SCA Barista Skills Course

Barista Skills teaches the essentials practical skills needed behind the espresso bar such as how to set your grinder, make espresso, foam and texture milk for cappuccinos, and create latte art as well as an exploration of health and safety issues, customer service protocols, and basic business practices.

BARISTA SKILLS FOUNDATION

Allows learners to gain an introductory understanding of the coffee itself as well as foundational skills required to set a grinder, make espressos, foam and texture milk and latte art techniques as per SCA quality standards, while implementing health and safety practices and customer service. Practical learning objectives and activities prepare the learner to conduct key foundational tasks of a barista. A written exam tests theoretical knowledge based on Foundation course learning objectives.

Course Length: 7 hours.

Prerequisites: None. SCA Introduction to Coffee recommended.

Evaluation: 20 questions written exam. No practical exam.

BARISTA SKILLS INTERMEDIATE

Builds on the concepts and skills introduced in the Foundation course. It is ideal for someone who has barista skills experience and wants to explore how to improve coffee quality and prepare for more complex job functions found in the barista profession. Through this interactive course, learners will gain a deeper understanding of the coffee itself, specifically the impact of a coffee’s variety, origins and processing methods on flavor; the parameters of coffee quantity, grind texture, water quality, and shot time and their interaction when dialing in a brew recipe; drink construction and taste differences; workflow management and efficiency, sensory aspects of the espresso extraction; milk handling and techniques as well as latte art. In addition to coffee preparation, this course also covers key concepts regarding health and safety, customer service, and basic business practices. A written exam tests Intermediate course knowledge while a practical exam assesses the learner’s ability in terms of grinder calibration, espresso extraction analysis, latte art skills and drinks construction

Course Length: 14 hours.

Prerequisites: None. SCA Introduction to Coffee & Barista Skills Foundation recommended.

Evaluation: 35 questions written exam+ practical exam.

BARISTA SKILLS PROFESSIONAL

Designed to test advanced skills and detailed knowledge of the science behind processes used by a professional barista (for example, a barista with 12 months or more of work experience). Successful candidates will have explored and demonstrated the advanced skills typically expected of a head barista. In particular, participants will learn a sophisticated tasting methodology and descriptive explanation of coffee flavors; gain a detailed understanding of drink ingredients and the techniques available to maximize the quality of the drinks made; understand how to manage the skills of others to produce quality drinks; demonstrate an understanding of how to develop brew recipes and a systematic method of structuring beverage menus; and finally be able to consistently apply the highest standard of latte art and milk steaming techniques. A written exam tests professional course knowledge while a practical exam tests the skills described above based on different working activities carried out during the course.

Course Length: 21 hours.

Prerequisites:  SCA Barista Skills Intermediate & Brewing Intermediate. 

Evaluation: 30 questions written exam+ practical exam.

To enroll in any of our courses, please email us to: jyanez@alignedcoffee.com with your specific course request, and information.

Our Authorized SCA Trainer Jonathan currently holds the licenses for the: Introduction to Coffee, Barista Skills & Brewing Modules. Sensory skills, Roasting & Green Coffee are on the way 

Keep in mind that we can also travel to your own location (worldwide), coffee shop, roastery or laboratory to develop any of these programs on site with you. Please fill out the form below to ask for detailed information about our SCA education offerings or inquiry to partner and create a course at your own site.