Overview
The Brewing Foundation course is a hands-on introduction to making better coffee. You’ll learn how different brewing methods work, how grind size, water quality, and brew time affect flavor, and how to adjust these elements for a balanced cup. Through guided practice, you’ll brew with various devices and start understanding what makes a great-tasting coffee. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to improve their home or café brewing skills!
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
Previous
Next
Morning Session: Coffee Basics & Brewing Essentials
Topics:
- Introduction to Brewing Methods – Exploring different brewing devices, including immersion, percolation, and gravity brewers.
- Understanding Coffee-to-Water Ratio – Learning how different ratios affect strength and extraction.
- Grind Size & Its Impact on Extraction – Identifying how grind consistency influences taste and flow rate.
- Brewing Time & Contact Time – Understanding how adjusting time affects extraction and flavor.
- Water Temperature & Quality – Exploring how water composition and heat impact coffee taste.
- Brew Turbulence & Filtration – Understanding the role of agitation and different filter types in brewing.
Afternoon Session: Hands-On Brewing & Sensory Analysis
Topics:
- Brewing with Different Methods – Practicing immersion, pour-over, and automatic brewing techniques.
- Evaluating Brew Quality – Identifying under- and over-extraction through taste analysis.
- Strength & Extraction Basics – Learning to assess concentration and balance in brewed coffee.
- Troubleshooting Common Issues – Adjusting variables to improve clarity, sweetness, and balance.
- Cleaning & Maintenance – Best practices for maintaining brewing equipment to ensure consistency.
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$467.19/pp
Course Fee + Certificate
All-in course fees including all SCA and certification fees.
FROM$579.31/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
May 2025
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FAQs
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Beginners with little to no brewing experience
- Coffee enthusiasts wanting to learn brewing basics
- New café staff who need structured brewing training
Am I guaranteed certification for this course?
No, certification for this course is only awarded after passing an online written exam based on the course content. But don’t worry—we make sure you’re fully prepared, and our students have a strong track record of success.
How long is the course?
The course is 8 hours including breaks. During this time, you'll receive both theory and practical hands-on training.
Is there an exam?
Yes, the course includes a short online written exam to assess your understanding of espresso preparation and milk steaming techniques.
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 an SCA Brewing Foundation certificate, 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?
No prior experience is required—this course is designed to be understandable for beginners.
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 work to 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.