SCA Coffee Skills Program: Barista Skills Intermediate

Barista Skills Intermediate – Certificate Course, SCA Coffee Skills Program (in-person learning)

📅 Hosted by AST, Zoey Thorson at Pacific Coffee Research on Monday, Dec 8 – Tuesday Dec 9, 9 am – 5pm

Experience world-class coffee education in the vibrant growing region of Hawai‘i, where Pacific Coffee Research provides a dynamic setting for immersive, hands-on learning. Surrounded by active farms and a thriving local coffee community, participants gain a rare opportunity to connect theory with practice in an authentic production environment.

The Barista Skills Intermediate course builds on the concepts and skills introduced in the Foundation course. While completion of the Foundation course is not required, it is recommended. Participants should already have basic barista experience, including espresso preparation and milk steaming. This course is ideal for coffee professionals seeking to refine their craft, improve beverage quality, and take on more complex responsibilities within a café setting.

Course Overview

Deepen Your Understanding of Coffee Characteristics

Explore how coffee variety, origin, and processing influence flavor and performance in the cup. Through guided tasting and discussion, develop a sensory awareness of how these factors shape a coffee’s identity and how to highlight them in espresso-based beverages.

Advanced Espresso & Brewing Techniques

Gain a deeper understanding of espresso extraction and brewing parameters, including coffee dose, grind profile, water quality, and shot time. Learn how to dial in recipes with precision, troubleshoot variables, and achieve consistency across service.

Espresso-Based Beverages

Expand your knowledge of beverage construction and taste balance. You’ll compare and contrast a range of coffee drinks, understanding how milk, texture, and ratio influence sensory experience and customer satisfaction.

Workflow & Efficiency

Learn how to design and manage an efficient bar setup to maintain speed, cleanliness, and quality under pressure. Explore strategies to streamline workflow and enhance customer experience in a busy café environment.

Sensory & Tasting Skills Development

Hone your palate and sensory calibration to identify and evaluate espresso quality. Practice sensory analysis techniques that connect what you taste to the variables you control behind the bar.

Milk Science & Latte Art

Advance your milk handling and texturing techniques while deepening your understanding of milk chemistry and its role in beverage quality. Develop your latte art skills through guided practice and constructive feedback.

Health, Safety & Customer Care

Reinforce best practices for hygiene, workplace safety, and customer service. Learn how to communicate with professionalism and confidence while maintaining a positive, inclusive café environment.

Why Take This Course

This course bridges scientific understanding and real-world practice — empowering baristas to produce consistently excellent coffee while cultivating leadership, sensory awareness, and operational excellence. Graduates leave with the knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully to the specialty coffee industry.