equipment Support (Professional)
Want to upskill before teaching?
Earn the required certificates through the Technical Skills pathway.