THE COFFEE VALUE ASSESSMENT (CVA)
The Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) is the Specialty Coffee Association’s system and tool for evaluating coffee. It offers a high-resolution picture of each coffee’s attributes, helping to understand why a coffee is valuable, and to which markets.
The CVA framework
The CVA was developed in collaboration with professionals, scientists, and researchers to bring together four important ways to assess coffee: its physical characteristics, sensory descriptors, affective qualities, and informational attributes.
This framework is grounded in scientific research and reflects the complexity and diversity of specialty coffee.
Rather than rely on a single score, the CVA combines four complementary assessment types to capture a full picture of coffee’s value. Coffee evaluators can conduct one or all of these assessments the more assessments completed, the more detailed a picture they will record.
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Physical Assessment
Evaluates the physical attributes of coffee, such as color, defects, moisture content, and size. The Physical Assessment is based on the 2004 SCA green coffee grading system and includes a standalone practical exam within the Q Grader course.
1
Descriptive Assessment
Objectively records sensory attributes of coffee, including aroma, flavor, texture, and aftertaste using standardized language.
2
Affective Assessment
Captures an evaluator’s impression of coffee quality, related to their personal or market preference. How much do they like the coffee’s sensory profile and which aspects do they like or dislike?
SCA Standard 104
3
Extrinsic Assessment
Evaluates information beyond the cup that adds value, such as certifications, origin traceability, and processing information.
SCA Standard 104
4
Download the CVA forms
Download a full PDF of the four forms that make up the Coffee Value Assessment below, currently available in seven languages.
English
English
English
English
English
English
English
Glossaries & reference tools
Supporting resources to help professionals apply and understand CVA terminology, methodology, and evaluation frameworks.
Affective Score Calculator
An interactive tool to calculate and interpret affective assessment scores from the CVA framework. Designed for use alongside the SCA-104 form.
Terminology Glossaries
Standardized definitions for all CVA terminology, available in English and translated into multiple languages for global use.
English Glossary List View
English Glossary Grid View
Translation Glossaries
Olfactory Examples
Reference examples for olfactory descriptors used in descriptive assessment. Helps calibrate and align evaluators on aroma and fragrance terminology.