
What’s happening?!?
There are two exceptional events taking place at Alice Good Specialty Coffee in Verona, WI at the beginning of December 2022. Yes, you heard right, training to Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards is coming to you! Learn the basics of the universe of coffee, jumpstart your barista chops or perfect your pourover game – or all three! – without going all the way to Chicago or New York. Also, the next rotation of our single origin line Condor is taking flight. Taste a few delicious coffees and help us choose among them for our seasonal coffee offering arriving in December, and take a bag with you while supplies last!
Every year, more than 40,000 learners choose SCA courses to further their coffee careers. SCA certificate programs, known throughout the industry as job relevant, internationally recognized, and accessible, are the top-choice of coffee professionals. View more about SCA Education.
SCA’s internationally recognized certificate programs are designed to help learners demonstrate the real-world knowledge and practical skills relevant for a successful career in specialty coffee.
The Coffee Skills Program (CSP) is given throughout the world by authorized instructors (ASTs) and provides training in all stages of your career in coffee.

The Coffee Skills Program consists of five different modules and one introductory course. The five specialist modules are Barista Skills, Brewing, Green Coffee, Roasting and Sensory Skills. These are offered at three different course levels. Introduction To Coffee is a popular, standalone course that familiarizes participants with specialty coffee and the broad topics that can be explored within the specialist modules.
In addition to the certificate earned by successfully completing a course, learners can also achieve the SCA Coffee Skills Diploma. Each CSP course has a level-based point value. Once a learner has achieved 100 points within the CSP program, they are eligible to apply for the SCA Coffee Skills Diploma.
The Coffee Skills Program consists of five different modules and one introductory course. The five specialist modules are Barista Skills, Brewing, Green Coffee, Roasting and Sensory Skills. These are offered at three different course levels. Introduction To Coffee is a popular, standalone course that familiarizes participants with specialty coffee and the broad topics that can be explored within the specialist modules.
In addition to the certificate earned by successfully completing a course, learners can also achieve the SCA Coffee Skills Diploma. Each CSP course has a level-based point value. Once a learner has achieved 100 points within the CSP program, they are eligible to apply for the SCA Coffee Skills Diploma.

A1. INTRODUCTION TO COFFEE
The Introduction to Coffee course is ideal for anyone who is new to specialty coffee. It charts coffee’s journey from its origins in Ethiopia to the major commodity that it is today. This course gives a general overview of the specialty coffee supply chain and explores topics such as history and cultivation, variables that affect coffee quality, basics of sensory analysis, fundamentals of roasting, factors of coffee freshness, and principles of brewing. In addition, learners will discuss the importance of water quality, cleanliness and maintenance. This interactive course also includes a cupping, an industry-specific process for evaluating coffee through a sensory experience. There is an online written exam administered upon the completion of the course.
- Required Prerequisites: None
- Recommended Prerequisites: None
- Delivery Method: In-person
- Minimum Length: 4 hrs
- Required Exams | Passing Scores: Written exam | 60%

A2. BARISTA SKILLS FOUNDATIONS
The Barista Skills Foundation course allows learners to gain an introductory understanding of the coffee itself as well as foundational skills required to set a grinder, make espressos, foam and texture milk and latte art techniques as per SCA quality standards, while implementing health and safety practices and customer service. Practical learning objectives and activities prepare the learner to conduct key foundational tasks of a barista. A written exam tests theoretical knowledge based on Foundation course learning objectives.
- Required Prerequisites: None
- Recommended Prerequisites: Introduction to Coffee
- Delivery Method: In-person
- Minimum Length: 7 hrs
- Required Exams | Passing Scores: Written exam | 60%

A3. BREWING FOUNDATIONS
The Brewing Foundation course introduces the learner to the different methods of brewing coffee. The learner will receive theoretical and practical hands-on instruction for a range of devices including automatic and manual gravity brewers, as well as other commonly used brewers within their local culture. Practical learning objectives and activities prepare the learner to produce a tasty brew based on an understanding of the essential brewing elements and an analysis of their brew results. A written exam tests theoretical knowledge based on Foundation course learning objectives.
- Required Prerequisites: None
- Recommended Prerequisites: Introduction to Coffee
- Delivery Method: In-person
- Minimum Length: 7 hrs
- Required Exams | Passing Scores: Written exam | 60%

Cost
(1) SCA Cost Certification - Foundation $84 USD
(1) Taxes 5.5%
Cost
(1) SCA Cost Certification - Foundation $84 USD
(1) Taxes 5.5%
