The new SCA Coffee Skills Diploma system comes because of the unification of the SCAA and the SCAE. They are now known as the SCA. 

To better manage a diverse coffee language which was spoken by both sides they managed to merge their educational ideas into what is now known as the CSP or Coffee Skills Program. 

IMPORTANT UPDATE!!

ALL SCA CLASSES, will be USING A new online theory testing and certificate policy. Due to this change A fee is assessed by the SCA. All course fees pay this fee on your behalf.

If you are taking ANY COURSE, NO MATTER THE LEVEL THERE IS A $50 USD FEE PAYABLE TO THE SCA. This fee must be paid by you, before you can officially take the class. You can pay it directly to the SCA through your account.

 

 

COFFEE IS A DIVERSE INDUSTRY AND WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU DEVELOP YOUR PASSION AND SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS.

 

THE COFFEE SKILLS PROGRAM (CSP) ALLOWS YOU TO CHOOSE THE EDUCATION PATH THAT SUITS YOUR INTERESTS AND NEEDS.

 

HOW IT WORKS

6 MODULES. 3 LEVELS. 1 DIPLOMA.

The program consists of six different modules:

Introduction to Coffee, which is available at one level, and five specialist modules; Barista Skills, Brewing, Green Coffee, Roasting and Sensory Skills.

 

Each of the specialist modules is available at three distinct levels, with points attached at every stage. You may choose the modules that fit your interests and needs. Once you have achieved 100 points, you will be awarded the SCA Coffee Skills Diploma.

6 MODULES

CHOOSE THE MODULES THAT INTEREST YOU

INTRODUCTION TO COFFEE--10 points

Learn about coffee’s journey from its origins in Ethiopia to the major commodity it is today.

From growing the cherries through grading, roasting, and brewing, this module provides an overview of the coffee value chain.

BARISTA SKILLS MODULE--40 points

Learn the practical skills you need behind the espresso bar: learn how to set your grinder, milk techniques and latte art, health and safety, customer service, and basic business practices.

BREWING MODULE--40 points

Learn about the variety of methods for brewing coffee and the brewing variables that affect quality. The Brewing module provides hands-on learning on grind profiles, brewing methods, measuring coffee strength and charting a coffee’s extraction.

GREEN COFFEE MODULE--40 points

Learn about the key concepts surrounding green coffee: production, processing, grading, shipping, storage, arrival at destination, as well as coffee contracts and portfolio management.

ROASTING MODULE--40 points

Learn about the roasting process, including roast cycle, roast levels, identifying defects, the physical changes that beans undergo during the roasting process, as well as workspace management and lean production.

SENSORY SKILLS MODULE--40 points

Learn about the essentials of sensory evaluation in a practical and interactive manner. Sensory Skills investigates the way we perceive what we taste, how to evaluate coffee’s natural characteristics, and implementing this knowledge in business.

3 LEVELS

EACH LEVEL EARNS YOU POINTS TOWARDS THE 100 REQUIRED FOR THE SCA COFFEE SKILLS DIPLOMA

FOUNDATION LEVEL---5 points

The Foundation level provides a first taste of a specific coffee discipline and is a fantastic way to get insight into a module to help you decide if you want to go on to learn more. 

The Foundation level requires no previous experience. Courses at this level usually take 1 day.

 

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL--10 points

The Intermediate level is suitable if you are already part of the industry, working in the field covered by the module, and have a firm knowledge of the basic skills.

Experience working in the field is recommended for this level. Courses at the Intermediate level usually take a minimum of 2-days

 

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL--25 points

The Professional level is suitable if you want to pursue specialist knowledge at an elevated level in your subject.

Success at this level should indicate to employers’ competence to work in the field. Extensive relevant experience is recommended before attempting this level. Candidates must hold the Intermediate qualification in the module.

Courses at this level would be expected to take a minimum of 3 days

 

 

CSP courses are taught by hundreds of Authorized SCA Trainers (ASTs) in locations around the globe. ASTs are coffee professionals who use their knowledge and training skills to deliver CSP courses. ASTs deliver course content and assess the written and practical examinations required to pass each module, audited by the SCA.

 

Visit sca.coffee/education to find a course near you.