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Barista

SCA Barista Skills Intermediate

Also known as SCA Intermediate barista · Barista Skills Intermediate

What it is and what sets it apart: Bridge between Foundation and Professional. Requires knowing why a shot changes and correcting methodically—not only repeating a memorised recipe.

At the bar: After Foundation (recommended): AST course → timed calibration, advanced texture, consistent drinks, hygiene and extraction theory → tougher written + practical exam.

Impact on the drink: Impact: stabler shots in real service, fewer remakes and better sensory reading of extraction.

Technical notes: Indicative ~€450–700. Assessed: recipe accuracy, basic diagnostics, milk and service. Confirm prerequisites with AST.

Common mistakes: Sitting without Foundation practice. Changing many variables at once. Ignoring clean play. Speed without control.

How to use

Prepare dose, time, yield and milk texture from a written recipe before the Intermediate exam.

Steps

  1. Confirm date, fee and requirements with an AST.

  2. Run a timed mock exam (espresso, milk, drinks and hygiene).

  3. Review SCA theory: extraction, ratios and service.

Tips

  • Fees and venues change: ask the AST for a current quote.
SCA Barista Skills SCA Barista Skills Foundation SCA Barista Skills Professional AST (Authorized SCA Trainer) Dial-in Extraction diagnostics

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