SCA Coffee Skills Program

The Introduction to Coffee course is ideal for anyone who is new to specialty coffee. It charts coffee’s journey from its origins in Ethiopia to the major commodity that it is today. This course gives a general overview of the specialty coffee supply chain and explores topics such as history and cultivation, variables that affect coffee quality, basics of sensory analysis, fundamentals of roasting, factors of coffee freshness, and principles of brewing. In addition, learners will discuss the importance of water quality, cleanliness and maintenance. This interactive course also includes a cupping, an industry-specific process for evaluating coffee through a sensory experience. There is an online written exam administered upon the completion of the 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.

The Brewing courses cover numerous brewing coffee methods as well as the brewing variables that affect quality. Hands on learning is emphasized with a focus on grind profiles, brewing methods, coffee strength measurements, and coffee extraction charting.

Sensory Skills courses cover concepts and skills relevant to the evaluation of coffee and related products. The content of these interactive courses includes sensory science, industry-specific protocols, common sensory attributes of coffee, physiological sensory training, implementation of sensory programs, consumer testing design, application in business, and more.