SCA Green Coffee Intermediate
Course Overview: SCA Green Coffee Intermediate dives deeper into the world of green coffee buying, grading, and quality management. Building on foundational knowledge, this course explores origins, processing methods, defects, storage, contracts, and risk so you can make confident, informed decisions about the coffees you source.
Through a mix of lecture, cupping, hands-on analysis, and group discussion, you’ll connect theory to real-world scenarios and prepare for the official Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Green Coffee Intermediate written and practical exams.
What you’ll learn
Explain how variety, origin, climate, and processing impact quality and flavor in the green coffee supply chain
Identify and categorize common green coffee defects and understand their causes and quality implications
Understand key elements of green coffee contracts, logistics, and risk management
Evaluate green coffee quality using SCA protocols and relate green grading results to cup quality
Make informed purchasing decisions based on quality, price, and long-term supplier relationships
Prepare for and sit the SCA Green Coffee Intermediate written and practical assessment
Who should take this course?
Green coffee buyers and traders looking to deepen their technical knowledge
Roasters who select or influence green coffee purchasing decisions
Quality control and lab staff working with green grading and cupping
Café owners or managers interested in understanding the supply chain behind their menu
Coffee professionals who have completed SCA Green Coffee Foundation or have equivalent experience
If you routinely evaluate or purchase green coffee—or want to move into those roles—this intermediate-level class is designed for you.
Course Format
Duration: Typically 2–3 days of in-person training (exact schedule listed on the course date page)
Structure: Combination of classroom instruction, cupping sessions, practical grading exercises, and group discussion
Assessments: SCA Green Coffee Intermediate written exam and practical exam offered as part of the course
Materials: All cupping and grading materials provided; students are encouraged to bring a notebook or laptop for notes
Certification: Upon successful completion of the SCA exams, students earn the official SCA Green Coffee Intermediate certificate and SCA education credits
Why study at Firedancer
Firedancer Coffee Consultants is an SCA Premier Training Campus with a long history of preparing coffee professionals for success at every stage of the value chain.
When you study with Firedancer, you benefit from:
Experienced Instructors – Courses led by seasoned green buyers, Q Graders, and roasters who teach from real-world experience.
Hands-On Learning – Small class sizes, extensive cupping, and practical grading so you leave confident, not just informed.
Industry-Relevant Content – Training that reflects current market realities, pricing pressures, and quality expectations.
Supportive Environment – We prioritize approachable, feedback-rich instruction so you feel comfortable asking questions and pushing your skills further.
Professional Network – Connect with fellow buyers, roasters, and QC professionals building careers across the specialty coffee industry.
Join us at Firedancer to sharpen your skills, deepen your understanding of green coffee, and take the next step in your SCA education journey.
Payment & Cancellation, if applicable:
Once registration and tuition have been received for a course, we consider this to be a firm commitment for attendance. Last-minute participant substitutions are difficult to arrange, although we understand emergencies may arise that can affect attendance at programs offered by Firedancer.
We have established the following policy in case of course cancellation:
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If cancellation is made over 15 days before the program start date, 100% of the tuition, less a 10% cancellation fee, will be refunded, or 100% of the tuition is transferable to another program and/or date.
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If cancellation is made within less than 15 days prior to the program date, the entire tuition is non-refundable; however, you may transfer to a future date.
Firedancer reserves the right to cancel or reschedule events as necessary. In such a case, this will occur two weeks before the start of the event. Tuition may be refunded in full or transferred to a future seminar or course. In no event shall Firedancer Coffee Consultants be liable for any cancellation or change penalties assessed by an airline or hotel as a result of course date changes or cancellations.
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Tuition & Certificate Fees:
INCLUDED WITH TUITION: SCA certificate fees, if applicable. Student handbook, class activity materials, certificate of completion, snacks, and lunch (for classes longer than 6 hours).
NOT INCLUDED WITH TUITION: Airfare, transportation, lodging, or other personal expenses.
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