BECOME A REGISTERED
SCA INSTRUCTOR
Designed for coffee professionals who are passionate about education, this pathway helps you begin teaching with confidence using approved SCA resources.
What is a Registered SCA Instructor?
Share your coffee knowledge and start teaching the SCA’s Intro to Cupping Workshop. Becoming a Registered SCA Instructor is an accessible first step into specialty coffee education, giving you access to approved teaching materials, global recognition, and opportunities to support coffee learners in your community.
How a Registered SCA Instructor is Different than an Authorized SCA Trainer (AST)
Both Registered SCA Instructors and Authorized SCA Trainers (ASTs) play important roles in SCA education. Here's a quick comparison to help you understand the differences between the two pathways.
| Category | Registered SCA Instructor | Authorized SCA Trainer (AST) |
|---|---|---|
| Level | An accessible way to begin teaching SCA education | A pathway for experienced educators to deliver SCA certificate programs |
| What You Can Teach | Approved introductory SCA workshops, such as Intro to Cupping workshop | SCA certificate programs |
| Who It's For | Coffee professionals interested in teaching and sharing foundational knowledge | Experienced coffee educators and industry professionals |
| Requirements | Complete the Registered Instructor application and assessment process | Complete requirements & AST application |
What you'll gain as an instructor
Teach Approved Introductory SCA Workshops
Deliver beginner-friendly workshops using official SCA learning materials designed to support consistent and engaging coffee education experiences.
Flexible Teaching Opportunities
Lead workshops in cafés, training spaces, events, roasteries, or educational environments.
Access Official SCA Educational Resources
Access structured teaching resources and workshop content that help you confidently guide learners through foundational coffee topics.
Grow Your Professional Network
Strengthen your credibility within the global specialty coffee community while connecting with coffee trainers, educators, and professionals who share knowledge and best practices.
Support New Coffee Professionals
Help aspiring coffee professionals build essential industry knowledge and practical skills as they begin their coffee journey.
Pathway Into Coffee Education
Expand your opportunities within coffee education, training, and professional development while growing your experience as an instructor.
Steps to become a Registered
SCA Instructor
The registration process is designed to be simple, accessible, and easy to complete online.
Submit Your Application
Complete your registration or login through the SCA Membership Portal and provide your professional details.
1
Review the Instructor Requirements
Read and accept the instructor terms, workshop guidelines, and registration policies.
2
Access Your Study Materials
Prepare using the official learning resources covering cupping fundamentals, workshop delivery, and the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA).
3
Complete the Knowledge Assessment
Pass the required open-book assessment to demonstrate your understanding of the workshop content and teaching expectations.
4
Pay the
Registration Fee
Pay a one-time $25 USD registration fee and gain access to official SCA instructor materials, workshop resources.
5
6
Start
Teaching
Get immediate access to official workshop content and start teaching introductory SCA workshops.
Start teaching with the SCA
Contribute to the future of specialty coffee through education, mentorship, and community learning. Becoming a Registered SCA Instructor gives you the tools and recognition to begin teaching with confidence.