SCA Introduction to Coffee
12 in stock
Pickup currently unavailable
The Introduction to Coffee course is the perfect starting point for anyone curious about coffee. You’ll explore where coffee comes from, how it’s grown and processed, and what makes specialty coffee different.
We’ll cover roasting, brewing, and the basics of tasting, giving you a well-rounded understanding of coffee from bean to cup. Whether you’re new to coffee or want to deepen your knowledge, this course will help you appreciate every sip.
Duration: 5 Hours
What You'll Learn
Coffee Origins & Journey
- Learn about coffee’s historical roots and global spread
- Explore how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed from farm to roastery
Understanding the Coffee Plant
- Discover key coffee species and how they influence flavour and quality
- Understand the role of terroir, variety, and processing in shaping the cup
Specialty vs. Commercial Coffee
- Understand what defines specialty coffee and how it differs from commercial-grade coffee
- Learn the values and standards that guide the specialty coffee industry
Roasting & Freshness Fundamentals
- See how roasting transforms green coffee into aromatic, flavourful beans
- Understand why freshness matters in storage, brewing, and flavour perception
Brewing Basics & Equipment Care
- Explore various brewing methods and how they affect coffee flavour
- Learn the importance of water quality and clean equipment in producing great coffee
Introduction to Sensory Evaluation
- Get a taste of cupping—the coffee industry’s standard for tasting and evaluation
- Learn how to identify basic flavour notes and begin developing your sensory vocabulary
Who This Course is For
- New café staff or baristas beginning their journey in coffee
- Coffee enthusiasts curious about where coffee comes from and how it’s made
- Home brewers who want to better understand coffee quality and flavour
- Café owners onboarding staff who want to deepen their knowledge of coffee
- Anyone considering a career in the coffee industry
Course Prerequisites
No prior experience is required—this course is designed for beginners.
What's Included
- Facilitator Fee
- Facility & Equipment Usage
- Coffee Beans
- Printed Handouts & Resources
- Lunch and Snacks
- Course Certificate (upon successful completion)
- All SCA Fees
Get Globally Recognized Certification
Get your skills certified by the most globally-known coffee skills certification from the Specialty Coffee Association.
Make New Coffee Friends
Meet other amazing coffee professionals and enthusiasts.
Learn in Small Classes with World-Class Educators
Get personalized feedback from some of the best in the industry.
Meet Your Trainer
Trent Rollings is the founder of Timberline Coffee School, a certified SCA trainer, and a World Coffee Championships Representative and Judge. With over a decade of international experience in coffee education and competition, Trent brings deep industry insight and a passion for helping others grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need coffee experience to join?
No prior coffee experience is required. We’ll teach you everything from the start.
How many people will be in the course?
Class sizes are kept small (12 students max.) to ensure a hands-on, high-touch learning experience. This allows for real-time feedback, personalized instruction, and plenty of time on equipment.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. All students receive an official certificate from the Specialty Coffee Association, the most widely recognized coffee skills certificate.
What do I need to bring?
Just yourself, a notebook, and a willingness to learn. We’ll provide everything else, including equipment, tools, tasting supplies, and printed resources.
Where is the course held?
The course takes place at Timberline Coffee School in Calgary, Alberta. Directions and preparation details will be sent upon registration.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We will send you a pre-course email before your course where we ask for any dietary restrictions you may have so that we can work to accommodate for them when ordering snacks and lunch.
