SCA Certificate Program
Coffee Skills Program
Master specialty coffee skills through our most comprehensive training pathway.
6
Course Modules
3
Module Skill-Levels
Flexible Learning
In-person or Distance Learning
About
Coffee Skills Program
The Coffee Skills Program is our modular training system designed to build practical expertise across all aspects of specialty coffee. From foundational barista techniques to advanced sensory analysis, you'll gain hands-on skills you can immediately apply in the industry.
Gain practical skills in barista techniques, brewing methods, roasting, and sensory evaluation.
Learn to identify coffee quality, understand brewing variables, and master equipment maintenance.
Study green coffee from farm to roastery, including processing, grading, and quality assessment.
How It Works
1) Choose Your Program
Select from our range of certificate programs, each focusing on different aspects of coffee expertise — from brewing and roasting to green coffee and sustainability.
2) Complete Your Training
Take part in a mix of hands-on and remote learning, delivered by authorized SCA Trainers. The delivery method of your course will depend on your location and module — either in-person, online, or a mix of both.
3) Pass Your Assessment
Demonstrate your knowledge and skills through practical and written examinations. Once successful, you'll earn your globally-recognized certificate, while earning credit towards an SCA Skills Diploma.
From Certificate to Career-Ready
Transform your course modules into an SCA Skills Diploma, tailored to your specific career pathway.
Coffee Skills
Program Structure
The Coffee Skills Program follows a clear, flexible pathway. The program is structured in a way that encourages learners to pursue a well-rounded coffee education on a variety of topics within the industry.
Start with our Introduction to Coffee course — a comprehensive overview of specialty coffee fundamentals in 4 hours or more. From there, choose from five specialist modules, each offering three progressive levels — letting you build your expertise at your own pace.
Introduction to Coffee
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 4-6 hours
This course teaches coffee fundamentals from origin to cup. Key learnings include:
- Learn coffee's journey from farm to cup
- Master basic coffee brewing fundamentals
- Understand coffee flavors and freshness
Barista Skills
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 42 hours
This module teaches practical skills for making espresso-based drinks. Key learnings include:
- Make quality espresso drinks consistently
- Steam milk and pour latte art
- Manage efficient coffee bar workflow
Brewing
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 42 hours
This module covers various coffee brewing methods and quality control. Key learnings include:
- Master multiple coffee brewing methods
- Control water quality and extraction
- Measure and adjust coffee strength
Green Coffee
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 42 hours
This module teaches green coffee evaluation and trading. Key learnings include:
- Evaluate green coffee quality effectively
- Understand coffee processing and grading
- Learn coffee market dynamics basics
Roasting
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 42 hours
This module teaches coffee roasting principles and practice. Key learnings include:
- Control roast profiles and color
- Master roasting equipment operation basics
- Manage production roasting workflow
Sensory Skills
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 42 hours
This module teaches coffee tasting and evaluation methods. Key learnings include:
- Identify core coffee taste attributes
- Master professional coffee cupping techniques
- Set up coffee tasting programs
Certification Program
Introduction
A comprehensive introduction to specialty coffee designed for beginners to understand coffee's journey from seed to cup.
Course Catalog
Introduction to Coffee
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 4-6 hours
This course teaches coffee fundamentals from origin to cup. Key learnings include:
- Learn coffee's journey from farm to cup
- Master basic coffee brewing fundamentals
- Understand coffee flavors and freshness
Coffee Skills
Barista Skills
Focused on developing practical skills behind the espresso bar, from foundational techniques to advanced management of coffee service operations.
Course Catalog
Foundation
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 7 hours
Introduces essential practical skills needed behind the espresso bar with focus on core techniques.
- Make basic espresso drinks correctly
- Learn proper cleaning methods
- Practice basic service skills
Intermediate
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 14 hours
Advances barista knowledge with deeper focus on coffee science and quality.
- Analyze espresso extraction variables
- Create consistent milk texture
- Master efficient workflow management
Professional
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 21 hours
Masters advanced barista skills and management techniques for leading coffee operations.
- Lead bar quality programs
- Design custom drink recipes
- Perfect advanced latte art
See Dates
Coffee Skills
Brewing
Comprehensive exploration of coffee brewing methods, from basic principles to advanced extraction theory and practice.
Course Catalog
Foundation
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 7 hours
Learn fundamental coffee brewing methods and their proper execution.
