European Special Coffee Association (SCAE) barista certification standard

There are a large number of "barista training institutions" around the world, but there is no independent testing and certification mechanism based on knowledge and production capabilities. Just like getting a driver's license, the European Special Coffee Association will get our certification no matter where you received the training or even learned it yourself, you only need to pass our written, oral and hands-on tests. Our tests are based on the most common international standards.

Because the role of modern baristas has gone beyond espresso machines and bean grinders, our tests will include the use of other production tools, as well as general coffee knowledge.

The three levels we have divided are:

First-level standard, junior barista

A record of six months' working time is required, which can be in a coffee shop, a coffee roaster, or a coffee seller

The test includes three aspects of written test, namely, basic coffee knowledge, including coffee planting, processing, grading, roasting and tasting.

Basic knowledge of coffee making, theory of coffee extraction, and basic knowledge of other common coffee making methods

Basic knowledge of espresso, including coffee machine, bean grinder, machine operation, coffee, making and various coffee drinks

There are also simple practical tests.

Secondary standard, intermediate barista

One year's work record is required and passed the test at the next level.

The content of the written test is the same as before, except that it is more difficult.

The test is more difficult, and there is also an oral test.

Level III standard, senior barista

Two years of work record is required and passed the test of intermediate barista.

Written tests, oral tests, and practical tests are all in accordance with expert requirements, including coffee tasting.

Original text:

Throughout the world there are numerous barista educational programs, but no independent certification programs basted on testing the knowledge and skills of the barista. Much like you take a certificate for a motorcycle, a car anda bus, the SCAE will not ask where you got your skills and knowledge, we will just pass the baristas through written, oral and practical examination based on the most common international standards.

Since the role of the modern barista goes beyond the espresso machine and the grinder itself the tests will also include other brewing methods and and also general coffee knowledge.

The 3 test levels are as follows:

This requires 6 months documented practice from cafe or coffee bar, roaster or supplier. The barista will pass a written test featuring 3 areas:

Basic coffee knowledge including growing, processing, grading, roasting and tasting.

Basic brewing knowledge including the theory behind extraction and basic knowledge of the most common brewing methods.

Basic espresso knowledge including machine, grinder, operation, coffee, brewing and various beverages.

There will also be some simple practical tests.

This requires 1 year of relevant documented practice and that the test for the previous level is passed.

The written test will feature the same elements, but with an increased level of difficulty.

There will be a more comprehensive test included an oral test.

The program will be launched in Trieste, where baristas both can attend a workshop that will cover the theoretical background for level one and pass the written and practical test. Those who pass will receive their Certified Basic Diplomas during the next two weeks.

During the remaining part of the year the SCAE will organise more basic exams and also exams for the next level.

This will require 2 years of relevant practice and that the previous level exams has been passed.

The written, practical and oral tests will be kept on master level and will also include coffee tasting.

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