Overview
The SCA Brewing Intermediate course helps you take your brewing skills to the next level by making better, more consistent coffee. You’ll dive deeper into how grind size, brew time, water temperature, and other key variables affect extraction and flavor. Through hands-on practice with different brewing methods, you’ll learn how to measure coffee strength and extraction, troubleshoot common brewing issues, and adjust recipes for better balance and taste. The course also introduces professional brewing tools, including TDS meters and the Coffee Brewing Control Chart, to help you refine your technique. This course is perfect for baristas, coffee professionals, and home brewers who want to improve their understanding of coffee extraction and confidently dial in recipes for any brew method.
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
Day 1: Brewing Theory & Understanding Extraction
Topics:
Deep Dive into Brewing Methods – Explore a range of brewing devices and their impact on flavor.
Brew Ratio & Strength – Learn how adjusting coffee-to-water ratios changes taste and body.
Grind Size & Extraction – Study how grind size affects flow rate, extraction, and clarity.
Water Temperature & Brewing Time – Understand how heat impacts solubility and extraction speed.
Turbulence & Agitation – Experiment with stirring and pouring techniques to see how they influence extraction.
Hands-On Brewing Practice – Brew coffee using different devices and compare results.
Day 2: Measuring, Tasting & Recipe Adjustment
Topics:
- Coffee Strength & Extraction Science – Learn how to measure Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and use the Brewing Control Chart.
- Identifying Under & Over-Extraction – Taste brews at different extraction levels and understand what went wrong.
- Using a Refractometer – Learn how to measure extraction levels and interpret results.
- Recipe Development & Troubleshooting – Adjust variables to improve balance and highlight flavors.
- Comparing Brew Methods – Evaluate the differences between immersion, percolation, and hybrid brewers.
- Cleaning & Maintenance – Understand how proper care of grinders, filters, and brewers affects consistency.
- Practical Exam: Brew Analysis & Recipe Adjustment – Demonstrate your ability to identify extraction issues and adjust recipes for balance.
- Practical Exam: Device Calibration & Brew Execution – Prepare brews using different methods and analyze results.
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$822.25/pp
Course Fee + Certificate
All-in course fees including all SCA and certification fees.
FROM$934.38/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
August 2025
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FAQs
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Baristas and coffee professionals looking to refine their brewing techniques and improve consistency.
- Home brewers and coffee enthusiasts who want a deeper understanding of extraction and brew optimization.
- Roasters and café managers aiming to enhance quality control through better brewing practices.
- Competitors preparing for brewing competitions and looking to fine-tune their sensory evaluation and brewing skills.
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 Brewing Intermediate, you must pass both a practical exam and an online written exam. The practical exam assesses your ability to dial in brew recipes, measure extraction and strength, and adjust brewing variables to achieve balance. The written exam tests your understanding of key concepts in extraction, grind size, brew ratios, and brewing control methods 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 Brewing 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 an SCA Brewing Foundation certificate. This is not required if students have brewing 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.