SCAA Barista Level 1 Certification Course in Guangzhou 2013

If you’re serious about becoming a professional barista but don’t know where to start, the SCAA Barista Level 1 Certification Course offers a structured, hands-on introduction to the core skills required in specialty coffee. This three-day program, held in Guangzhou in July 2013, covers everything from espresso extraction to customer interaction—backed by the authority of the Specialty Coffee Association of America.

The SCAA Barista Level 1 course is a three-day program providing foundational training in espresso preparation, brewing, cupping, and customer service, culminating in an official certification test. No prior experience is required.

What Is the SCAA Barista Level 1 Certification?

The SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) Barista Level 1 Certification Course is an introductory training and assessment program designed to equip participants with essential barista skills. Developed in collaboration with the Barista Guild of America (BGA), the course is part of SCAA’s global certification system and focuses on practical knowledge required for entry-level baristas. It introduces key concepts in espresso preparation, brewing methods, customer relations, and sensory evaluation—all essential for anyone starting or advancing a career in specialty coffee.

Course Overview: Three Days of Skill Building

Held from July 21–23, 2013, at the Crema Coffee Lab (a SCAA-certified training center in Guangzhou), the course is structured into three focused days:

Day 1: Espresso Fundamentals (CP101, CP102)

Participants explore the basics of espresso extraction with hands-on practice. Topics include the core concepts behind espresso brewing, essential techniques for quality shots, operating an espresso machine effectively, and crafting classic espresso-based drinks. This foundational day ensures you understand how to pull a proper shot with good crema and balance.

Day 2: Cupping & Brewing Essentials (GE103, CP151)

The second day introduces sensory evaluation and broader brewing methods. You’ll learn the principles of coffee cupping—including standardized benchmarks, taste and smell training—and apply these skills in guided cupping sessions. Additionally, various coffee brewing methods and the tools used for manual and machine brewing are covered to broaden your understanding of extraction beyond espresso.

Day 3: Customer Service & Certification Test (CP103, CP190)

The final day shifts focus to the service side of barista work. You’ll develop skills in delivering quality customer interactions, handling complaints professionally, and representing your café positively. The day concludes with the official Barista Level 1 Certification Test, which is divided into two parts evaluating both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

Meet Your Instructor: Trevor Corlett

The course is led by Trevor Corlett, a seasoned coffee professional and SCAA-certified trainer with an impressive competitive and operational background. Since falling in love with coffee culture in 2001, Trevor has built a career around advancing specialty coffee standards. He is the founder and CEO of Michigan-based Madcap Coffee Company, a five-time regional Barista Championship finalist, and the 2011 U.S. Barista Championship 4th place finisher. Beyond competitions, Trevor serves as SCAA’s Professional Mentor, Subject Matter Expert for espresso, and editorial advisor for Barista Magazine. His extensive résumé also includes roles as President of the Barista Guild of America and judge at major coffee events.

About SCAA: Setting Global Coffee Standards

The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) is a leading authority in the global specialty coffee industry. It establishes quality benchmarks for coffee and equipment, conducts research to improve coffee craftsmanship, and provides education, certification, and business resources for coffee professionals. The SCAA Barista certification is recognized worldwide as a mark of professional competence and commitment to quality coffee service.

About the Training Venue: Crema Coffee Lab

Crema Coffee Lab, established in 2013 as a partnership between Coffee Salon Training Center and Hong Kong’s COFFEE Lab Asia, is a SCAA-certified international training facility based in Guangzhou. Alongside the Barista Level 1 course, the lab offers a range of globally recognized programs including CQI Q Grader, SCAE, and IIAC certifications. It also hosts barista competition training, cupping workshops, and educational sessions aimed at raising the standard of coffee knowledge in China.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SCAA Barista Level 1 Certification?

The SCAA Barista Level 1 Certification is an entry-level qualification that validates foundational barista skills including espresso preparation, brewing, customer service, and sensory evaluation. It is awarded after completing a three-day course and passing both a written and practical test administered by SCAA-certified instructors.

Where was the 2013 SCAA Barista Level 1 course held?

The 2013 SCAA Barista Level 1 course took place at the Crema Coffee Lab in Guangzhou, China. The lab is a SCAA-certified training center operated in partnership with the Coffee Salon Training Center and COFFEE Lab Asia.

Who was the instructor for the 2013 course?

The course was taught by Trevor Corlett, founder of Madcap Coffee Company and a multiple-time U.S. Barista Championship finalist. Trevor is an SCAA-certified professional mentor, espresso subject matter expert, and former president of the Barista Guild of America.

Is prior barista experience required to take this course?

No prior experience is required to enroll in the SCAA Barista Level 1 Certification Course. It is designed as an introductory program suitable for beginners and those new to professional coffee service.

What topics are covered in the three-day course?

The course covers espresso fundamentals (extraction, shot-making), classic drink preparation, coffee cupping and sensory skills, brewing methods, customer service techniques, complaint handling, and concludes with the Level 1 certification exam.

How is the certification test structured?

The Barista Level 1 certification test is divided into two parts: a practical evaluation of espresso and drink preparation skills, and a theoretical component covering customer service, coffee knowledge, and best practices.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Barista Training

For those starting their barista journey, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui offers bright citrus and floral notes ideal for practising espresso and pour-over techniques. Their Classic Blend delivers balanced chocolate and nutty tones, perfect for training on milk drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Both beans highlight the importance of grind consistency, brew ratios, and extraction control—key skills covered in the SCAA Barista Level 1 course. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.