As a barista, it’s critical that you know all the factors that influence your final product. From the basics of producing a quality espresso to the more advanced latte art techniques, machine maintenance, bar workflow and management.

This course ensures that you are fully equipped at whichever level you are at. Professional and specialized levels learn how to blend espresso beans. 

SCI BARISTA LEVEL 1

Day 1: Overview of espresso machine and grinder models and functionality. Practice adjustment of equipment and proper protocols, as well as proper machine maintenance. Keys of customer service.

Day 2: Milk. Learn what proper milk texture is (quality and beverage differences) and proper milk foaming techniques. Learn basic latte-art pouring techniques.

Day 3: Continued practice of latte art and machine operation. 

• The Level 1 requires no previous experience.

SCI BARISTA LEVEL 2

Day 1: Overview of espresso machines, different types and functionality. Pros and cons. Simple to extremely complex (3 boilers per group head). Boiler systems discussion. Take apart steam wands, group heads, gaskets, boiler, put back together. Learn maintenance. Overview of grinders, different types and functionality. Pros and cons. Side by side comparison of different grinder types and burr types on flavor impact. Take apart and put back together grinders. Learn maintenance.

Day 2: Learn about the different processes that milk goes through and the impact on the quality of the milk and coffee beverage. Learn and practice steaming different fat content as well as other types (soy, UHT vs fresh, organic, etc.) and see impact on final beverage as well as different techniques for steaming. Practice advanced latte art.

Day 3: Overview of Barista and Latte art competition rules. Receive tips on competing and simulate competition environment.

• The Level 2 is suitable if you are already part of the industry, working in the field covered by the module, and have a firm knowledge of the basic skills.
• Pre-requisite: Barista Level 1 (recommended only)

SCA BARISTA FOUNDATION

Designed to introduce core barista skills to people with no previous barista experience. Successful candidates should be able to calibrate their grinders and make an espresso and cappuccino to core standards.

• The Foundation level provides a first taste of a specific coffee discipline and is a great way to get insight into a module to help you decide if you want to go on to learn more. 
• The Foundation level requires no previous experience. 
• Courses at this level usually take 1 day.

SCA BARISTA INTERMEDIATE

Designed to test key core and more advanced skills and understanding, expected from a competent barista (for example, from someone working as a barista for 6 months or more. Subject to Trainer assessment).

Successful candidates should be able to dial in a brew recipe, make a full range of drinks with quality and speed, as well as understand the basic requirements for customer service and maintenance. 

• The Intermediate level is suitable if you are already part of the industry, working in the field covered by the module, and have a firm knowledge of the basic skills.
• Experience working in the field is recommended for this level. 
• Courses at the Intermediate level usually take a minimum of 2 days.