SCAA Barista Level 1 & 2 Certification Courses in Guangzhou

If you’ve ever wondered how professional baristas master the skills to consistently pull great shots, steam milk to perfection, and deliver top-tier customer service—this is where it starts. The SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) Barista Level 1 and 2 certification courses offer structured, hands-on training designed to set the standard in global coffee service excellence.

In just six days in Guangzhou, you can complete both SCAA Barista Guild certifications: Level 1 covers espresso basics, brewing fundamentals, and customer service with exam; Level 2 dives into grind, workflow, milk techniques, and advanced equipment—all with exams. Total course duration: December 9–14, 2013.

What Are the SCAA Barista Level 1 and 2 Certifications?

The SCAA Barista Certifications are internationally recognised credentials for entry- and mid-level coffee professionals. Level 1 teaches the essentials: espresso preparation, customer interaction, and basic brewing, while Level 2 advances into grind settings, espresso bar efficiency, milk texturing, latte art, and equipment mastery. Both include written and practical exams, with Level 2 requiring three months of hands-on experience before the practical can be taken.

Course Schedule: What’s Covered and When

The training takes place at Guangzhou’s Crema Coffee Lab (certified SCAA training centre, co-run with Coffee Salon). The schedule is split into two parts:

• December 9–11, 2013: SCAA Barista Guild Certification Level 1
  • CP101: Introduction to Espresso Part 1
  • CP102: Introduction to Espresso Part 2
  • CP103: Introduction to Customer Service
  • CP151: Introduction to Coffee Brewing & Extraction, Part 1
  • GE103: Introduction to Cupping
  • CP190: BGA Level 1 Certification Exam (written + practical)
• December 12–14, 2013: SCAA Barista Guild Certification Level 2
  • CB100: Seed to Roaster
  • CP201: Grind Dose Tamp Extract
  • CP202: Espresso Bar Efficiency & Workflow
  • CP203: Milk & Latte Art
  • CP204: Exploring Espresso Equipment
  • CP290: BGA Level 2 Certification Exam (written only; practical exam requires three months post-course field experience and is applied for separately with SCAA)

You may also enrol in a combined package for both levels with a discount. Level 1 includes both written and practical exams; Level 2’s practical is taken later, after gaining real-world barista work experience.

About the SCAA Instructor: Trevor Corlett

The course is taught by Trevor Corlett, a seasoned coffee professional and SCAA-certified trainer. His barista journey began in 2001, and he has since competed in U.S. Barista Championships, placing 4th nationally in 2011 and 3rd in 2013. He is founder and CEO of Michigan-based Madcap Coffee, a SCAA Subject Matter Expert for espresso, former president of the Barista Guild of America, and contributor to industry publications like Fresh Cup and Barista Magazine. His accolades include multiple regional and national competition wins, and recognition as a Beverage Magazine “Most Influential Person in Beverages” for 2013.

Trevor’s achievements span competitive success, business leadership, and education. He remains active mentoring baristas and leading Madcap Coffee’s expansion in Washington, D.C.

About the Training Provider: Crema Coffee Lab

Crema Coffee Lab is an international SCAA-certified training centre, established in 2013 as a collaboration between Coffee Salon (Guangzhou) and Hong Kong’s COFFEE Lab Asia. Alongside SCAA programmes, the lab offers certifications such as CQI Q Grader, as well as SCA and IIAC-accredited courses. They specialise in structured coffee education, including cupping, competition training, and barista skill development, and aim to bring globally recognised, science-based coffee knowledge to China.

About SCAA: Setting the Global Coffee Standard

The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) is a leading authority in promoting excellence in coffee from seed to cup. It establishes quality benchmarks, certifies coffee professionals, and supports research and education in brewing, roasting, and sensory evaluation. SCAA certifications are among the most respected in the global specialty coffee industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SCAA Barista Level 1 and Level 2?

Level 1 focuses on foundational skills: espresso preparation, basic customer service, and coffee brewing. Level 2 advances to grind settings, workflow efficiency, milk techniques, latte art, and equipment knowledge. Both include written exams; Level 1 has a practical exam, while Level 2’s practical is taken three months after completing coursework with real barista experience.

Where and when is the course held?

The course takes place at Crema Coffee Lab (Guangzhou Coffee Salon Training Center), located at 7th Floor, 318 Guangyuan Middle Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou. Dates are December 9–14, 2013, with Level 1 (Dec 9–11) and Level 2 (Dec 12–14).

Do I need to take Level 1 before Level 2?

Yes. Level 2 builds on the skills and knowledge taught in Level 1, and the curriculum is designed as a progression. You can enrol in both together with a discounted rate, but you must complete Level 1 first.

Is the Level 2 practical exam included in the course?

No. The Level 2 practical exam requires you to complete three months of barista work experience after passing the written exam and coursework. You then apply separately to SCAA to schedule your practical assessment.

Who is the instructor for this course?

The course is taught by Trevor Corlett, founder of Madcap Coffee, former Barista Guild of America President, SCAA Subject Matter Expert for espresso, and a national-level U.S. Barista Championship competitor with multiple top placements.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Barista Training

For barista training, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera and Yirgacheffe single origins highlight bright, nuanced profiles ideal for practising espresso and pour-over techniques. Ethiopia Humbera offers floral and citrus notes with a tea-like body, while Yirgacheffe delivers juicy berry and stone fruit flavours—both excellent for dialling in grind size, extraction time, and identifying taste balance. These beans help develop sensory skills critical for SCAA-level barista certification. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.