Level II

Starting the journey towards the Masters of Coffee’s master-level certification represents a significant, life-long commitment to coffee. Passing the exam is the most challenging educational attainment in the life of a coffee expert.

The primary difference between Masters of Coffee’s Level I (the Certified Coffee Specialist, CCS) and the master-level program (Master of Coffee, MC) is the detailed knowledge of regions, bean varietals, and current affairs required to become a Master of Coffee. The scope of the credential is deeper and wider.

While a Certified Coffee Specialist has outstanding knowledge of timeless theoretical knowledge, Masters of Coffee must possess practical skills and intimate awareness of the significant currents and trends in the world of coffee.

Master of Coffee (MC)

In addition to a challenging written exam, candidates for the Master of Coffee™ credential must demonstrate their ability to analyze samples a blind tasting—giving detailed discussion of quality, flaws, roasting and brewing methods, and the taste and aromatic character of each sample. Candidates’ blind tasting findings are presented orally to a panel of examiners who, in addition to evaluating the candidate’s knowledge, assesses his or her communication skills.

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All master-level examinations take place in person annually in Los Angeles.

The Master of Coffee exam will be offered for the first time in 2023. For the initial two years of the program, examiner panels will be overseen by experts who have earned significant recognition in the world of coffee. Once the first ten Masters of Coffee have been named, they will officiate subsequent examinations.

Learn more about the Master of Coffee (MC) certification here.