SCA Barista Exam Content Overview

SCA Barista Exam Content Overview

SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) is an international coffee organization dedicated to promoting and facilitating the development of high-quality, specialty coffee. In order to improve the level of baristas around the world, SCA has established a series of certification exams, including exams at different levels from beginner to professional. This article will give an overview of the content of the SCA barista exam.

1. Basics

Before becoming a qualified barista, it is essential to master the basic knowledge. This part mainly includes: types and origins, roasting process, grinding skills, extraction methods, etc. Students need to understand the impact of each link on the final taste and be able to accurately describe and explain the relevant concepts.

2. Cupping and Scoring

Cupping is one of the most common and important methods to measure the quality of a cup of good coffee. In this session, students need to judge the defects or advantages of each cup of coffee by smelling and tasting, and give corresponding scores. This requires students to have a keen sense of smell and taste, as well as an accurate understanding of the characteristics of various coffees.

3. Modulation Techniques

A good cup of coffee requires not only the selection of high-quality beans, but also the mastery of appropriate brewing techniques. In this session, students will learn how to use different equipment (such as hand brewing pots, espresso machines, etc.) to brew coffee with the best taste and aroma. At the same time, they also need to understand the reasons why different brewing methods affect the taste and be able to customize according to customer needs.

4. Coffee art and art performance

Latte art is an important part of showing the skills and creativity of baristas. In the exam, students will demonstrate their exquisite and unique latte art skills by simulating actual work scenes, and perform art performances with music, dance and other elements. This requires them to have the hand coordination ability required to complete various complex patterns and movements stably and quickly.

5. Customer Service and Communication

As a barista, good communication with customers and service attitude are equally important. In the exam, students will face various situational simulations, such as handling customer complaints, recommending suitable coffee, etc. They need to demonstrate efficient and friendly service capabilities and be able to provide professional suggestions based on customer needs.

6. Sustainable development and environmental awareness

SCA places great emphasis on sustainable development and environmental awareness. In the exam, students need to understand the impact of the coffee industry on the environment and society and propose corresponding solutions. They also need to master relevant knowledge such as sustainable planting, procurement and processing, and apply them to actual work.

Summarize

The SCA Barista Exam can comprehensively evaluate a barista's skill level in all aspects. In addition to the above content, there are more exam contents involving management, innovation and other fields. Whether it is a junior certification or a professional certification, these exams require students to have a solid and extensive knowledge background and practical experience.