Overview
The Barista Skills Professional course is designed for experienced baristas looking to master the science and technique of espresso preparation, milk texturing, workflow efficiency, and sensory evaluation. This advanced course dives deep into grinder calibration, extraction theory, recipe development, and quality control, giving you the skills to fine-tune every detail for consistently exceptional coffee. You’ll learn how to analyze extraction data, troubleshoot brewing inconsistencies, and refine your ability to taste and describe espresso with precision. The course also covers café operations, cost management, and leadership skills, preparing you to train baristas, optimize workflow, and maintain high-quality standards in a café setting. Through a mix of hands-on practice and theory, this course provides the expertise needed to elevate your barista career, take on leadership roles, or compete at the highest levels of specialty coffee.
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: Advanced Espresso Theory & Sensory Development
Topics:
- Understanding Coffee Beans – Examining how altitude, variety, and processing affect coffee density and flavor.
- Calibrating Grinders & Dosing Techniques – Adjusting grind size and dose to maintain espresso consistency.
- Exploring Espresso Extraction – Analyzing brewing variables such as pressure, temperature, and time.
- Measuring Extraction & Strength – Using refractometers and brewing charts to assess extraction yield.
- Sensory Evaluation & Organic Acids – Identifying key acids in coffee and their influence on taste perception.
- Assessing Espresso Consistency – Tasting and comparing extraction differences in multiple brews.
Day 2: Milk Science, Latte Art & Workflow Efficiency
Topics:
- Understanding Milk Composition – Exploring milk proteins, fats, and their role in foam stability.
- Executing Advanced Milk Steaming – Achieving consistency across different milk types and alternative milks.
- Applying Latte Art Techniques – Practicing advanced free-pour and etching methods for professional presentation.
- Optimizing Workflow & Bar Efficiency – Managing high-volume service while maintaining quality control.
- Constructing & Refining Espresso-Based Beverages – Developing well-balanced recipes for café menus.
- Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting – Diagnosing and resolving common grinder and machine issues.
Day 3: Espresso Recipe Development, Café Operations & Practical Exams
Topics:
- Customizing Brew Recipes – Adjusting espresso variables to highlight sweetness, acidity, and body.
- Exploring Espresso Blend Construction – Understanding pre- and post-roast blending and its impact on extraction.
- Managing Water Quality for Brewing – Measuring TDS, alkalinity, and pH to optimize espresso flavor.
- Understanding Cost & Menu Pricing – Applying financial concepts to cost control and café profitability.
- Leading & Training Baristas – Implementing strategies for developing barista skills and maintaining quality.
- Practical & Written Exams - Successfully complete the 4-part 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
Tickets
Course Fee (No Certificate)
All-in course fees
FROM$1,569.75/pp
Course Fee + Certificate
All-in course fees including all SCA and certification fees.
FROM$1,681.88/pp
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
September 2025
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FAQs
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Experienced baristas aiming to refine their skills in espresso extraction, milk techniques, and workflow efficiency.
- Head baristas and café managers looking to develop advanced knowledge in quality control, menu structuring, and team training.
- Coffee educators and trainers who want to deepen their expertise in sensory analysis and barista training methods.
- Competitors preparing for barista championships and seeking mastery in technical and sensory evaluation.
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 24 hours including breaks set over three 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 Professional, you must pass both a practical exam and an online written exam. The practical exam assesses your ability to dial in espresso recipes, calibrate grinders, steam milk to precise texture, execute latte art, and manage workflow efficiently. The written exam tests your understanding of advanced espresso extraction principles, milk chemistry, sensory evaluation, café operations, and barista training techniques as 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 Professional 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 prior certification or experience to take this course?
Yes, you must hold a Barista Skills Intermediate certificate prior to taking this course.
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.