SCA Certificate Program

Coffee Sustainability Program

Master the principles and practices of sustainability across the coffee value chain. A brand-new curriculum launches in 2025, with one introductory course and three focused modules now available.

Brand-New

Curriculum for 2025

4

Course Modules

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.

  • Build a foundational understanding of sustainability, key industry challenges, and practical tools for sustainable practices.

  • Explore environmental sustainability in coffee, focusing on climate-smart agriculture, carbon footprint mitigation, and the interconnections between environmental factors and communities.

  • Understand the C market, coffee pricing, production costs, and explore sustainable economic approaches, including alternative trade models and living income.

  • Examine due diligence, sustainability legislation, decision-making processes, power dynamics, and effective sustainability reporting practices.

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

The Coffee Sustainability Program includes one introductory course (Coffee Sustainability Foundation) and three specialized courses.

The courses have been designed to equip learners with job-relevant knowledge and skills in high-priority topics identified by sustainability professionals across the coffee value chain. Through a blend of lecture, discussion, and activities, learners develop a “toolkit” of approaches to help them practice sustainability in their organizations and contribute to a more resilient coffee sector.

Coffee Sustainability Foundation

Coffee Sustainability

In-person or Distance • 12 hours

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

- Understand sustainability fundamentals and key industry relationships
- Explore environmental, economic, and social challenges and opportunities
- Develop practical tools to support sustainable practices

Coffee Sustainability

Climate & Coffee

In-person or Distance • 16 hours

Explore key environmental sustainability challenges and solutions in the coffee industry.

- Understand climate change, carbon footprint mitigation, and circular economy principles
- Learn about climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity, and resource management
- Explore strategies, standards, and innovations for sustainable practices

Compliance, Governance, and Reporting

Coffee Sustainability

In-person or Distance • 12 hours

Examines governance, due diligence, and the evolving landscape of sustainability requirements in the coffee industry.

- Understand sustainability legislation, power dynamics, and organizational governance
- Learn strategies for integrating sustainability into decision-making
- Develop skills for effective reporting and materiality assessments

Coffee Sustainability

Coffee Economics

In-person or Distance • 16 hours

Develop your understanding of coffee markets, prices, and strategies for more sustainable economic approaches.

- Understand coffee pricing, the C market, and farm profitability
- Explore value creation, trade models, and economic inequality
- Learn strategies for sustainable pricing, certifications, and living income

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.