Overview
SCA Barista Skills Intermediate is designed for baristas who want to refine their skills and deepen their understanding of espresso preparation and café operations. This course builds on the fundamentals, focusing on espresso extraction, grind adjustments, milk texturing, workflow efficiency, and sensory evaluation. Through hands-on practice and guided instruction, you’ll learn how to dial in espresso with precision, adjust recipes for balance, create consistent microfoam for latte art, and improve speed and efficiency in a café setting. The course also covers equipment maintenance, customer service, and troubleshooting common issues to enhance quality and consistency.
Highlights
Get Globally Recognized Certification
Get your skills certified by the most globally-known coffee skills certification from the Specialty Coffee Association.
Make New Coffee Friends
Meet other amazing coffee professionals and enthusiasts.
Learn in Small Classes with World-Class Educators
Get personalized feedback from some of the best in the industry.
Schedule
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Day 1: Coffee Quality & Espresso Process
Topics:
- Understanding Coffee Origins & Processing – Exploring how variety, processing, and origin influence flavor.
- Roast Levels & Degassing – Examining how roast development impacts solubility and espresso extraction.
- Grinder Calibration & Burr Types – Adjusting grind size for optimal extraction and understanding different grinder mechanisms.
- Dosing, Distribution & Tamping – Mastering consistency to ensure even extraction.
- Espresso Brew Ratios & Extraction Basics – Learning how to express and adjust brew ratios for balance.
- Identifying Under & Over-Extraction – Tasting and analyzing espressos to diagnose extraction problems.
Day 2: Milk, Latte Art & Workflow Efficiency
Topics:
- Milk Chemistry & Foaming Science – Understanding milk composition and its role in texture and flavor.
- Texturing Milk for Different Drinks – Practicing steaming techniques for microfoam and proper temperature.
- Introduction to Latte Art – Learning basic free-pour techniques to create simple latte art patterns.
- Bar Flow & Workflow Efficiency – Managing multiple orders efficiently while maintaining quality.
- Espresso-Based Drink Construction – Preparing a variety of café-style espresso beverages to SCA standards.
- Cleaning & Equipment Maintenance – Learning best practices for maintaining grinders, espresso machines, and workstations.
- Practical & Written Exams - Successfully complete the practical exam and online written exams to finish off the course and receive certification.
Gallery
What's included
What's Included
Facilitator Fee
Facility Fee
All Required Equipment, Supplies, and Coffee
All SCA Fees
SCA Certificate (Pending Successful Exam Completion)
Lunch & Snacks
Free-Flowing Brewed Coffee Throughout The Course
Digital & Printed Resource Pack
Lifetime Access to Student Discord Group
What's Not Included
Travel to The Course
Any Required Accommodations While in Calgary
Hosts
Trent Rollings
Accredited SCA Trainer, World Coffee Championships Representative & Judge
Reviews
I took the SCA Foundation and Intermediate Barista Training with Trent, which only fueled my passion for good coffee even more. The lessons were interactive and easy to understand, with detailed and high-quality materials that prepared me well for the exams. My coffee-making skills have greatly improved as a result. Trent is extremely welcoming and has a way of making you feel like old friends. I look forward to returning for more training.
Corrine J.
Dates
March 2025
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FAQs
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Baristas with basic experience who want to refine their skills and improve consistency in espresso preparation.
- Café staff looking to advance their expertise in milk texturing, latte art, and workflow efficiency.
- Coffee professionals aiming to deepen their understanding of extraction, sensory analysis, and café operations.
- Aspiring trainers or head baristas who want to develop leadership skills and improve quality control.
- New or potential cafe owners wanting to better understand how to operate and manage an espresso bar.
Am I guaranteed certification for this course?
No, certification for this course requires passing both a practical exam and an online written exam covering the course material. But don’t worry—we thoroughly prepare you, and our students consistently achieve high pass rates.
How long is the course?
The course is 16 hours including breaks set over two days. During this time, you'll receive both theory and practical hands-on training.
Does this course have an exam?
Yes, to receive certification for Barista Skills Intermediate, you must pass both a practical exam and an online written exam. The practical exam assesses your ability to dial in espresso, steam milk, and manage workflow efficiently, while the written exam tests your understanding of key concepts covered in the course.
What certification do I receive upon completing the course?
If you have registered for the option of receiving a certificate, upon passing the exam, you’ll earn a Barista Skills Intermediate certificate from the Specialty Coffee Association, known and recognized worldwide.
Is there a payment plan available for this course?
Yes, all of our courses have payment plans when booking more than one month in advance. The final payment for the course is due one month before the course.
Do I need experience to take this course?
It is recommended to have Barista Skills Foundation certificate. This is not required if students have espresso and milk steaming experience that is equivalent.
Do I need to bring anything to the course?
Everything you need will be provided, including meals and snacks, but you may want to bring a notebook for personal notes.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We will send you a pre-course email before your course where we ask for any dietary restrictions you may have so that we can accommodate for them when ordering snacks and lunch.
What is the difference between courses and camps?
Courses are structured training classes focused on developing specific coffee skills, such as barista techniques, brewing, and sensory analysis. They typically don't include accommodations or additional opportunities beyond the course itself.
Camps are all-inclusive, immersive experiences that include but go beyond structured courses. They combine hands-on coffee education with community-building, outdoor activities, and unique experiences, creating a deeper connection to coffee and the people behind it.