Coffee Taster Certificate Program Handbook - SCAA

ADMINISTRATION: Confidentiality, Exemptions and Dispute Resolution
Confidentiality
Retaining candidate privacy is a priority to protect the reliability of the program
and prevent the misuse of information about candidates and certificants. The
following procedures are in place to retain candidate privacy:
All CT Panel members, staff, instructors, volunteers, jurors and examiners
sign a confidentiality agreement which states that they will not discuss a
candidate’s work or test scores with anyone unless during an official review
process. Any violation of this confidentiality agreement will be dealt with by
the CT Chair and other Panel members.
All candidate files and records remain locked in the SCAA headquarters and
storage facilities. The only people authorized to view candidate files are staff
members related to the program and the SCAA Certification Panel. Any data
kept electronically is password protected with only SCAA staff members able
to access it.
If outside requests are made regarding a candidate, the only disclosure given
will be whether or not a candidate or certificant is currently in good standing.
Disclosure will not be given which may violate the confidentiality rights of
candidates or certificants.
Exemptions Due to
Illness or Personal
Problems
Candidates are expected to complete the program within a 5 year period. If
you are unable to complete the process due to illness or personal problems,
you may file for an exemption. In the event that a certificant’s status as
working Coffee Taster has changed, candidates should write to the CT
Certification Panel to discuss the policy for continuing in the program. The
Certification Panel will make every effort to work with a candidate to resolve
concerns fairly and appropriately.
Please follow the procedures for Dispute resolution outlined on the next page.
CT Guide Page 23