SCA Certificate Program

Coffee Sustainability Program

Master the principles and practices of sustainability across the coffee value chain.

1

Course Module

3

Module Skill-Levels

Flexible Learning

In-person or Distance learning

Green coffee beans growing on a coffee plant

About

Coffee Sustainability Program

Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical projects, participants develop the skills to analyze, implement, and lead sustainability initiatives at various points in the coffee value chain.

  • Learn to evaluate and address key sustainability challenges from farm to cup.

  • Develop practical solutions through hands-on projects and real-world applications.

  • Build leadership skills to drive sustainable practices in your organization or business

See Program Structure

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 Certificates to Career-Ready

Transform your course modules into a SCA Skills Diploma, tailored to your specific career pathway.

Coffee Sustainability

Program Structure

This program is uniquely structured with a focus on practical application and real-world impact, emphasizing discussion-based learning and project work rather than traditional examinations. Each level builds upon the previous, combining in-person instruction with independent study and practical projects.

Unlike other SCA programs, students demonstrate their understanding through active participation, written assignments, and group discussions, with higher levels requiring substantial independent project work.

Foundation

Coffee Sustainability

In-person or Distance • 8 hours

Introduces key sustainability concepts and issues facing the coffee industry today.

- Understand sustainability fundamentals
- Learn current industry challenges
- Explore practical solutions

Intermediate

Coffee Sustainability

In-person or Distance • 16 hours

Develops analytical skills to evaluate sustainability projects and initiatives across the value chain.

- Analyze sustainability case studies
- Create preliminary action plans
- Master collaboration platforms

Professional

Coffee Sustainability

In-person or Distance • 40 hours

Provides practical experience in designing and implementing sustainability projects.

- Design measurable sustainability projects
- Develop leadership capabilities
- Implement real-world solutions

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.

SCA Cafe skills diploma

Café Diploma

Creating, preparing, and promoting specialty coffee experiences.

SCA Roastery skills diploma

Roastery Diploma

Development, production, and quality assurance of roasted coffee.

SCA Coffee trade skills diploma

Coffee Trade Diploma

Handling, evaluation, and trade of green coffee.

SCA Sustainable coffee skills diploma

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Use the SCA Course Finder on our website. Enter your location to see the latest courses in your area.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes, all valid SCA certificates count toward Skills Diploma requirements, including those earned before 2024.