DID YOU KNOW that if you already have some Barista skills (experience making espresso based drinks) you might not need to do a course to receive an SCA certificate. Most Barista’s in Australia already have quality skills and through the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process we are able to allow competent individuals to skip the course and go straight to assessment.
On this page you’ll find a short questionnaire for each of the 3 different SCA Barista levels so you can determine if your current knowledge & skills have the required competency to pass the practical and written exams.
The results of the questionnaire will give you a clear understanding of whether you should enrol in a class or if you can proceed directly to the assessment (exams) and get certified. After completing the questionnaire you will be directed to a BOOKING PAGE.
FOUNDATION
Course Background: the foundation level is designed to give learners enough general knowledge about coffee beans, basic recipes for all the drinks on an Espresso menu, standard operating procedures (brewing / steaming routine’s), and the daily cleaning activities to maintain coffee equipment in good working order, so that they can begin their career the right way and develop quality skills at home or under the guidance of a head Barista at work (in a Cafe).
WORTH 5 POINTS TOWARDS THE SCA DIPLOMA
Course Equipment: there is no equipment required but if you have access to Espresso brewing equipment (in a cafe, coffee roastery or at home) you are welcome to use it for the course activities.
Course Location: course is delivered remotely (online) on your smartphone or laptop, or we can come to your roastery or cafe (available in South East Queensland only).
Course Date: this course is available on weekends.
Course Cost: $350 (includes the assessment & SCA fees).
launching SPECIAL: $250
Foundation Assessment
SCA Certificate & Administration Fee: $120
Practical Exam: the foundation level no longer includes a practical exam. Instead the leaners are either observed while performing activities, or asked to guide the trainer to perform the activities via live video call. After the activities are completed the learner will be given feedback via the CSP Course Skills Report. The Skills Report evaluates what areas the learner may need to work on before enrolling in the Intermediate level.
Written Exam (online): learners are given 2 attempts to successfully answer the 20 questions in the online exam. The passing score for the multiple choice question exam is 60% (12 correct answers).
Equipment: there is no equipment required but if you have access to Espresso brewing equipment (in a cafe, coffee roastery or at home) you are welcome to use it.
Location: the assessment is completed remotely (online) on your smartphone or laptop.
Date: the assessment takes approximately 30 minutes and is available anytime that fits into your schedule.
Assessment Cost: $250 (includes SCA fee).
launching SPECIAl: $150
($100 DISCOUNT)
INTERMEDIATE
Course Background: in the intermediate level learners are introduced to in depth knowledge about coffee beans and a more scientific approach to brewing Espresso (extraction). Learners also discover how to adjust an Espresso recipe for a balanced sensory experience, efficient workflow practices, how to free-pour Latte Art patterns. Passing this level means the learner is able to demonstrate a competent ability to work in a cafe unsupervised as well as deliver customers with a more informed experience about specialty coffee.
WORTH 10 POINTS TOWARDS YOUR SCA DIPLOMA
Course Equipment: you must have access to Espresso brewing equipment (in a cafe, coffee roastery or at home) to complete this course, if you do not have access we can arrange it for you.
Course Location: course is delivered remotely (online) on your smartphone or laptop, or we can come to your roastery or cafe (available in South East Queensland only).
Course Date: this course is available on weekdays.
Course Cost: $895 (includes the assessment & SCA fees).
launching SPECIAL: $550
Intermediate Assessment
SCA Certificate & Administration Fee: $350
Practical Exam: to pass this level the learner must demonstrate the ability to manage the grind-size (change the grind / calibrate a grinder), produce multiple drinks within an appropriate amount of time (4 drinks in less than 8 minutes), and the ability to free-pour 2 different Latte Art patterns with reasonably good contrast, identifiability, and high quality steamed milk.
Written Exam (online): learners are given 2 attempts to successfully answer the 35 questions in the online exam. The passing score for the multiple choice question exam is 70% (25 correct answers).
Equipment: you must have access to Espresso brewing equipment (in a cafe, coffee roastery or at home) to complete the exam, if you do not have access we can arrange it for you.
Location: we come to you (South East Queensland only) or you can come to our venue in Brisbane.
Date: the assessment takes approximately 1 hour and is available on weekday afternoons and weekends.
Assessment Cost: $550 (includes SCA fee).
launching special: $395
($155 DISCOUNT)
PROFESSIONAL
Course Background: the professional level provides learners with the opportunity to specifically measure and chart extraction levels with corresponding sensory results. Passing this level means the learner has an advanced understanding of coffee extraction and sensory evaluation, a broad understanding of the coffee supply chain with an ability to deliver exceptional customer service, and ultimately has the qualities of a head Barista being able to supervise others and lead a team or manage a Cafe.
WORTH 25 POINTS TOWARDS YOUR SCA DIPLOMA
Course Equipment: you must have access to Espresso brewing equipment and a refractometer (in a cafe, coffee roastery or at home) to complete this course, if you do not have access we can arrange it for you.
Course Location: course is delivered remotely (online) on your smartphone or laptop, or we can come to your roastery or cafe (available in South East Queensland only).
Course Date: this course is available on weekday evenings.
Course Cost: $1,495 (includes the assessment & SCA fees).
launching SPECIAL: $995
Professional Assessment
SCA Certificate & Administration Fee: $550
Practical Exam: to pass this level the learner must demonstrate the ability to plan & manipulate extraction levels for well balanced Espresso, accurately evaluate and describe sensations, free-pour Latte Art patterns with high level of consistency and perform basic maintenance and part replacement on coffee equipment.
Written Exam: learners are given 45 minutes to successfully answer the 34 questions. The passing score is 80% (27 correct answers).
Equipment: you must have access to Espresso brewing equipment and a refractometer (in a cafe, coffee roastery or at home) to complete the exam, if you do not have access we can arrange it for you.
Location: we come to you (South East Queensland only) or you can come to our venue in Brisbane.
Date: the assessment takes approximately 2 hours and is available on weekday afternoons and evenings.
Assessment Cost: $995 (includes SCA fee).
launching special: $695
($300 DISCOUNT)