10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
These 10 free CCS questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certified Coffee Specialist blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A supplier offers two lots from the same farm and cultivar. For the first, whole cherries were dried before the fruit layers were removed. For the second, the cherries were pulped and the mucilage removed before drying. Which statement can the salesperson defend before tasting either lot?
Correct answer: A - The first is natural and the second washed; flavor still requires tasting.
A customer orders a blend labeled '100% arabica' and permits changes in country of origin and processing method. The roaster is considering the following replacement components. Which component would invalidate the claim?
Correct answer: B - A washed lot labeled Coffea canephora
A roaster has established a different roast profile for each of two blend components. Trials of a common profile leave one component underdeveloped when the other reaches its intended endpoint; extending the roast spoils the second component's intended flavor. Select the production approach that preserves both profiles.
Correct answer: C - Roast the components separately, cool them, and then blend the finished coffee.
An office reports a stale, rancid note in coffee from one airpot. Coffee from the same batch tastes normal in a clean vessel, and a second airpot gives a normal cup after the same holding time. Oily deposits are visible around the suspect airpot's dispensing assembly. Where should troubleshooting begin?
Correct answer: C - Clean the affected airpot and dispensing assembly using the approved procedure.
For a client tasting, a salesperson plans to serve the less expensive coffee first to everyone and have the purchasing manager announce a favorite before employees submit ratings. Both coffees will otherwise be prepared and served identically. What change would make the results more credible?
Correct answer: D - Use neutral codes, balance serving order, and collect individual ratings before discussion.
A batch-brew check records 75 g of dry coffee, 1,050 g of input water, and 900 g of collected beverage. A correctly prepared sample measures 1.65% total dissolved solids (TDS). The account's agreed targets are 1.20-1.40% TDS and 18-22% collected-beverage extraction yield. How should this brew be classified against those targets?
Correct answer: A - 19.8% yield: strength is high, but extraction is within target.
A client consumes 1,200 equal-size servings each month. Its batch program discards 25% of all servings brewed. A batch-service quote charges $0.20 per brewed serving plus $160 monthly for equipment and service. A single-cup quote charges $0.39 per consumed serving, including equipment and service, with no discarded servings. All other costs and service levels are equal. On the quoted costs, which offer is cheaper per consumed serving?
Correct answer: D - Single-cup at $0.39; batch service is $0.40 per consumed serving.
An operator is comparing organic expansion with buying an established OCS route. The acquisition forecast assumes that every current account will generate revenue for the buyer immediately after closing. Which due-diligence finding most directly undermines that assumption?
Correct answer: B - Major customers require written approval of contract transfers, and those approvals are still outstanding.
A plug-in brewer is still operating despite cracked power-cord insulation and an exposed conductor. The office manager asks to keep using it until the afternoon service visit because no one has been injured. The route representative is not qualified to repair electrical equipment. The representative's immediate response should be to:
Correct answer: B - Stop use, keep users clear, and arrange safe isolation and qualified repair.
A route representative is authorized for restocking and batch-brewer cleaning but has not been trained on a newly installed bean-to-cup model. The employer requires a successful observed demonstration before independent cleaning of each model. A supervisor is available to train and assess the new task. How should tomorrow's work be assigned?
Correct answer: A - Keep authorized duties and complete supervised training and assessment on the new model.
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