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OSC Testing Policies

The following rules/policies apply to all SCA tests provided by me. These policies are in addition to any policies the SCA may have and the course host may have.

My goal is to be as accomodating as possible and also to ensure learners have every opportunity to succeed. I’ve tried to keep this list of rules/policies as simple and ‘common-sense’ as possible.

Language

The classes I teach are in English but often in a country of another language, such as Indonesian. During these classes, an official translator will be identified at the beginning of each class. During testing, that translator is the only authorized translator. During lecture and hands-on practice, students are encouraged to work together and have open discussions to ensure everyone has a solid understanding of the theory and the practice.

It is each student’s individual responsibility to ensure they understand the theory and the practice well enough to take (and pass) all tests in the English language (with an official translator available). See below for rules specific to the different tests.

Testing Procedures

Written and/or online tests

The written method of testing theory is being replaced by online testing. Please keep an eye on the page titled SCA Online Testing for updates regarding the new policy and my classes.

The SCA has said they will allow exceptions to the online testing requirement as long as they have not translated the test into the learner’s native language. According to the SCA, instructors will be able to exempt students from the online requirement and students will also be able to request from the SCA an exemption. Details of this procedure have not yet been released as of May 21, 2019.

Rules for written tests I administer:

  1. No cheating on tests.
  2. During the written test, a translator will be identified and that will be the only translator permitted during testing.
  3. If time permits, tests can be retaken once during the course (I usually set aside time for retakes). If the test is failed a second time, a full course retake is required before I will re-administer the test.
  4. When grading tests taken in a second language, I may work with the translator and/or the test-taker to clarify an answer and to ensure the test-taker properly understood the question.
  5. Written tests are closed-book, closed-note tests to be done unassisted by the actual learner (unless pre-arrangements have been made, i.e. in the case of a handicap or other special need).
  6. I keep learners’ original test material for six months, after which I destroy it.

Practical tests

  1. No cheating on tests.
  2. Students may be assigned to teams for the practical tests.
    • Team members may talk amongst themselves but not to other teams’ members.
  3. Be courteous to other learners regarding shared resources (such as color meters, scales, etc).
  4. When grading tests taken in a second language, I may work with the translator and/or the test-taker to clarify an answer and to ensure the test-taker properly understood the question.
  5. I keep original test material for six months, after which I destroy it.

Have fun!

Above all else, have fun! You are investing a lot of time and money in your future in the coffee industry when you take classes for certification and you should respect and take seriously the process. But that’s no reason not to enjoy it. Relax, open your mind, and let’s share some knowledge and expertise!

Updated June 24, 2019: Updated rule #3 of written tests to reflect only 1 retake possible before the course must be retaken. This is based on a recommendation from the SCA.