Step into the vibrant world of specialty coffee with the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) Barista Certification Course at the Italian Barista Academy by Sahil Thakkar. With over 15 years of global hospitality and coffee consulting experience, Sahil, Founder & CEO of Italian Barista Academy and Springold Hospitality Pvt Ltd, brings unmatched expertise to your learning journey.

Train under a certified professional with Italian coffee diplomas and certifications, gain hands-on experience with premium coffee beans, and prepare for exciting career opportunities in cafes and coffee ventures worldwide. Batches are available across the world

SCA INTRODUCTION TO COFFEE

What is covered in the Introduction to Coffee Course?

This course is the perfect starting point for anyone new to coffee. It provides a comprehensive overview of the entire coffee journey from seed to cup. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, an aspiring barista, or someone looking to explore a new career path, this module lays a strong foundation in coffee knowledge.

What You Will Learn:

• The history and origin of coffee
• The journey from farm to cup: growing, harvesting, and processing
• Understanding coffee species: Arabica vs. Robusta
• Basic introduction to roasting, grinding, and brewing
• Coffee tasting (cupping) fundamentals
• Health and safety best practices for baristas
• Introduction to the global coffee culture and industry trends

This course includes practical cupping and an online exam.

SCA BARISTA SKILLS CERTIFICATION COURSES

A. SCA Barista Skills – Foundation Level

The SCA Barista Skills Foundation course is designed for beginners looking to build a solid grounding in barista techniques and espresso-based drink preparation. This level focuses on developing essential barista skills, introducing learners to key concepts and practices within a café environment.

What You Will Learn:

• Understanding the barista’s role in a café setting
• Introduction to espresso equipment and grinder calibration
• Basics of espresso extraction: time, yield, and taste
• Milk steaming techniques for cappuccino and latte
• Cleaning and maintenance of coffee equipment
• Health and safety best practices for baristas
• Workflow and customer service essentials

Who Should Enroll:

• Aspiring baristas looking to enter the café industry
• Home brewers wanting to understand espresso fundamentals
• Hospitality professionals exploring coffee as a career path

Outcomes:

By completing the Foundation Level, students will be able to prepare espresso-based drinks to standard recipes, work efficiently behind the bar, and demonstrate basic equipment handling with confidence. This level also prepares you for the Intermediate and Professional SCA certifications.

B. SCA Barista Skills – Intermediate Level

The SCA Barista Skills Intermediate course builds upon the Foundation level and is ideal for baristas with some practical experience. This course dives deeper into espresso science, milk texture refinement, workflow efficiency, and customer service excellence—preparing you for professional barista responsibilities in a high-volume café setting.

What You Will Learn:

• Advanced espresso extraction techniques and recipe development
• Dialing in espresso: understanding grind, dose, yield, and brew time
• Milk texturing for latte art and drink consistency
• Sensory evaluation and taste balance
• Cleanliness, hygiene, and quality control practices
• Troubleshooting coffee and machine-related issues

Who Should Enroll:

• Working baristas looking to enhance their skills and confidence
• Café staff aiming to move into lead barista or head barista role
• Coffee enthusiasts ready to progress beyond the basics

Outcomes:

Upon completing the Intermediate Level, students will have a deeper understanding of espresso extraction and milk texture, be capable of troubleshooting inconsistencies, and confidently lead workflow in a busy café. This course is also a prerequisite for pursuing the Professional SCA certification.

C. SCA Barista Skills – Professional Level

The SCA Barista Skills Professional course is the highest level of barista training offered under the SCA Coffee Skills Program. Tailored for experienced baristas and coffee professionals, this course focuses on mastery in coffee brewing science, team leadership, quality control, and business operations in a café environment.

What You Will Learn:

• In-depth espresso science: water chemistry, grind analysis, extraction ratios
• Advanced milk chemistry and texture theory
• Creating and standardizing café menus and recipes
• Sensory skills: detailed taste analysis and flavor profiling
• Café management: stock, hygiene protocols, workflow design
• Leadership skills: training baristas, managing service teams
• Cost control and efficiency in café operations

Who Should Enroll:

• Experienced baristas and head baristas
• Coffee shop managers and owners
• Aspiring trainers and coffee consultants
• Professionals seeking mastery in specialty coffee service

Outcomes:

Graduates of the Professional Level demonstrate advanced technical skills, a deep understanding of coffee science, and the ability to manage baristas and café operations efficiently. This course prepares you for senior roles in the coffee industry or to become an SCA Authorised Trainer (AST).

Frequently Asked Questions | Italian Barista Academy

What is the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)?

The SCA is a globally recognized organization that sets education and quality standards for specialty coffee professionals in over 70 countries.

Is the SCA certification valid internationally?

Yes. Both the SCA certification and Italian Barista Academy (IBA) courses are recognized globally, helping you qualify for barista jobs, café roles, and coffee entrepreneurship opportunities across countries.

 What are the prerequisites for enrolling in SCA courses?

No prior experience is required for the Introduction to Coffee and Foundation levels. Prior certification or relevant experience is recommended or required for the Intermediate and Professional levels.

Do you provide job placement assistance?

While we do not offer direct job placements, we actively support our students by sharing valuable industry insights, connecting them with opportunities, and guiding them on how to prepare for interviews. Our strong network helps you stay informed and confidently pursue your dream coffee career.

What makes the Italian Barista Academy different from other institutes?

Our academy is led by Sahil Thakkar, an SCA Authorised Trainer (AST) trained in Italy with 15+ years of global hospitality, a Jury member for the National coffee championships, and consulting experience. We focus on hands-on learning, small batches, career support, and real café training setups in India & Dubai.