Start Your Coffee Education Journey

Learners

Research-backed education that turns coffee passion into professional expertise. Get industry-recognized certificates and build the skills employers value.

Learning With SCA

Our programs are designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and hands-on experience to succeed in any coffee career.

Global Recognition

Earn certificates that are trusted by employers worldwide. Our qualifications help you stand out in the industry and demonstrate your professional expertise to potential employers.

Flexible Learning

Build your skills around your life. Choose between online and in-person learning, set your own pace, and create a learning journey that matches your career goals and schedule.

Expert-Led Training

Learn from experienced coffee professionals who bring real-world expertise to every course. Get hands-on experience with the latest industry practices and standards, delivered by authorized SCA Trainers.

From Certificates to Career-Ready

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

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.

Certificate Programs

Get started with coffee education through our certificate programs. Each program is designed to help you build expertise in different areas of the coffee industry.

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Coffee Skills Program

Learn essential coffee skills through hands-on training. From perfecting your brewing techniques to developing your sensory skills, this program covers the fundamentals of coffee preparation and service.

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Coffee Technicians Program

Develop expertise in installing, maintaining, and repairing critical coffee equipment. This program covers essential technical skills covering espresso machines, batch brewers, grinders, and water treatment systems.

Coffee Sustainability Program

Explore sustainability challenges and solutions across the coffee value chain. You'll develop skills to understand key issues, lead sustainability discussions, and implement meaningful initiatives within your organization.

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.

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Café Diploma

Creating, preparing, and promoting specialty coffee experiences.

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Roastery Diploma

Development, production, and quality assurance of roasted coffee.

SCA Coffee trade diploma

Coffee Trade Diploma

Handling, evaluation, and trade of green coffee.

SCA sustainable coffee 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.