Barista Skills Module
Foundation | Intermediate | Professional
Course Overview
The Barista Skills module is part of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Coffee Skills Program. It equips learners with essential and advanced practical skills for preparing quality espresso beverages, managing café workflows, and applying consistent sensory and service standards. This module is offered at three progressive levels—Foundation, Intermediate, and Professional—designed to support career growth from beginner to head barista.
Foundation Level
Duration: Minimum 7 hours
Assessment: Written Exam (60%)
Points Toward SCA Diploma: 5 points
Recommended Prerequisite: Introduction to Coffee
Learning Focus:
The Foundation course introduces the fundamentals of espresso preparation, milk steaming, hygiene, and customer service. It is ideal for beginners entering the specialty coffee industry.
Detailed Topics:
- Coffee Knowledge
- Arabica vs Robusta
- Coffee freshness and roast influence
- Equipment Familiarization
- Basic parts and functions of espresso machines and grinders
- Safe and efficient workspace setup
- Espresso Techniques
- Dosing, distribution, tamping basics
- Understanding espresso recipes
- Milk Texturing
- Foaming techniques for cappuccinos
- Steaming temperature control
- Introductory latte art pouring
- Espresso-Based Menu Construction
- Drink components and preparation standards
- Cleaning, Health & Safety
- Cleaning routines and hygiene standards
- Safe work practices behind the bar
- Customer Interaction
- Basic service flow and guest handling
Intermediate Level
Duration: Minimum 14 hours
Assessment: Written Exam (70%) + Practical Exam (pass required)
Points Toward SCA Diploma: 10 points
Recommended Prerequisite: Barista Skills Foundation
Learning Focus:
This level enhances technical proficiency and beverage quality. Learners engage in extraction diagnostics, recipe development, workflow refinement, and advanced milk and sensory practices.
Detailed Topics:
- Coffee Bean Understanding
- Impact of variety, origin, and processing on espresso flavor
- Degassing and solubility in roasted coffee
- Grinder Calibration & Extraction Analysis
- Brew ratio and espresso brew formula
- Strength vs extraction measurement using refractometer
- Effects of grind, dose, and time on flavor
- Sensory Skills
- Flavor balance, body, and texture in espresso
- Application of the SCA Flavor Wheel
- Milk Handling
- Milk chemistry and foam quality
- SCA milk foam standard and latte art refinement
- Alternative milk options
- Menu Execution & Workflow
- Multi-beverage preparation consistency
- Bar layout and teamwork efficiency
- Cleaning & Stock Management
- Grinder and machine maintenance
- Inventory awareness and safety
- Customer Service & Cost Awareness
- Interaction strategies
- Basic understanding of cost of goods
- Water Quality Standards
- Introduction to SCA water testing guidelines
Professional Level
Duration: Minimum 21 hours
Assessment: Written Exam (80%) + Practical Exam (pass required)
Points Toward SCA Diploma: 25 points
Required Prerequisite: Barista Skills Intermediate
Recommended Prerequisite: Brewing Intermediate
Learning Focus:
The Professional course prepares learners for supervisory and training roles, focusing on espresso system mastery, quality control, team coaching, and financial insight in café operations.
Detailed Topics:
- Coffee Composition & Quality Control
- Bean density, processing impact, decaffeination, and packaging
- Solubility and sensory differences in blends
- Precision Espresso Engineering
- Grind particle distribution and tamper tools
- Machine temperature and pressure systems
- Espresso profile consistency and extraction accuracy
- Advanced Sensory & Milk Techniques
- Organic acid balance and flavor calibration
- Proteolysis, lipolysis, and coffee’s effect on milk stability
- SCA Free Pour latte art standards
- Water Chemistry
- Measuring and interpreting TDS, pH, hardness, alkalinity
- Filtration systems and brewing impact
- Workforce & Workflow Leadership
- Barista performance management
- Training methodology and drink quality standards
- Basic Financial Concepts
- Beverage costing and profitability
- Menu planning based on batch size and pricing strategy
- Quality Monitoring & Maintenance
- Extraction evaluation tools and protocols
- Cleanliness adjustments based on roast profile
Certification
Upon successful completion of each level, learners will receive an official SCA Barista Skills Certificate, recognized globally. All levels contribute points toward the SCA Coffee Skills Diploma.
Enroll Now!
Ready to begin your journey toward international barista certification?
SCA Barista Skills Foundation & Intermediate Level 咖啡師技能單元
Join our SCA Barista Skills Foundation and Intermediate Courses at Lighthouse Coffee Malaysia. Learn professional barista techniques, from espresso fundamentals to advanced milk steaming, workflow efficiency, and sensory analysis — all in a certified, hands-on environment.