The coffee steward is the sommelier of the coffee world, and their role is to guide the coffee drinker through the myriad flavors of coffees from around the globe. The Counter Culture Certified Coffee Steward Program includes coursework in coffee history, botany, trading, brewing, and tasting. Successful Certified Coffee Stewards have attended classes in Coffee Extraction, Cupping, Origins, History and Trading, and have demonstrated their knowledge of these subjects in a written exam. In addition, the Certified Coffee Steward has demonstrated their knowledge of the cupping process, and their ability to taste and describe coffee flavors accurately. The Certified Coffee Steward is also qualified to serve as a coffee expert in a retail, restaurant, or coffee bar setting, and guide consumers through the experience of selecting, purchasing, brewing, and tasting specialty coffees.

• All Certified Coffee Stewards will receive a certificate of recognition and a cupping spoon engraved with the Counter Culture Coffee logo.

Coffee Steward Qualifications:

• Completion of Coffee Origins, Brewing Science I-II (equivalent to Extraction lab prior to October 2011), and Cupping Leader’s Labs
• Written exam based on lab materials and knowledge of Counter Culture Coffees; exam includes a 500 word essay and a practical, cupping-based portion. 85 percent passes. If a candidate does not pass the certification exam, they may reschedule a makeup exam for a later time.

The coursework behind these two certifications is a solid foundation of coffee knowledge for the working coffee professional. We believe that this base of knowledge is essential for anyone who seeks to be a professional in the coffee industry. We are proud to maintain these programs, and are dedicated to supporting the recognition and development of Certified Baristas and Coffee Stewards throughout the industry.