There are two levels of authorization in the Coffee Technicians Program (CTechP) – the CTechP AST License and the CTechP Water & Preventive Maintenance Foundation Limited License.

The CTechP AST License authorizes the trainer to deliver all six CTechP courses, including Hydraulics Foundation, Electrical Foundation, Water & Preventive Maintenance Foundation, Intermediate Diagnostics & Repair, Intermediate Water Treatment, and Advanced Equipment Support.

Due to the importance of safety and the broad application of course content, the eligibility requirements for CTechP trainers are different from other certificate programs and include more documented career experience. An eligible applicant for the CTechP AST License will have the following:*

• CTechP Hydraulics Foundation course certificate

• CTechP Electrical Foundation course certificate

• CTechP Water & Preventive Maintenance course certificate

• At least three years of confirmed experience servicing or repairing coffee equipment for external clients, or three years’ confirmed experience working in technical support as employee of an equipment manufacturer.

• Experience as an active member of the coffee community, including attendance at trade shows, coffee events, coffee competitions, etc.

• Two letters of recommendation

• One letter speaking to subject matter expertise, submitted by:

  • An equipment manufacturer, or

  • A service or repair client, or

  • A colleague who serves in an equipment support or repair role

• One letter speaking to the applicant’s ability as an instructor, submitted by:

  • An employee or colleague that has received training or instruction from the applicant, or

  • A client who has received training or instruction from the applicant, or

  • A person who has received instruction or training from the applicant outside of the coffee industry

Becoming a CTechP AST and delivering SCA CTechP certificate programs is not possible in all countries due to certain regulations. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that CTechP certificate program courses can be taught in their country or local jurisdiction.

*Eligibility requirements are subject to change without notice.

The CTechP Water & Preventive Maintenance Foundation Limited License is only available to current ASTs who are licensed in both CSP Barista Skills and CSP Brewing. Current ASTs who are interested in this special license should write to education@sca.coffee for information on pricing and the authorization process.

New Authorized SCA Trainers

Eligible coffee trainers begin the AST process by completing an application. This online form collects application prerequisites, relevant career experience, training and volunteer experience, and professional references. Applications are processed and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis around the 10th and 25th of each month.

Eligible applicants with a complete application will be invited to take an online, general knowledge assessment which promotes broad coffee knowledge among our trainer network. This 50-question assessment covers select topics pulled from the lower-level courses within our certificate programs.

You can find the topics for the CTechP General Knowledge Assessment here.

Successful applicants will be placed in a queue for one of the upcoming AST courses. Those who do not pass the assessment are invited to reapply after a 60-day period.

The AST Course is rigorous and highly accessible. This three-part orientation is delivered via distance learning with weekly, live sessions and assignments. Completion of the course and related assignments are required to become an AST. With few exceptions, these courses are held at least once a month. Spaces in these courses fill quickly and are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis according to the application date. Following the successful completion of the course, the applicant will receive an invoice for license fee and the AST License Agreement. Upon payment of fees and a fully executed license agreement, the AST can start offering courses right away.

Current Authorized SCA Trainers

Those holding a current and valid AST License in one of the three SCA certificate programs may apply to be authorized to teach additional programs. The eligibility requirements for AST applicants vary for each of the certificate programs.

Current ASTs must do the following in order to be authorized in an additional program:

• Meet all of the eligibility requirements, including the required course certificates

• Submit a complete and accurate AST Application

• Successfully complete the CTechP General Coffee Knowledge Assessment for the certificate program

• Pay the relevant Module License fees (only if still operating under the AST Standard License.  If the AST is operating under the AST Individual License or the AST Enterprise License there is not additional fee.)

• Sign an amended AST License agreement (only if operating under the AST Standard License.)

Current, active ASTs would not be required to attend an AST Course when adding additional programs to their license.