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Barista

SCA Barista Skills Professional

Also known as SCA Professional barista · Barista Skills Professional

What it is and what sets it apart: Completes the Barista Skills certification path. Differs from Intermediate by precision, troubleshooting and holding quality under pressure—close to head-barista expectations.

At the bar: After Intermediate: intensive AST prep → timed mocks → demanding written + high-level practical exam.

Impact on the drink: Impact: senior credential, better team coaching and less quality drift at peak service.

Technical notes: Indicative ~€700–1,100. Confirm prerequisites (often Intermediate). Not a WBC title or universal work licence.

Common mistakes: Sitting without solid Intermediate. Spectacle over extraction. Forgetting clean play and mise en place.

How to use

Prepare dose, time, yield and milk texture from a written recipe before the Professional 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 Intermediate AST (Authorized SCA Trainer) Barista qualification Extraction diagnostics World Barista Championship

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