SCAA Barista Level 1 Certification Course in Guangzhou

If you're looking to build a strong foundation in professional barista skills and earn a globally recognised certification, the SCAA Barista Level 1 course in Guangzhou offers just that. This structured three-day program covers everything from espresso extraction to customer service and includes a formal certification test.

The SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) Barista Level 1 Certification Course takes place May 23–25, 2014, at Crema Coffee Lab in Guangzhou. It includes hands-on training in espresso preparation, cupping, brewing methods, and customer interaction, capped with an official Level 1 certification exam.

What Is the SCAA Barista Level 1 Certification?

The SCAA Barista Level 1 Certification is an entry-level credential designed to teach and assess the fundamental skills required of a professional barista. Developed by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), it focuses on the essentials of espresso preparation, customer service, and coffee knowledge. Completing this course earns you an internationally recognised certification backed by the leading authority in specialty coffee standards.

Course Structure: What You’ll Learn Over Three Days

The certification course spans three full days, each dedicated to specific competencies essential for any professional barista:

Day 1: Introduction to Espresso (CP101 & CP102)

Topics include:

• The basic concepts of espresso extraction
• Key points in pulling a quality shot
• Hands-on practice making espresso using a commercial machine
• Preparing classic espresso-based drinks

Day 2: Cupping and Brewing Fundamentals (GE103 & CP151)

Topics include:

• An introduction to coffee cupping protocols and benchmarks
• Exercises in taste and smell sensory training
• Practical cupping sessions
• An overview of various brewing methods and the equipment used

Day 3: Customer Service & Certification Exam (CP103 & CP190)

Topics include:

• Developing service-oriented behaviour and mindset
• Techniques for effective customer interaction
• Strategies for handling customer complaints
• The Barista Level 1 Certification Test, which has two parts

About the Instructor: Trevor Corlett

Trevor Corlett is the founder and CEO of Madcap Coffee Company in Michigan and an experienced SCAA-certified trainer. Since 2001, he has been immersed in specialty coffee culture and has played a major role in professionalising coffee shops across the Midwest. His credentials include:

• Finalist in the U.S. Barista Championship (4th place in 2011, 3rd in 2013)
• Multiple regional championships in the Great Lakes and North Central regions
• Winner of the 2010 SCAA TNT Latte Art Competition
• Editorial advisor for Barista Magazine and contributor to Fresh Cup Magazine
• BGA Certified Levels 1 and 2, SCAA Subject Matter Expert for espresso
• Judge at the 2013 North Central Regional Strongest Espresso Festival
• President of the Barista Guild of America

Trevor’s career highlights also include being recognised by Drinks International as one of the most influential people in the beverage industry in 2013. He currently oversees Madcap’s expansion in Washington, D.C., while balancing family life with his wife and three daughters.

About SCAA: Setting the Global Coffee Standard

The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) is a leading authority dedicated to promoting excellence in coffee from seed to cup. It establishes quality benchmarks, certifies coffee professionals, and supports research into coffee craftsmanship. SCAA certifications, including the Barista Level 1, are among the most respected credentials in the global coffee industry.

About CREMA Coffee Lab: Your SCAA Training Venue

CREMA Coffee Lab in Guangzhou is an SCAA-certified training facility established in 2013 in partnership with Coffee Salon Training Center and Hong Kong’s COFFEE Lab Asia. It delivers internationally recognised courses from SCAA, SCAE (now part of the SCA), and IIAC. In addition to barista certifications, CREMA offers training for competition judges, cupping sessions, and more. It’s a hub for advancing professional coffee education in China.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SCAA Barista Level 1 Certification Course?

The SCAA Barista Level 1 Certification Course is an introductory professional training program that teaches foundational barista skills including espresso preparation, customer service, and brewing theory. It is designed for beginners and those new to professional coffee service. The course concludes with a certification exam administered by SCAA.

Where and when is the course held?

The course takes place at CREMA Coffee Lab (SCAA Certified Classroom) in Guangzhou, China, from May 23 to 25, 2014. The lab is located on the 7th floor of 318 Guangyuan Middle Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou.

Who is the instructor for the course?

The course is taught by Trevor Corlett, founder of Madcap Coffee Company and a highly accomplished barista with multiple national competition placements, including 4th place at the 2011 U.S. Barista Championship. He is also an SCAA-certified subject matter expert, trainer, and editorial advisor.

What topics are covered in the three-day course?

Day 1 focuses on espresso fundamentals (CP101 & CP102), Day 2 covers cupping and brewing (GE103 & CP151), and Day 3 includes customer service skills and the certification exam (CP103 & CP190). Specific modules include espresso extraction, classic drink preparation, sensory training, brewing methods, and handling customer interactions.

Is the certification internationally recognised?

Yes. The Barista Level 1 Certification is issued by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), a globally respected authority in specialty coffee. It is one of the most acknowledged credentials for professional baristas worldwide.

How can I register for the course?

You can contact CREMA Coffee Lab directly for registration details. Reach them via email at lab@crema.cn, phone at 020-3637 8856, or mobile 13710253028 (Miss Chen). QQ: 497899686 (please mention "course inquiry"). The address is 7F, 318 Guangyuan Middle Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Barista Training

For those undertaking barista training, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright, complex fruity notes with crisp citrus acidity—ideal for practising espresso and pour-over techniques. Their Yirgacheffe highlights floral and jasmine tones with a tea-like body, perfect for exploring delicate flavour profiles. Both beans are single origins that let you refine your grind settings, bloom times, and extraction control. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.