SCA Barista Skills Intermediate

Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Duration: 14-16 hours (2 days)
Credits Earned: 10
Certificate included

written exam to assess theoretical knowledge based on the Foundation learning objectives

Barista Skills Intermediate

The Barista Skills Intermediate course builds on the foundation level and is designed for baristas who already have experience behind the bar and want to refine their skills. This interactive program focuses on improving coffee quality, understanding extraction more deeply, and preparing learners for more advanced responsibilities within the barista profession. You’ll explore how coffee origin, variety, and processing influence flavor, while developing stronger technical, sensory, and workflow skills to operate confidently in a professional environment.

What you’ll learn:

  • Understand how origin, variety, and processing methods impact coffee flavor
  • Dial in espresso using brew parameters like dose, grind size, water quality, and shot time
  • Analyze espresso extraction using sensory evaluation
  • Improve drink construction and understand taste balance differences
  • Develop workflow management and bar efficiency
  • Refine milk handling, texturing techniques, and latte art skills
  • Apply health and safety standards in a busy café environment
  • Strengthen customer service and understand basic business practices

This course is ideal for baristas ready to move from operational skills to quality-driven performance and greater professional confidence.

Upon completion of the course, attendees can earn an SCA certificate by passing a practical and online written exam, and receive 10 points towards the SCA Diploma Path.

Price range: 2,700 AED through 3,600 AED "excl. VAT"

Description

SCA Barista Skills Intermediate

The SCA Barista Skills Intermediate course is designed for baristas who already have practical café experience and want to move beyond foundational skills into deeper technical understanding, quality control, and professional workflow management.

Building on the Foundation level, this hands-on intermediate coffee course focuses on espresso extraction science, sensory evaluation, brew recipe development, milk texturing, and workflow efficiency. Participants will gain a stronger understanding of how coffee origin, processing methods, roasting, and brewing variables influence flavor, balance, body, and overall cup quality.

Through guided practical training and advanced espresso preparation exercises, learners will refine their calibration skills, improve beverage consistency, strengthen latte art techniques, and develop the confidence required to operate efficiently in fast-paced specialty coffee environments.

Course Focus:
• Advanced Espresso Extraction & Calibration
• Coffee Sensory Analysis & Flavor Evaluation
• Milk Steaming & Latte Art Refinement
• Workflow Management & Café Efficiency
• Brew Recipe Development & Extraction Science
• Specialty Coffee Knowledge & Customer Service

What You Will Learn

  • Understand how coffee origin, variety, and processing methods influence flavor
  • Dial in espresso using brew parameters such as dose, grind size, shot time, and water quality
  • Analyze espresso extraction using sensory evaluation techniques
  • Improve drink construction and understand balance differences in espresso beverages
  • Develop workflow efficiency and café management skills
  • Refine milk steaming, texturing, and latte art consistency
  • Apply professional health and safety standards in café environments
  • Strengthen customer service and understand basic café business operations

Course Overview

Module Topics Covered
Coffee Beans Arabica varieties, origin characteristics, processing methods, roasting impact on solubility and density, and coffee degassing.
Workspace Management Coffee bar layout optimization, equipment positioning, workflow organization, and working efficiently in teams.
Espresso Process Grinder models, burr types, dosing precision, distribution methods, tamping consistency, and extraction control.
Extraction & Brewing Espresso brew ratios, extraction measurement, refractometer usage, brew formulas, and recipe adjustments for flavor and body balance.
Sensory Skills Extraction analysis, flavor development, body and texture evaluation, and practical application of the SCA Flavor Wheel.
Milk & Latte Art Milk composition, foam stability, milk substitutes, steaming techniques, SCA foam standards, and latte art refinement.
Espresso-Based Menu Drink construction, flavor balance, beverage consistency, and preparation of multiple drinks efficiently.
Cleaning & Maintenance Stock management, grinder cleaning, espresso machine maintenance, hygiene procedures, and café safety standards.
Water Quality SCA water standards, water testing, and understanding water’s impact on espresso extraction and equipment performance.
Customer Service & Café Management Customer interaction, café professionalism, and basic cost and goods management principles.

Swipe left or right to view the full course breakdown on mobile.

Assessment & Certification

The course includes both theoretical and practical assessments designed to evaluate Intermediate-level coffee knowledge and operational skills.

  • Written exam covering Intermediate-level coffee theory and brewing knowledge
  • Practical assessment including grinder calibration, espresso extraction analysis, milk texturing, latte art, and drink construction

Upon successful completion of the course and assessments, learners can earn the SCA Barista Skills Intermediate Certificate and continue progressing within the SCA Coffee Skills Program.

Who Is This Course For?

  • Baristas with existing café experience
  • Intermediate-level coffee professionals
  • Specialty coffee enthusiasts seeking advanced skills
  • Café staff aiming to improve beverage quality and workflow
  • Individuals preparing for advanced coffee industry roles
  • Professionals wanting stronger sensory and extraction knowledge

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous barista experience?

Yes. This course is designed for learners who already have foundational barista experience or have completed the SCA Barista Skills Foundation course.

Will I learn advanced espresso calibration?

Yes. The course focuses heavily on espresso extraction, brew parameters, grinder calibration, and recipe development.

Does the course include latte art training?

Yes. Participants will refine milk texturing skills and practice latte art techniques based on SCA standards.

What certification will I receive?

Participants who successfully complete the assessments can earn the SCA Barista Skills Intermediate Certificate.

Additional information

Event

Intermediate Course, Foundation + Intermediate

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Event Details

Start time: 10:00 a.m. UTC+04

End time: 05:00 p.m. UTC+04

Venue: The ore coffee training venue

Directions: Al Quoz - Al Quoz Industrial Area 3 - Dubai / Busybees Warehouse

Phone: 055 306 1945

Email: Sherryl@theorecoffee.com