- Use brewing equipment properly
- Follow standard brewing recipes
- Understand extraction basics
Intermediate
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 14 hours
Develops deeper understanding of brewing variables and their effects on coffee quality.
- Adjust recipes for flavor
- Measure brewing strength accurately
- Master multiple brewing methods
Professional
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 21 hours
Masters advanced brewing science and quality control for optimum results.
- Perfect advanced brewing techniques
- Control water chemistry precisely
- Design custom brewing recipes
Coffee Skills
Green Coffee
Explores the evaluation and trading of green coffee, from basic grading to advanced purchasing strategies.
Course Catalog
Foundation
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 7 hours
Introduces basic concepts of green coffee evaluation and trade.
- Understand coffee chain basics
- Learn basic grading methods
- Practice quality assessment
Intermediate
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 14 hours
Deepens knowledge of green coffee assessment and market dynamics.
- Grade coffee quality accurately
- Identify coffee defects professionally
- Understand processing methods fully
Professional
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 21 hours
Masters advanced green coffee operations and strategic purchasing.
- Analyze samples professionally
- Master coffee contracts
- Develop buying strategies
Coffee Skills
Roasting
Covers the art and science of coffee roasting, from basic principles to production roasting management.
Course Catalog
Foundation
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 7 hours
Introduces fundamental roasting concepts and basic machine operation.
- Understand roasting changes
- Follow basic roast profiles
- Learn roaster safety
Intermediate
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 14 hours
Advances understanding of roast development and profile control.
- Control roast profiles accurately
- Match roast colors precisely
- Understand heat transfer
Professional
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 21 hours
Masters production roasting and advanced profile development.
- Design custom roast profiles
- Perfect production techniques
- Master quality control
Coffee Skills
Sensory Skills
Covers the art and science of coffee roasting, from basic principles to production roasting management.
Course Catalog
Foundation
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 7 hours
Introduces essential concepts of coffee sensory evaluation.
- Identify basic flavors
- Learn cupping protocol
- Understand sensory basics
Intermediate
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 14 hours
Advances tasting abilities and sensory evaluation methods.
- Master flavor identification
- Run sensory tests
- Lead tasting sessions
Professional
Coffee Skills
In-person or Distance • 21 hours
Masters professional sensory evaluation and program management.
- Lead professional cuppings
- Design testing programs
- Train coffee tasters
Skills Diplomas
Convert Your Certificates Into Industry Credentials
Each completed certificate is the building block of an SCA Skills Diploma. Combine them into industry-recognized credentials, specially designed for professional coffee careers.
Café Diploma
Creating, preparing, and promoting specialty coffee experiences.
Roastery Diploma
Development, production, and quality assurance of roasted coffee.
Coffee Trade Diploma
Handling, evaluation, and trade of green coffee.
Sustainable Coffee Diploma
Developing and implementing best practices to promote sustainability.
Find Available Courses
Know which certificate program and level you want to take? Use our Course Finder to browse upcoming courses in your region.
FAQs
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Certificate Programs are individual courses that teach specific skills - like how to make espresso or roast coffee. You earn a certificate after completing each course.
Skills Diplomas prove you're job-ready for specific coffee careers. They combine multiple certificates to show you have all the skills needed for roles like café manager or coffee trader. As SCA Education courses are modular, each certificate course contributes towards your eligibility to one of the Skills Diplomas. Each Skills Diploma requires a combination of certificates across our Certificate Programs – the Coffee Skills Program, Coffee Sustainability Program, and Coffee Technicians Program.
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With modular courses, you can start anywhere and be on track towards a rewarding coffee career. A popular certificate course that gives a solid foundation is the Introduction to Coffee module within the Coffee Skills Program.
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Most courses combine online theory with in-person practical training. Some foundation-level content can be fully online, but all practical skills require hands-on assessment.
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Use the SCA Course Finder on our website. Enter your location to see the latest courses in your area.
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Each diploma needs a specific mix of certificates across all of the three SCA Certificate Programs – the Coffee Skills Program, Coffee Sustainability Program, and Coffee Technicians Program. Check the requirements for your chosen diploma path on the SCA Skills Diploma page.
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All SCA courses are taught exclusively by certified Authorized SCA Trainers (ASTs). Each trainer sets their own pricing, so check the Course Finder to see current costs and dates in your area.
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Yes, all valid SCA certificates count toward Skills Diploma requirements, including those earned before 2024.