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
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.
As a trainer, you can:
Steps to become an Authorized SCA Trainer (AST)
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.
1
Submit your application
Provide your industry experience, training background, certifications, references and any other supporting documentation.
2
Complete a knowledge assessment
Eligible approved applicants take a program-specific knowledge assessment.
3
Attend the AST course
Complete the required online course with live sessions and assignments.
4
Get licensed and start teaching
Pay the license fee, sign the agreement, and start delivering SCA courses.
5
Continue your professional development as an AST
Continue developing your knowledge, teaching skills, and industry experience as an Authorized SCA Trainer.
6
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 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 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.
Understand what you pay
How SCA pricing works
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.
Aligns education costs with local economic conditions
Improves accessibility across producing and consuming countries
Supports long‑term participation across the value chain
This approach:
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.
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)
SCA license fees are based on:
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.
Pricing Group Details
Expand your training business
Become a Q 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 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.