SCA Barista Skills Foundation
The Foundation Every Barista Should Have.
If you're stepping behind a bar for the first time, or you've been making espresso at home and want to fill in the gaps, this course is where the fundamentals get locked in. It's built for aspiring baristas, career changers, and cafe owners who want to understand what their team should know.
Over a full day, you'll work through the SCA Barista Skills Foundation curriculum: how coffee gets from origin to cup, how the espresso machine and grinder work, the full shot-pulling workflow, milk texturing basics, sequencing behind the bar, and the tasting language you need to describe what you're serving.
By the end, you'll leave with the skills to work confidently behind a bar and, if you choose it, the SCA credential that signals those skills to employers. Just bring your curiosity.
What You'll Walk Away With
- How coffee gets from origin to your cup and why it matters
- How the espresso machine and grinder work
- The full workflow: grinding, dosing, tamping, extracting, tasting
- How to texture milk for cappuccinos and lattes
- Bar workflow and sequencing that keeps you fast and consistent
What We'll Cover.
01 Coffee Foundations
- Arabica vs Robusta and how they differ
- How freshness, roast, and storage change flavor
- How water quality shapes what ends up in the cup
02 The Bar and Workflow
- Grinder and espresso machine components and terminology
- Safe use of the grinder and machine
- Organizing your workspace to move faster and cleaner
- Regular cleaning of grinder, group head, and wands
03 Pulling Espresso
- Setting an espresso recipe you can hit consistently
- Grinder calibration and dosing
- Distribution and tamping technique
- The barista routine that keeps every shot on target
04 Milk and the Espresso Menu
- Milk quality and how it changes the drink
- Foaming techniques for silky microfoam
- Steamed milk temperature that guests actually want
- How cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos are constructed
05 Tasting and Guest Experience
- Reading extraction through taste
- The language you need to describe what you're serving
- Creating a great experience for the person in front of you
Included in Your Registration.
- SCA-approved course workbook
- All coffee, milk, and materials for the day
- Cupping session with fresh single origins
- Lunch and refreshments through the day
- SCA certificate awarded on successful completion of the written exam (with the certificate option)
Everything You Need to Know Before You Come.
Duration
1 Day
Class size
Max 6 Students
Level
Foundation
Location
422 11 Ave SE #104, Calgary · Map
Trent Rollings
I founded Timberline and am the lead educator at the school. I've spent years in the industry as a World Coffee Championships Representative and Certified Judge, Q Grader/Instructor, and an Accredited Coffee Trainer, and have experience running coffee shops, a roastery, and training labs.
In class, my focus is creating a safe, fun environment to practice and develop your skills. I break concepts down so they're easier to understand and give you time to try them yourself.
4.9 Stars from 28 Google Reviews.
"Trent is a great instructor. Well organized, communication was super clear, and he was quick to answer any questions before and after the class."
Small class, tons of hands-on time. I finally understand how to dial in at home.
Worth every dollar. Trent explains the why behind everything, not just the how.
Good to Know.
Do I need any experience?
None needed. Foundation is the entry point for the SCA Barista Skills program. Whether you have never worked behind a bar or you want to lock in the fundamentals before stepping up, we start from zero.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself. All the equipment, coffee, and materials are provided here at the school.
Where does it take place?
At our coffee school: 422 11 Ave SE #104, Calgary, AB T2G 0Y4. Everything happens on site unless a date says otherwise.
What if I need to reschedule?
No problem. You can move to another date up to 48 hours before your session. Just get in touch and we will sort it out.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. Canadian students can split any purchase through Shop Pay at checkout, up to 24 monthly payments (subject to approval, often interest-free on eligible plans).
